Staff Knowledge Research Articles

Improvement of family-centered care in the pediatric rehabilitation ward: a participatory action research.

The improved life expectancy of children with disability in recent years has led to their increased request for using lifelong rehabilitation services. Family-centered care (FCC) is a model with potential positive effects on the rehabilitation of children with disability. The present study aimed at improving FCC in the pediatric rehabilitation ward. This participatory action research was conducted in 2021-2023 in the pediatric rehabilitation ward of a hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants were 16 rehabilitation staff and 48 mothers recruited via convenient and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and the 20-item and the 27-item Measures of the Processes Of Care (MPOC). Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as well as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Wilcoxon's tests. The major barrier to the implementation of FCC was staff and family limited knowledge about the importance and the benefits of FCC and the best facilitator to change was improvement of their knowledge. Therefore, an action plan based on staff and family education was designed and implemented. Participants' positive experiences of the plan were improvement of satisfaction, knowledge, collaboration, and coordination in care and their negative experiences were educational problems and dissatisfaction with the ward atmosphere. The strengths of the plan were adequate number of staff, long enough hospital stay of children, chronic course of disability, and mothers' previous experiences. Its weaknesses were the long course of a single action plan cycle, exclusive focus on education, and the high risk of plan termination after the study. The practical problems of the study were also small physical space of the ward, transfer of some trained staff to other wards, and child discharge from the hospital. Staff and family limited knowledge about the importance and the benefits of FCC is a major barrier to effective FCC. Continuous education as well as family and staff collaboration may improve FCC in pediatric rehabilitation ward.

An Investigation of the Knowledge of Infection Control Practices Held by Healthcare Professionals.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), arising from inadequate hygiene practices, significantly increase morbidity and mortality rates in hospitalized patients. This descriptive study involved 350 healthcare workers from private hospitals in Wuhan, China. Participants responded to a questionnaire with close-ended questions, distributed physically and via email. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The analysis indicated a gap in healthcare workers' knowledge of infection control, affecting hospital hygiene standards. About 60% of respondents hold a diploma or higher qualification. The findings underscore the importance of targeted training and educational initiatives in infection control procedures. A significant factor in hospitals' inadequate hygiene practices is the gap in staff training and knowledge.

KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS THE PREVENTION OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AND SOME ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL STAFF WORKING AT 19-8 HOSPITAL, MILITARY OF PUBLIC SECURITY IN 2020

Objectives: To assess knowledge and some associated factors toward surgical site infection (SSI) prevention among medical staff working at 19-8 Hospital, Ministry of Public Security in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study analysing 189 medical staff in 10 surgical departments in 19-8 Hospital, Ministry of Public Security by direct interview. Results: The percentage of medical staff that had good knowledge about SSI prevention was found to be 83.6%. 75.1% of participants had good preoperative knowledge while 72% of them had good postoperative knowledge. Taking more than 3 times on SSI prevention training programs were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge regarding SSI prevention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of medical staff in 19-8 Hospital, Ministry of Public Security was quite sufficient, indicating the need for ongoing training programs for medical staff to preserve or enhance their understanding of infection prevention.

Case study on a scientific oral history project using information practice analysis

Introduction. This investigation explored 21st century stewardship of a late 20th century scientific oral history project through the lens of information practice. Oral history project stewardship and reuse are understudied. Literature review. Oral histories foreground human agency in the world. Often studied singly, many reflect an oral history project’s historiographic context. Stewardship documentation by multiple stakeholders accrues over time. The author developed an information practice analysis tool for systematic exploration of oral history stewardship documentation. Method. A case study approach and qualitative content analysis techniques guided investigation of documentation for an oral history project held at Science History Institute in Philadelphia. Textual data was collected for a purposive sample. Analysis and results. Multiple stakeholders’ documentation schema for the purposive sample were analysed in Excel and Word. Results coded five information work models for stakeholder information practices. Discussion. The information work models portrayed stakeholder information practices as mechanisms for stability in the stewardship of contextual assets, and mechanisms for transformation through staff knowledge, as situational assets. Conclusion. Information practice analysis of oral history stewardship in this case study systematised stakeholders’ and user perspectives on access. Implications for theory development lie in leveraging the stability and transformative agency of stewardship and reuse.

