Staff Training Research Articles

ISO 9001 as a catalyst: linking staff training to university performance

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of staff training on university performance (UP), focusing particularly on the mediating role of ISO 9001 implementation in the higher education (HE) sector.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a quantitative research design, data were collected via online surveys using purposive sampling techniques from academic and administrative staff affiliated with ISO 9001-certified universities. Subsequent analysis utilized SmartPLS-4 software.FindingsThe findings indicate that staff training significantly influences both ISO 9001 standard implementation and UP. Additionally, the mediating effect of ISO 9001 in the relationship between staff training and UP was found to be positive and significant.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include its cross-sectional design, reliance on purposive sampling and exclusive focus on academic and administrative staff from seven ISO-certified universities in Pakistan, potentially limiting generalizability. Nonetheless, the study enriches the discourse on quality management in HE by emphasizing the role of staff training in fostering knowledge creation and enhancing staff competencies within organizational learning theory (OLT), and by integrating ISO 9001 into the dynamic capability theory (DCT) framework.Practical implicationsThe study provides practical insights for policymakers, administrators and quality managers, emphasizing the importance of staff training, resource allocation for compliance and continuous improvement efforts to effectively implement ISO 9001 requirements and enhance overall UP.Originality/valueThis study contributes by introducing ISO 9001 adoption as a mediator between staff training and UP while integrating OLT and DCT theories within the university context.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Banking Industry: A Case Study of Pakistan

This study investigates the adoption and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s banking sector, with a focus on Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Faysal Bank, and Bank Alfalah. The objective is to understand the extent to which AI technologies have transformed core activities within customer service, operations, fraud detection, and risk management in these banks. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with ten respondents, selected based on their experience with AI implementation. This qualitative methodology allows for in-depth insights into the functionality and challenges associated with AI in banking. Results reveal that AI has notably improved operational efficiency by streamlining risk management and enabling real-time fraud detection. Additionally, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants have enhanced customer experiences by offering faster and more personalized services. Despite these benefits, the study identifies significant challenges, particularly regarding data privacy and regulatory compliance, as well as the need for human resources to adapt to AI-enabled tools. Key pressures in the industry include building capabilities to work alongside AI while addressing concerns over automation. To maximize the advantages of AI, the study emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies that balance technological adoption with ethical considerations, data security, and staff training. Strategic planning in Pakistan’s banking sector will be crucial to harnessing AI’s potential while managing its risks.

The Case of Distance Learning Modalities Among Technical Vocational Students in One State College in The Philippines

This study discusses the perception of the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) students during the implementation of distance learning along with their specialization courses in Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). This study aimed to generate students' learning experience and determine factors affecting the teaching-learning process and the implementation of the distance learning modality of CSPC. This study utilized a descriptive method of research. An adapted survey questionnaire was used to gather the data, and a weighted mean was employed to analyze and determine the factors affecting students’ performance in the distance learning modality. This study revealed that the students rated an overall rating of 2.95 with a verbal interpretation of Agree along with computer expertise, the flexibility of distance learning, the usefulness of distance learning, and distance learning satisfaction. This means they were satisfied with the teaching-learning process they experienced in their major courses. Thus, the researcher recommended reinforcing its programs along with the new normal approaches in education to achieve its vision of providing the best polytechnic education to its students by continuously creating opportunities such as training and seminars for the teaching staff and students to be fully equipped with the necessary skills for distance learning and the digital advancements in education.

Automated Inventory Management Systems with IoT Integration to Optimize Stock Levels and Reduce Carrying Costs for SMEs: A Comprehensive Review