Capacities and needs of health care facilities for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management in elimination settings

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a debilitating neglected tropical disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The role of health facilities in the prevention, diagnosis, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis is poorly documented. In a setting targeted for schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar, we assessed the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among patients seeking care in a health facility and investigated schistosomiasis-related knowledge of staff, and health facilities’ capacities and needs for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management.MethodsWe conducted a health facility-based mixed-method study on Pemba Island from June to August 2023. Patients aged ≥ 4 years seeking care in four health facilities were screened for S. haematobium infection using urine filtration and reagent strips. Those patients aged ≥ 10 years were additionally interviewed about signs and symptoms. Staff from 23 health facilities responded to a questionnaire assessing knowledge and practices. Ten staff participated in a focus group discussion (FGD) about capacities and needs for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management.ResultsThe prevalence of S. haematobium infection in patients attending the health facilities, as determined by the presence of eggs in urine, was 1.1% (8/712). Microhaematuria was detected in 13.3% (95/712) of the patients using reagent strips. Among patients responding to the questionnaire, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and painful urination were reported by 38.0% (237/623), 6.3% (39/623), and 3.2% (20/623), respectively. Among the health facility staff, 90.0% (44/49) and 87.8% (43/49) identified blood in urine and pelvic pain, respectively, as symptoms of urogenital schistosomiasis, 81.6% (40/49) and 93.9% (46/49) reported collecting a urine sample and pursuing a reagent strip test, respectively, for diagnosis, and 87.8% (43/49) administered praziquantel for treatment. The most reoccurring themes in the FGD were the need for more staff training about schistosomiasis, requests for diagnostic equipment, and the need to improve community response to schistosomiasis services in health facilities.ConclusionsThe prevalence of S. haematobium infection in patients seeking care in health facilities in Pemba is very low and similar to what has been reported from recent community-based cross-sectional surveys. The health facility staff had good schistosomiasis-related knowledge and practices. However, to integrate schistosomiasis patient management more durably into routine health facility activities, scalable screening pathways need to be identified and capacities need to be improved by regular staff training, and an unbroken supply of accurate point-of-care diagnostics and praziquantel for the treatment of cases.Graphical abstract

Knowledge of Autism and Attitudes Toward Autistic Children: Evaluation of Child Protection Service Staff in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, and children with ASD are more frequently involved in the child protection system than neurotypical children. This study examines predictors of autism knowledge and attitudes toward autism in staff who care for children under protection in Turkey. The study also aims to provide training and examine the effects of the training on staff knowledge, attitudes and skills. A total of 217 participants attended the training, and both a pre-and post-training survey were conducted. In this study, gender, education level and contact history with people with ASD came to the fore among the factors affecting the knowledge and attitudes of the participants about autism. In particular, female gender, having a person with autism in their close circle, and having previous experience working with a child with ASD were associated with a higher level of knowledge about ASD. Additionally, as the education level of the participants increased, they reported more positive attitudes toward individuals with ASD. With this study, it has been shown that it is possible to improve social attitudes toward autism as well as increase knowledge and awareness with ASD training. We promote similar training for all children’s household staff countrywide.

An integrative review of the impact of allied health student placements on current staff’s knowledge and procedural skills in acute and primary care settings

BackgroundStaff shortages limit access to health services. The bidirectional benefits of allied health clinical placements are understood in the domains of student learning, health service delivery, and future workforce development. Still, the benefits to current workforce outcomes remain unknown. This review provides insights into the effects of allied health student placements in acute and primary care settings, particularly on healthcare staff's knowledge and procedural skills.MethodsThis search was based on the integrative review process established by Whittemore and Knafl in 2005. In October 2023, the first author (MH) searched five major electronic databases: Medline-EBSCO, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. The CLUSTER model was used to track additional references. The first three authors (MH, SM, and SC) were involved in screening, quality appraisal, and synthesis of the studies. Data were thematically synthesised and analysed.ResultsMeSH headings and keywords were used in key search areas: health education, health professional training, clinical placements, and allied health professions. The systematic search yielded 12 papers on allied health student placements across various healthcare settings in rural and metropolitan areas, with no high-quality methodologies measuring student placements' impact on staff knowledge and skills. Four main themes were identified from the analysis: meaningful student integration in service delivery, targeted educational support to healthcare staff, development of staff procedural skills and confidence, and the mechanisms of why student placements work in this aspect.ConclusionsThis review suggests that offering allied health student placement could be a promising approach to supporting rural healthcare staff in performing patient assessments and treatments proficiently and collaboratively. However, this requires further investigation to confirm.

Patient safety — Are we speaking the same language?

BackgroundSince the radical years following the To Err is Human report, patient safety research has become settled on standardisation and audit cultures. Recent work suggests a change in direction. Current efforts exploring the intricate relationship between stability and change within organisations establish a more balanced patient safety perspective. Frontline staff insights are key to this new knowledge. AimThis study aims to explore the patient safety perceptions of registered nurses working directly with patients in acute care settings. MethodFacilitated reflexive workshops were conducted with nine wards from October to November 2022. Data analysis explored creative works and reflective notes of group discussions with frontline registered nurses using a critical lens. FindingsWe offer four analytical interpretations of how frontline registered nurses understand and experience patient safety. These are as follows: buzzwords, keep ME safe, listen to US, and this is MY role. These manifest the business of patient safety where nurses are, under siege, the silenced team member and experience tension between accountability and responsibility. DiscussionCritical questioning and reappraisal of patient safety practices require the vast knowledge of frontline staff to be fully utilised. ConclusionThis research reveals much of what is avoided in patient safety literature — the tension between what registered nurses understand, experience, and can deliver in patient safety practice. It challenges organisational leaders to enable and support frontline nurses in driving local change.

A multi-method exploration of a cardiac rehabilitation service delivered by registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists in the UK: key learnings for current and new services

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation has been identified as having the most homogenous clinical exercise service structure in the United Kingdom (UK), but inconsistencies are evident in staff roles and qualifications within and across services. The recognition of Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) as a registered health professional in 2021 in the UK, provides a potential solution to standardise the cardiac rehabilitation workforce. This case study examined, in a purposefully selected cardiac exercise service that employed registered CEPs, (i) how staff knowledge, skills and competencies contribute to the provision of the service, (ii) how these components assist in creating effective service teams, and (iii) the existing challenges from staff and patient perspectives.MethodsA multi-method qualitative approach (inc., semi-structured interviews, observations, field notes and researcher reflections) was employed with the researcher immersed for 12-weeks within the service. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used as an overarching guide for data collection. Data derived from registered CEPs (n = 5), clinical nurse specialists (n = 2), dietitians (n = 1), service managers/leads (n = 2) and patients (n = 7) were thematically analysed.ResultsRegistered CEPs delivered innovative exercise prescription based on their training, continued professional development (CPD), academic qualifications and involvement in research studies as part of the service. Exposure to a wide multidisciplinary team (MDT) allowed skill and competency transfer in areas such as clinical assessments. Developing an effective behaviour change strategy was challenging with delivery of lifestyle information more effective during less formal conversations compared to timetabled education sessions.ConclusionsRegistered CEPs have the specialist knowledge and skills to undertake and implement the latest evidence-based exercise prescription in a cardiac rehabilitation setting. An MDT service structure enables a more effective team upskilling through shared peer experiences, observations and collaborative working between healthcare professionals.

The engagement of the UK construction industry towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Purpose The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint for UN member states to achieve prosperity and peace. A resilient construction industry should positively contribute to the achievement of all SDGs. Yet it is currently unclear if the industry helps or hinders SDG achievement. This research aims to explore if the industry is positively engaging with all SDGs.Design/methodology/approach This research is split into two phases. The first is an objectivist Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) of sustainability reports from the ten leading UK contractors to identify direct and indirect SDG references. The second research phase adopts a subjectivist ontological position consisting of twenty-one semi-structured interviews with a range of construction industry project-based professionals. Narrative analysis is used to structure the interview questions and analyse the data gained.Findings Many SDGs are excluded from sustainability reports, and where discussed, only some are engaged with substantially. The SDG knowledge held by construction professionals is reduced further still, and SDG progress is rarely measured. The ambiguity surrounding the SDGs enables discrepancies between reporting and professional perceptions. There is also a lack of regard for fellow contractor collaboration through fear of reduced competitive advantage.Originality/value This paper addresses a gap in the literature between contractor SDG knowledge and action. This serves as a platform for future research agendas regarding how the SDGs can be better understood and actioned in a construction management context. For industry, inconsistencies between organisational sustainability reporting and the knowledge and awareness of staff are exposed, due to the lack of collaborative practices currently adopted.

Substance Use Disorder Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Characterizing Resident Experiences.