Automated inventory management systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology represent a transformative approach for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in optimizing their stock levels and reducing carrying costs. A literature review also shows that there is progress in developing automated solutions, such as IoT sensors, real- time data analytics, and cloud-based applications that improve inventory control. A study shows that the adoption of IoT in automation has seen improvement in the accuracy of inventory, a reduction in stockouts, and carrying costs among SMEs. Research suggests operational improvements including reduced downtime from real time tracking, reverse logistics systems with intuitive demand forecasting for ideal stock replenishment and automation of reordering systems while effectively managing working capital. Materials and Methods: Research methodology encompassed a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and empirical research focusing on automated inventory management systems with IoT integration in SMEs. Criteria for choosing the literature included articles focusing on the outcomes of IoT implementation, technical integration, and performance of inventory systems. Data extraction main concern was on the efficiencies of the SC such as inventory accuracy, carrying costs, stockouts, and ROI. Descriptive methods used involved comparisons between pre-implementation and post- implementation data, use of statistical tools for measurement of performance enhancement and assessment of factors important in the deployment of the system. Results Implementation of IoT-integrated automated inventory management systems demonstrated significant improvements across multiple performance metrics. Studies reported average inventory accuracy improvements of 25-35%, reduction in carrying costs [1] by 20-30%, and decrease in stockout incidents by 35-45%. Real-time monitoring capabilities led to improved demand forecasting accuracy by 40%, while automated reordering systems reduced manual processing time by 60%. Cloud-based platforms enabled better inventory visibility and control, resulting in working capital optimization of 15-25%. SMEs implementing integrated systems reported enhanced supplier collaboration, reduced lead times, and improved customer satisfaction levels. Cost-benefit analyses indicated positive ROI within 12-18 months of system deployment. Discussion Analysis reveals several key factors contributing to successful implementation of automated inventory management systems with IoT integration. Critical success factors include proper system architecture design, effective change management strategies, and comprehensive staff training programs. Integration challenges primarily revolve around initial investment costs, technical expertise requirements, and system interoperability concerns. Studies show that the greater gains are experienced by SMEs with higher ITOR and those engaged in intricate supply chain operations. Literature review also points to differences in implementation strategies across different sectors and in their recovery, with manufacturing and retail sectors having the highest levels of adoption and improvement. Conclusion IoT-integrated automated inventory management solutions should be adopted by SMEs and are affirmed by ample data to help optimize stock status and minimize carrying costs. The tangible benefits that could be noted are accuracy in inventory, less operational costs, visibility of supply chain, and optimal use of working capital. In appointing the factors affecting the implementation success, it requires the assessment of the technical feasibility and organisational readiness as well as the management of change strategies. Research shows that dynamic technology factors will continue to improve the system’s performance and increased availability to SMEs. Due to advancement in IoT technology, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, there are potential factors that may boost the performance and cost of automatically Managed inventory systems in the future.

Inclusive School Policies and Practices and the Well-Being of LGBTQ + Students in Portugal

Abstract Introduction The school context can be particularly problematic for youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer or who hold other sexual and gender-minoritized identities (LGBTQ +). To address this issue, LGBTQ + inclusive policies and practices have been implemented in many schools around the world. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 989 LGBTQ + and cisheterosexual high school students residing in Portugal completed an anonymous online survey in 2020/21. Participants were asked about their perceptions of LGBTQ + inclusive policies and practices in their school, namely, an inclusive curriculum, comprehensive policies, and information and support regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in their school. We further examined associations between these perceptions and LGBTQ + student well-being (depression, resilience, and self-esteem). Results Perceptions of the existence of an inclusive school curriculum were lower among LGBTQ + students compared to their cisheterosexual peers. In addition, LGBTQ + students who perceived the curriculum as less inclusive were more likely to report higher levels of depression and lower levels of resilience and self-esteem. Conclusions The findings suggest that LGBTQ + students perceive the school curriculum to be less inclusive, and this is associated with poorer well-being. Policy Implications Concrete policies and practices that improve school climate and promote the well-being of LGBTQ + students are paramount. These may include awareness-raising activities for students and discussion of LGBTQ + issues in the classroom. Therefore, cultural competency training for school staff is essential.

Advancements in Using AI for Dietary Assessment Based on Food Images: Scoping Review.