Patients with substance use disorder (SUD) may face many challenges when being cared for in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), such as stigma and inadequate access to treatment. This study aims to learn from the perspectives of SNF residents with SUD. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted at 5 SNFs in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Additionally, Likert-type responses and substance use screening tests were collected. Qualitative data were analyzed using Dedoose version 9.0.107 (Sociocultural Research Consultants, LLC, Los Angeles, CA). Qualitative analyses identified 4 themes: (1) the SNF can be a positive site for recovery, (2) barriers to recovery in SNFs are variable, (3) lived experiences with SUD care and harm reduction are heterogeneous, and (4) the needs of residents with SUD encompass multiple domains. Results highlighted the variability of access to counseling and SUD treatment, as well as the prevalence of stigma, substance use, and overdose in SNFs. Results revealed the need for access to social work support, activities, counseling services, and improved staff knowledge of treating SUD. SNF residents living with SUD experience variable quality of care and may have difficulty accessing counseling and medical treatments for SUD, depending on the available resources in the facility to which they were admitted. The quality of care for residents living with SUD requires further study as more patients with SUD require SNF care.

A Web-Based Training Program for School Staff to Respond to Self-Harm: Design and Development of the Supportive Response to Self-Harm Program.

Self-harm is common among adolescents and is a major public health concern. School staff may be the first adults to notice a young person's self-harm and are well placed to provide support or signpost students to help. However, school staff often report that they do not feel equipped or confident to support students. Despite the need, there is a lack of evidence-based training about self-harm for school staff. A web-based training program would provide schools with a flexible and cost-effective method of increasing staff knowledge, skills, and confidence in how to respond to students who self-harm. The main objective of this study was to coproduce an evidence-based training program for school staff to improve their skills and confidence in responding to students who self-harm (Supportive Response to Self-Harm [SORTS]). This paper describes the design and development process of an initial prototype coproduced with stakeholders to ensure that the intervention meets their requirements. Using a user-centered design and person-based approach, the SORTS prototype was informed by (1) a review of research literature, existing guidelines, and policies; (2) coproduction discussions with the technical provider and subject matter experts (mental health, education, and self-harm); (3) findings from focus groups with young people; and (4) coproduction workshops with school staff. Thematic analysis using the framework method was applied. Coproduction sessions with experts and the technical provider enabled us to produce a draft of the training content, a wireframe, and example high-fidelity user interface designs. Analysis of focus groups and workshops generated four key themes: (1) need for a training program; (2) acceptability, practicality, and implementation; (3) design, content, and navigation; and (4) adaptations and improvements. The findings showed that there is a clear need for a web-based training program about self-harm in schools, and the proposed program content and design were useful, practical, and acceptable. Consultations with stakeholders informed the iterative development of the prototype. SORTS is a web-based training program for school staff to appropriately respond to students who self-harm that is based on research evidence and developed in collaboration with stakeholders. The SORTS program will equip school staff with the skills and strategies to respond in a supportive way to students who self-harm and encourage schools to adopt a whole-school approach to self-harm. Further research is needed to complete the intervention development based on the feedback from this study and evaluate the program's effectiveness. If found to be effective, the SORTS program could be implemented in schools and other youth organizations.

Enhancing early detection of lung cancer: A strategic initiative to boost screening rates among patients.

e22512 Background: Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer death in the U.S. Despite LDCT screenings reducing mortality, uptake is low in Alabama and nationally (6% vs. 4.5%). The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual LDCT for certain high-risk adults, but factors like awareness, access, and policy affect screening rates. Alabama's situation is worsened by rural disparities and socioeconomic issues. Infirmary Health is the largest private, not for profit health care system in the state of Alabama. This study focuses on evaluating LDCT screening in a selected clinic of our health care system, pinpointing obstacles to adherence, and seeking ways to boost screenings to lower lung cancer mortality through early detection. Methods: As part of the Summer 2023 ASCO Quality Training Program we adopted a QI approach to increase LDCT lung cancer screening. It began by assessing baseline screening rates and staff knowledge, then created problem and aim statements. The team conducted root cause analysis, used a Pareto chart for issue prioritization, and employed a Priority Pay-off Matrix to focus on impactful, feasible issues. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was then used to develop, test, and implement interventions, ensuring strategic alignment and effective monitoring of outcomes to enhance screening rates. Results: From January to July 2023, the Infirmary Health -Hillcrest clinic had a low 10.53% LDCT screening rate (system wide 6%, this clinic was selected due to it's highest screening rate), leading to late-stage lung cancer diagnoses and higher mortality. To address this, a goal was set to triple the screening rate to 30% by December 2023. Key barriers identified were staff and patient knowledge about lung cancer screening and a cumbersome LDCT ordering process. A PDSA cycle initiated between September and December 2023, firstly focused on Patient/Clinic Education, increasing screening rates by simplifying the process—removing doctor signature requirements and enhancing staff knowledge through meetings and informative flyers. The subsequent phase introduced a Nurse Navigator, who further increased screenings through prescreening, staff reminders, and on-site visits. By December of 2023 the LDCT screening rate was increased from baseline 10.53% to 33.3%. Conclusions: Through identifying and addressing key issues like education, faulty process and nurse navigation we successfully elevated LDCT screening rates. This study highlights the benefit of participating in a structured quality training program. [Table: see text]