To accurately capture an individual's food intake, dietitians are often required to ask clients about their food frequencies and portions, and they have to rely on the client's memory, which can be burdensome. While taking food photos alongside food records can alleviate user burden and reduce errors in self-reporting, this method still requires trained staff to translate food photos into dietary intake data. Image-assisted dietary assessment (IADA) is an innovative approach that uses computer algorithms to mimic human performance in estimating dietary information from food images. This field has seen continuous improvement through advancements in computer science, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). However, the technical nature of this field can make it challenging for those without a technical background to understand it completely. This review aims to fill the gap by providing a current overview of AI's integration into dietary assessment using food images. The content is organized chronologically and presented in an accessible manner for those unfamiliar with AI terminology. In addition, we discuss the systems' strengths and weaknesses and propose enhancements to improve IADA's accuracy and adoption in the nutrition community. This scoping review used PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies. The review focused on computational techniques used in IADA, specifically AI models, devices, and sensors, or digital methods for food recognition and food volume estimation published between 2008 and 2021. A total of 522 articles were initially identified. On the basis of a rigorous selection process, 84 (16.1%) articles were ultimately included in this review. The selected articles reveal that early systems, developed before 2015, relied on handcrafted machine learning algorithms to manage traditional sequential processes, such as segmentation, food identification, portion estimation, and nutrient calculations. Since 2015, these handcrafted algorithms have been largely replaced by deep learning algorithms for handling the same tasks. More recently, the traditional sequential process has been superseded by advanced algorithms, including multitask convolutional neural networks and generative adversarial networks. Most of the systems were validated for macronutrient and energy estimation, while only a few were capable of estimating micronutrients, such as sodium. Notably, significant advancements have been made in the field of IADA, with efforts focused on replicating humanlike performance. This review highlights the progress made by IADA, particularly in the areas of food identification and portion estimation. Advancements in AI techniques have shown great potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this field. However, it is crucial to involve dietitians and nutritionists in the development of these systems to ensure they meet the requirements and trust of professionals in the field.

Teachers' knowledge about the principles of dealing with a student with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

A proper self-management and therapy process, and the involvement of patients and their carers in this process, influences the effectiveness of T1DM therapy. The responsibility for the self-management process lies with children and adolescents with T1DM, as well as their parents and other carers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of teachers' knowledge of the principles of the treatment and self-management of T1DM in children and to demonstrate the influence of various factors influencing teachers' knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the teachers in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The first part of the survey contained questions on sociodemographic data, the second part contained questions on personal attitudes towards a student with T1DM, and the third part contained twenty-nine questions assessing the basic knowledge of the self-management and treatment principles of T1DM. Tests were conducted with 698 (86.4%) female teachers and 110 (13.6%) male teachers. The median (25thQ ÷ 75thQ) score of the test on the teachers' knowledge was 20 (18 ÷ 21) points, with a maximum of 29 and a minimum of 0 points. Male teachers, aged between 26-40years, with 6-10years of seniority, working in rural areas, having a person with T1DM in their immediate environment or having a student with T1DM in their class had a higher knowledge level. Teachers who worked in schools where no nurse was employed and those who had not completed specific training on the principles of caring for a child with T1DM at school had a lower level of knowledge. 1. Knowledge of teachers is insufficient to ensure safe stay at school for a child with T1DM. 2. The ongoing training of teachers on the principles of the self-management and treatment of T1DM is necessary to improve and increase the safety of children and adolescents with T1DM in school units. 3. There is a need to improve the quality of health care for children with T1DM in the learning environment by increasing the number of school nurses and improving their knowledge, and by the ongoing training of teachers and other staff in school units. 4. Detailed care plans should be developed for children with T1DM, adapted to the school conditions.

Analysis of wrong blood in tube events at a hospital-based blood centre in a tertiary care referral hospital: A perspective from a lower middle-income country.

Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) continues to be a preventable cause of unintended harm to the patient. The literature describing extent of the problem, its consequences and factors leading to WBIT from the perspective of lower middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. The present study describes WBIT and its outcome in a hospital-based blood centre from an LMIC. WBIT events occurring during the study period were analysed to identify the root cause. In addition, they were analysed according to discipline, department and time of sample draw. Root causes were divided and compared with standard operating procedure (SOP) for sample collection for blood requests. All WBIT events were followed and their outcomes analysed. WBIT events occurred at a rate of 4.8/10,000 blood requests, with a higher rate in urgent requests (5.2/10,000 requests). The average rate of WBIT was higher in surgical disciplines compared to medical and acute care services (6.58 vs. 4.43 vs. 3/10,000 requests). The highest rate of WBIT was observed when requests were received during 8:00 PM-2:00 AM (p = 0.02). Deviations from SOP with contribution from human and organizational elements were identified as the root cause. The consequences ranged from delay in providing blood to acute haemolytic transfusion reactions. We found that WBITs occurred at a rate comparable to that reported from developed countries. Use of software and automation may reduce the rate of WBIT but not eliminate it completely. Strict adherence to SOPs and continuous training of phlebotomy staff would help reduce it to a minimum. Blood centres need to develop specific strategies with respect to their root causes.

International expert perspectives on access, engagement, and implementation of cognitive remediation for schizophrenia: A Delphi study.

Cognitive remediation (CR) for schizophrenia has been extensively studied and has proven effective in improving both cognition and functioning. Yet, implementation into mental health services is poor, with implementation and engagement barriers and facilitators not understood. The present study aimed to assess expert opinions on CR barriers and facilitators that pertain to staff, mental health services, and consumers. Thirty-seven international CR experts (clinicians/researchers) responded to Likert-scale questions on implementation and engagement facilitators, essential CR components, barriers in mental health facilities, barriers for clinicians, and barriers for consumer access and engagement across three rounds of a Delphi survey. The main barriers to CR implementation were (a) lack of staff training, (b) lack of perceived relevance/lack of knowledge about cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and CR usefulness in both clinicians and consumers, as well as (c) lack of staff employed in cognitive rehabilitation roles. The presence of defeatist beliefs and difficulty in accessing the place of delivery were both barriers to consumer engagement and access. The most important facilitators for CR were a good therapeutic alliance, CR delivered as part of integrated rehabilitation services, psychoeducation provided to families and stakeholders, and CR focusing on generalization of learning to everyday life. This study highlights the barriers to CR implementation from experts. A multitude of factors were identified that need attention. It is also apparent that CR cost-effectiveness studies are needed to facilitate organizational change and national guideline recommendations for improving mental health services policy around serious mental illness/schizophrenia health care provisions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Professional nurses’ perspectives on the implementation of integrated chronic disease management model

Background: The integrated chronic disease management (ICDM) model is seen to be a promising strategy as it is gaining global acceptance as an approach to enhance healthcare delivery.Objectives: The study objectives were to explore and describe professional nurses’ perspectives on the model, identify challenges experienced during implementation and identify factors that could improve the model implementation.Method: An explorative, descriptive qualitative design was used, nine professional nurses from three selected facilities were interviewed. Data obtained from semi-structured individual interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and NVivo software.Results: Three main themes emerged: the professional nurses’ perceived benefits of the model, challenges experienced during implementation and recommendations to ensure effective implementation of the model. The perceived benefits of the model included the integration of care, adequate medication and the alleviation of stigma related to diseases. However, the challenges of the model included a shortage of staff, poor infrastructure and patients missing scheduled appointments. The study noted the need for adequate staff, infrastructure and ongoing training for the successful implementation of the model.Conclusion: Despite challenges in the South African healthcare system, professional nurses perceived the implementation of the model positively. The study highlighted the need for adequate staff, adequate infrastructure and ongoing training for staff.Contribution: This study outlined the challenges and recommendations identified, enabling healthcare organisations, policymakers and educators to develop targeted strategies for successful implementation. The findings will also inform future research focussed on optimising the utilisation of the model in the study setting and similar contexts

Implementation of a Technology-Based Mobile Obstetric Referral Emergency System (MORES): Qualitative Assessment of Health Workers in Rural Liberia.