Exploring Biomedical Waste Management Practices Among Healthcare Professionals: A Study From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Eastern India.

The generation of biomedical waste (BMW) in hospitals presents a significant hazard to both healthcare workers (HCWs) and the environment. The management of BMW is a challenge regarding inappropriate behavior among HCWs, leading to improper segregation of the BMW, which deserves attention.The indiscriminate BMW management issue in India has attracted the attention of the highest judicial bodies. The rise in the incidence of needle stick injuries is a severe threat to waste handlers and is mainly due to improper segregation practices. This study aimed to identify the challenges in BMW management in the institute and develop a strategy to improve the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in BMW management. A process-based intervention was developed and implemented that involved facility inspection rounds, focused group discussions with HCWs, preparation of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, signage, staff training, and improved infrastructure and supplies for waste collection. A questionnaire-based evaluation of the staff's knowledge of BMW management was conducted, and the impact of the intervention was assessed from the hospital infection control audit reports. Multiple reasons for poor compliance with BMW segregation practices were identified, and it improved from 57% to 91% with interventions. A significant difference was noted in the knowledge level of staff before and after the interventions.Post-intervention score was highest among the nurses (98.5%), followed by sanitation staff (92.7%), doctors (89.25%), and paramedics (81.7%). Incorrect segregation practices of BMW and incidents of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids are reduced with interventions in the study. Robust supply chain management with regular training of staff is vital to ensure compliance in BMW management.

What is medical staff knowledge about decontamination?

What is medical staff knowledge about decontamination?

Assessment of Service Quality on Public Satisfaction in Motor Vehicle Testing: A Study of the Transportation Department in Paser Regency

In an increasingly competitive era of public service, understanding the factors that influence public satisfaction is crucial for enhancing service quality. The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze the impact of five service quality dimensions—tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy—on public satisfaction. This research also aims to provide recommendations for improving service quality at the Department of Transportation in Paser Regency. The study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method. Data were collected from 60 respondents who had used motor vehicle testing services within the last six months. Purposive sampling was employed to determine the sample, and data were gathered through questionnaires adapted from the SERVQUAL instrument. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that of the five service quality dimensions tested, only assurance and empathy have a positive and significant impact on public satisfaction. Assurance was the most dominant factor, highlighting that the knowledge and competence of staff in providing safe and reliable services are crucial to the public. Empathy also plays a significant role, as attention and understanding of individual needs enhance satisfaction. Conversely, the dimensions of tangibles, reliability, and responsiveness did not show a significant impact on public satisfaction, suggesting that other factors might be more influential in this context. The managerial implications of these findings include the need for improvements in supporting facilities, regular training for staff, increased responsiveness, and the development of empathetic attitudes. With these measures, it is expected that service quality can be significantly improved, ultimately enhancing public satisfaction.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF LABORATORY STAFF REGARDING COVID-19 INFECTION

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and practices of laboratory staff regarding COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods: It was a Multicenter, Cross-sectional Descriptive, Questionnaire-based study done in the Pathology laboratory of Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. The participants were asked to fill out proformas after obtaining consent. The data was analyzed by SPSS. The normality of data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilks test. The difference in scores between demographic characteristics was determined by the Whitney U test and the Kruskal Wallis test. Kendall Tau determined the correlation between scores and demographics. b, point biserial and Spearman rho tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The age of 89 study participants ranged from 15-58 years (mean age of 34±9.6). The male-to-female ratio was 15.6:1. Mean knowledge and practice scores were 10.19±1.66 and 10.2±2.4. Knowledge and practices were good in all participants except that 42 (45%) participants denied avoiding going to crowded places. Mean knowledge score and practice score were higher in females (as compared to males) and in married participants (as compared to unmarried ones), but lower in undergraduates. There was no correlation between scores and demographic characteristics. Conclusion: The laboratory staff had good knowledge of COVID-19 and observed good practices. This shows the commitment of healthcare workers in Pakistan towards themselves and society in the crucial situation of COVID-19 infection. The scores were not associated with gender, marital status, or education level. Keywords: Knowledge, practices, COVID-19.