Maternal mortality remains a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where evidence-based interventions of obstetric triage and prehospital communication remain sparse. There is limited implementation evidence for technology-based approaches to improve obstetric care in such contexts. Liberia struggles with maternal mortality, particularly in rural areas where deaths are attributable to delays from absent triage and interfacility communication. We implemented a Mobile Obstetric Referral Emergency System (MORES) in rural Bong County to improve prehospital transfer, health worker attentiveness, and patient care for critical obstetric patients. MORES consisted of triage training and a 2-way, templated WhatsApp communication system to reduce delays among patients transferred from rural health facilities (RHF) to hospitals. This study aimed to examine MORES implementation outcomes of usability, fidelity, effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability, as well as additional impacts on the wider health system. A structured case study design interview was developed by Liberian and US experts in obstetric triage. Participants included 62 frontline obstetric health providers including midwives (38/62, 61%), nurses (20/62, 32%), physicians assistants (3/62, 5%), and physicians (1/62, 2%) from 19 RHFs and 2 district hospitals who had used MORES for 1 year. Individual interviews were conducted on MORES implementation outcomes, transcribed, and analyzed in NVivo (version 12; Lumivero) with a team-based coding methodology. Content analysis with a deductive approach examined implementation outcomes of usability, fidelity, effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability, while an inductive approach categorized the unanticipated impacts of MORES on the wider health system. Four domains were identified regarding MORES implementation: Usability and Fidelity, Effectiveness, Sustainability and Scalability, and Health System Impact. All participants perceived MORES to have high usability and fidelity, as the triage and messaging system was implemented as intended for critical obstetric patients (62/62, 100%). For effectiveness, MORES accomplished its intended aims by improving prehospital transfer (57/62, 92%), increasing health worker attentiveness (39/62, 63%), and contributing to improved patient care (34/62, 55%). MORES was perceived as sustainable and scalable (62/62, 100%), particularly if technological barriers (21/62, 34%) and staff training (19/62, 31%) were addressed. MORES impacted the wider health system in unanticipated ways including improved coordination and accountability (55/62, 89%), feedback mechanisms for hospitals and RHFs (48/62, 77%), interprofessional teamwork (21/62, 34%), longitudinal follow-up care (20/62, 32%), creating a record of care delays (17/62, 27%), and electronic health record infrastructure (13/62, 21%). MORES was perceived to have high usability, fidelity, effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability by frontline obstetric providers in rural Liberia. MORES accomplished the intended aims of improving prehospital transfer, increasing health worker attentiveness, and contributing to improved patient care. Additionally, MORES strengthened the health system through 6 domains which impacted individual and system levels. Future studies should quantitatively evaluate delay and morbidity reductions and strategies for scaling MORES.

Online Teacher Professional Development: A Research Synthesis on Effectiveness and Evaluation

AbstractThis study presents findings on the effectiveness and perception of teacher professional development in online-only and blended learning (BL) formats. The analysis of a total of 115 studies from the research field of online teacher professional development (OTPD) showed that digitized training predominantly led to positive effects on teachers' competencies and teaching practice. Among some of the other positive impacts of OTPD were improvements in students' learning performance, attitudes and motivations, and teachers' self-efficacy; though these aspects were considered much less frequently overall. Despite individual criticisms and suggestions for improvement, OTPD courses were endorsed by teachers. In terms of the take-up amongst participants, online-only and BL formats scored similarly, with the inclusion of synchronous phases, collaborative activities, and support activities proving to be decisive criteria for evaluation. In context of support activities, the involvement of an instructor was found to be effective, although it became clear that it is not only the presence of an instructor that matters, but also the way in which he is involved in the OTPD activity (Lantz-Andersson et al. Teach Teach Educ 75:302-315, 2018 ). A basic open attitude towards OTPD was also held by the training staff, even when complications and difficulties were pointed out.

Community Palliative Care: What are the Best Models?

Palliative care seeks to address the physical, psychosocial and spiritual concerns of patients with a life limiting illness and their caregivers. Early referral to palliative care improves symptoms and is the standard of care. This paper evaluates the evidence for different models of community palliative care and looks at the effects of homecare, hospice programs and residential aged care facility (RACF) interventions on symptom management, home death rate and acute health service utilization. It also examines the impact of COVID-19, telehealth, integration and staffing models on the efficacy of community palliative care. Evidence suggests that community palliative care increases the rate of death at home and may improve satisfaction with care, but effect on symptoms and acute health care utilization are less certain. Enrolment in a hospice program may decrease hospitalizations and improve satisfaction. RACF staff training interventions to improve the quality of palliative care provided to residents show mixed results across all indicators. COVID-19 saw a relative increase in the demand for community palliative care, as people opted out of the hospital system. Models of community palliative care that facilitate integration, support primary health providers, and promote technological innovation are worthy of further research.