Implementing an evidence-based behavioral weight-loss program in community mental health centers: A randomized pilot study.

Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). A prior randomized controlled trial demonstrated the efficacy of a lifestyle style intervention tailored to this population; however, such interventions need to be adapted and tested for real-world settings. This study evaluated implementation interventions to support community mental health program staff to deliver an evidence-based lifestyle intervention to clients with obesity and SMI. In this cluster-randomized pilot trial, the standard arm combined multimodal training with organizational strategy meetings and the enhanced arm included all standard strategies plus performance coaching. Staff-coaches delivered a 6-month group-based lifestyle intervention to clients with SMI. Primary outcomes were changes in staff knowledge, self-efficacy, and fidelity scores for lifestyle intervention delivery. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to analyze outcomes, addressing within-site clustering and within-participant longitudinal correlation of outcomes. Three sites were in the standard arm (7 staff-coaches); 5 sites in the enhanced arm (11 staff-coaches). All sites delivered all 26 modules of the lifestyle intervention. Staff-coaches highly rated the training strategy's acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness. Overall, mean knowledge score significantly increased pre-post by 5.5 (95% CI: 3.9, 7.1) and self-efficacy was unchanged; neither significantly differed between arms. Fidelity ratings remained stable over time and did not differ between arms. Clients with SMI achieved a mean 6-month weight loss of 3.8 kg (95% CI: 1.6, 6.1). Mental health staff delivering a lifestyle intervention was feasible using multicomponent implementation interventions, and preliminary results show weight reduction among clients with SMI. The addition of performance coaching did not significantly change outcomes. Future studies are needed to definitively determine the effect on client health outcomes.

Addressing Knowledge Gaps on Surgical Site Infections: A Multi-Center Study in District Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose significant global health challenges, increasing mortality and healthcare costs. Effective prevention of SSIs is imperative for ensuring patient safety and maintaining high-quality surgical care standards. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge levels of SSIs and associated wound infection risks among surgical staff in district hospitals throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A comprehensive 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire was developed collaboratively with certified surgeons and based on extensive literature review. The survey assessed knowledge concerning SSIs and related risk factors among a diverse group of surgical staff, including consultants, specialists, residents, and medical interns, at various district hospitals. Results: Out of 250 participants, the distribution by job role was as follows: 132 interns (52.8%), 50 resident doctors (20%), 20 surgical technologists (8%), 33 surgical technicians (13.2%), and 15 specialist doctors (6%). Overall, 113 participants (45.2%) correctly identified the definition of an SSI. Regarding knowledge levels, 50 participants (20%) demonstrated good knowledge, 166 (66.4%) had fair knowledge, and 34 (13.6%) showed poor knowledge about SSIs. Conclusion: The study identifies critical gaps in the knowledge of surgical staff at district hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa concerning SSIs. These findings underline the necessity for targeted educational interventions to elevate knowledge levels, enhance patient safety, and advance infection control practices.

Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Health Professionals in Togo

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in behavior, social communication, and interaction. Objectives. To describe health staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ASD in Lomé. Methods. From January to March 2020, we conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study on ASD in childhood. A survey was administered to a sample of healthcare professionals in 5 facilities in Lomé, Togo. A questionnaire assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ASD among 139 participants (pediatricians, neurologists, general practitioners, psychologists, speech therapists, and nurses). Results.The participation rate was 84.2 % (117 / 139). One hundred seven health workers (91.5 %) had heard of ASD. Inaccurate knowledge was observed: 65.4 % gave a good definition of autism, 73.2 % did not know the autistic triad, the early warning signs (64.6 %), or the age of onset (61.0 %). Only 22.0 % of staff were familiar with autism screening tools. The highest knowledge was significantly associated with being a speech therapist or pediatrician practicing in a tertiary health facility (p < 0,0001). Higher-graded staff also observed better knowledge levels (p = 0, 0128). Concerning attitudes or practices regarding autistic children, 26 of those surveyed (22,2 %) had already screened for ASD, of whom 23 (88,5 %) worked with other specialties in case management. Conclusion. This study highlights inappropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health staff. These findings warrant the need for good initial training on ASD, awareness campaigns, and the setting up a specialized center in Togo.