Assessing the Perceived University-Community Consulting Services for Sustainable Development: Insights from the Open University of Tanzania

This study investigated the assessing the perceived university-community consulting services for sustainable development: Insights from the Open University of Tanzania. The study aimed to explore the consulting services provided by the Open University of Tanzania; assess the impacts in community development; identify challenges in university-community engagement. A study was informed by interpretive paradigm. A qualitative approach was employed using an exploratory case study design, conducted at the Open University of Tanzania. The study involved 37 respondents who shared their perceptions through interviews and online group discussion forum. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, through online group discussions and document reviews, and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that the consulting services that are provided by the university are strategy consulting, e-commerce consulting, governance consulting, marketing consulting, management consulting, information technology consulting, human resources consulting, leadership consulting, environmental consulting, innovation consulting, public relations consulting and business process consulting. In terms of impact, it was disclosed that consulting services positively influenced the community, contributing to development across various sectors. The challenges identified included difficulties in quantifying the value of consulting services, limited staff engagement with the community, and bureaucratic hurdles. The study concluded that it is high time for universities in collaboration with private sectors to reflect on the consulting services they offer to the community in order to meet the needs of diverse population. Finally, the study recommends that the university prioritize the quantification of consulting services and enhancing staff training on community engagement services.

Prepared for service? A mixed-methods study on psychosocial support in the UK public library, with a focus on staff perceptions and training

This mixed-methods study considers the ways in which the public library is increasingly supporting the mental, emotional and social – or ‘psychosocial’ – needs of individuals within its local communities; reflecting on an emerging body of US research which is exploring this topic. This research aimed to determine how prepared UK public library services are to support the psychosocial needs of users, with a focus on staff perceptions, confidence and training. The research identified the psychosocial services and relevant staff training currently taking place in Southeast England, through an online survey with public library staff. This data provided a background of understanding, before in-depth, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine public library staff within one library service, to uncover staff perceptions and attitudes around this area of work. The quantitative and qualitative data revealed findings which largely reflected the research that has taken place in the US. Public library staff are committed to delivering psychosocial support by providing information, signposting, delivering library groups and activities, and showing compassion to users. However, staff experience feelings of uncertainty around this work, particularly when responding to users with complex needs or those in crisis, and they have a strong desire for more targeted training in this area. This paper concludes that this aspect of modern public library work necessitates the development of targeted staff training and further research in this area.

Drug prescriptions in elderly hospitalized patients with cognitive impairment in the Italian Dementia Friendly Hospital project

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to characterize drug prescription patterns in elderly patients hospitalized in acute wards as a function of cognitive status and staff training.MethodsWe recorded clinical parameters reflecting health status and drug prescriptions at admission, during hospital stay, and at discharge before and after a short staff training on the needs of aged cognitively impaired patients. Participants aged 65 and older had a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥16. The number of prescriptions, sedative and anticholinergic load, and drug–drug interactions were evaluated. Of the 116 older patients analyzed, 59 patients were cognitively impaired, and 57 were cognitively normal with an MMSE value > 24. Fifty-nine patients (28 CN, 31 CI) were assisted by the hospital health staff after training.ResultsParticipants presented a widespread polypharmacy. Cognitively impaired patients received more prescriptions, more inappropriate prescriptions, had a greater sedative load, and were exposed to more interactions. Staff training had no effect on the prescription pattern.ConclusionThe results suggest that hospitalized cognitively impaired patients are overprescribed psychotropic drugs and have an excessive sedative and anticholinergic load. Interventions designed to improve dementia care practices in health staff that are not also designed to manage drug polypharmacy do not modify prescription patterns.

Annual Survey of State and Territorial Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Capacity and Organizational Development Needs—United States, 2023

Objective: The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) is a nonprofit organization that supports state and territorial chronic disease prevention and health promotion efforts through capacity building and technical assistance. Each year, NACDD surveys health department leaders who oversee chronic disease prevention and health promotion (hereafter, Chronic Disease Directors). We have previously used the annual survey results to inform strategic planning and resource allocation but have not historically published key findings in the peer-reviewed literature. In this paper, we report on NACDD’s 2023 survey outcomes and place those findings into the broader public health policy context. Design: State Chronic Disease Directors completed a survey about their organizational capacity and development needs. Responses were summarized in aggregate and by jurisdiction size. Results: State chronic disease units have varied staffing and responsibilities, but most address diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer screening and prevention. Chronic Disease Directors generally reported strong or improving capacity in most practice areas but ranked workforce development lower. Staffing increased slightly during 2023 compared with the 2020 baseline (median of 1.3 and 1.1 employees per 100 000 jurisdiction population, respectively). However, Chronic Disease Directors expressed ongoing concerns about turnover, hiring, and training of inexperienced staff, as well as about funding limitations and uncertainty. Looking forward to 2024, many Chronic Disease Directors expressed intentions to focus on supporting their workforce with training and development opportunities and addressing health equity. Conclusions: During this period of pandemic recovery, turnover, hiring, and training—particularly of the many new public health staff—remain key areas of concern for many chronic disease units. Continued stabilization of public health funding and increased prioritization of organizational capacity development—particularly workforce development, chronic disease data systems, and tools for addressing health equity—could help ensure chronic disease units can better address current and emerging challenges in chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

Exploring Clinical Documentation Practices among Healthcare Staff: A Clinical Audit of National Hospital Galle, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Valid and trustworthy clinical documentation improves patient outcomes, boosts hospital data accuracy, and enhances reflective action to improve healthcare service quality and safety. In Sri Lanka, the bedhead ticket (BHT) is the legal documentation record for inpatients. In 2022, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued new rules for the correct maintenance of BHTs.Objective: This clinical audit's objective was to assess the in-patient clinical documenting practices at National Hospital Galle (NHG), Sri Lanka.Methodology: A total of 384 randomly selected BHTs from the record room, which belonged to patients who received inward care from April 2023 to September 2023, were included in this clinical audit. A checklist and a marking scheme were prepared according to MoH guidelines and filled out after going through each BHT.Results: The level of completeness of the first page was good in 96% of BHTs. Maintenance of continuation sheets was average in 82%of BHTs and good in only 2%. Around 67% of BHTs obtained good marks for the level of completeness of entries. Only 1% of BHTs had entries with a signature placed at the end. The date and time of the entry were recorded in 73.5% and 64.3% consecutively.Conclusion: Adherence to the MoH guidelines for clinical documentation practices was satisfactory at NHG, and regular audits and staff awareness and training are required to maintain the standards.

Strategic Planning for the Management of Educational Institutions: Sistematic Review

This study aimed to analyze the trends and approaches of strategic planning in the management of educational institutions based on a systematic review of the literature of the last five years. Through a comprehensive analysis of 10 studies, the main challenges and opportunities in the implementation of strategic planning in the educational field were identified. The results of the review reveal the importance of strategic planning as a tool to improve educational quality, optimize resources and respond to the demands of an increasingly complex educational environment. However, recurring challenges are identified, such as lack of staff training, resistance to change and scarcity of resources. The active participation of the entire educational community, the adaptation of strategic plans to the particularities of each context and continuous evaluation are key elements for the success of strategic planning. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to strengthen transformational leadership and take advantage of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies. In conclusion, strategic planning emerges as a fundamental tool to improve educational quality, but its effective implementation requires a comprehensive approach that considers the particularities of each context and the active participation of all the actors involved. Future research is recommended that delve into aspects such as evaluation, educational innovation and the impact of digital transformation on strategic planning.

Specialty Tobacco Treatment Implementation in Oncology: A Qualitative Study.

In 2017, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) to implement and expand tobacco treatment programs in routine oncology care. Many C3I programs developed specialty care programs staffed by tobacco treatment specialists (TTSs) to deliver evidence-based treatment to adult patients who smoke. People involved in specialty tobacco treatment programs can help to identify implementation strategies and adaptations that may enhance tobacco treatment reach and effectiveness in cancer care and help more patients with cancer quit using tobacco. We conducted semistructured interviews with TTSs from 21 C3I-funded cancer centers and applied content analysis to interview transcripts from 37 TTSs and 17 respondents in other program roles. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to code interview data. We identified final themes and implementation strategies and adaptations recommended by respondents on the basis of these codes. Respondents shared that implementation of specialty tobacco treatment programs in cancer care settings could be facilitated by training staff to provide patient connection to services, incorporating prescription of no- or low-cost cessation medications, hiring additional staff to deliver tobacco treatment, allocating space to the program, and automating electronic health record workflows. TTSs and others involved in specialty tobacco treatment in NCI-designated cancer centers identified ways to improve tobacco treatment access, use, and effectiveness by (1) adapting specialty tobacco treatment delivery to meet patient needs; (2) facilitating referrals and pharmacotherapy coordination; and (3) committing staffing, space, and support resources to tobacco treatment programs. Key program participants suggested that these approaches would help more oncology patients connect with evidence-based tobacco treatment and quit smoking.