Skilled Staff Research Articles

Development of nurses’ critical thinking skills: Implications for clinical practice

Critical thinking skills of registered nurses are important to improve patient safety through recognition of an adverse change in a patient’s condition and initiation of appropriate action. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in case scenario simulation exercises significantly increased the critical thinking skills of registered nurses. The study used a simulation program developed by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Sixty registered nurses in an acute care hospital participated in the study. Although the results failed to indicate a significant statistical difference in the critical thinking skills of the registered nurses following completion of the assigned modules, limitations of the study may have adversely affected findings. Additional research is warranted to further explore the potential of using case-based simulation exercises to promote critical thinking skills in registered nurses. Wider implications include promoting an environment of continual learning to strengthen the critical thinking skills of staff. Implementation of case scenario simulation exercises may be an effective way to develop critical thinking skills and reduce incidences of registered nurses failing to rescue a patient when intervention is required. The actionable findings of this research may generate further studies to enhance the practice of nursing, improve patient safety and reduce the number of adverse events involving hospitalised patients.

Optimizing Factory Workers Work Shifts Scheduling Using Local Antimagic Vertex Coloring

Optimization of industrial processes, reduction of worker costs, and protection of workers well-being are significantly dependent on effective work shifts scheduling. This article introduces a new approach to work shifts scheduling by combining Local Antimagic Vertex Coloring. In the provided model, workers are diagrammed as edges, while work shifts are shown as vertices. In order to ensure that adjacent vertices are allocated distinct weights that correspond to non-overlapping work shifts, the Local Antimagic Vertex Coloring approach is used to assign uniform weights to vertices. To optimize the effectiveness of scheduling, regular graphs are used, offering a methodical and fair framework for administrating shift allocations. Adopting this comprehensive approach ensures fair allocation of responsibilities among all workers, minimizes conflicts over shift schedules, and meets operational requirements such as skill levels, shift lengths, and staff availability. By virtue of its versatility, this model may be tailored to various industrial environments, therefore enhancing both scheduling efficiency and staff satisfaction. The actual applications of this method clearly demonstrate its durability, identifying significant improvements in shift planning, reduction of scheduling errors, and a more effective work shifts management process. This paper proposes a comprehensive solution to the complex problem of scheduling work shifts for industrial workers, including both theoretical and practical benefits.

An Evaluation of a Trauma-Informed Intervention in Secure Juvenile Detention: The Impact on Youth-Level Incidents of Violence

Few studies have examined the impact of trauma-specific interventions in juvenile justice settings, and juvenile justice-related outcomes are infrequently assessed. This study examined the impact of implementing youth skills groups ( Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation [STAIR]) and trauma training for staff (Think Trauma) on individual-level assaults in two secure detention facilities. The impact of the intervention was primarily evidenced in one facility among Black youth. In the same facility, the staff training (pre-skills groups) cohort and skills group cohort (post-staff training) evidenced a significantly greater reduction in violent incident rates as compared to the pre-intervention cohort. These findings highlight the importance of trauma-focused training for staff as a promising step toward reducing violence and improving staff members’ responses to a large subset of vulnerable youth.

HANNES: A Modular Neurointerventional Training Model

Abstract This work introduces version 2.0 of the Hamburg ANatomical NEurointerventional Simulator (HANNES): a novel modular neurointerventional simulator designed to provide a realistic platform for simulating various neurovascular pathologies and their endovascular therapies. Collaboratively developed by physicians and engineers, the neurointerventional simulator is designed with a modular product architecture combining standardized and variant modules to represent different training scenarios. The additively manufactured patient-based and patient-specific blood vessel tree consists of up to 13 individual components, including standardized features and interfaces for ease of connection. Patient-specific vessel models derived from medical imaging data allow customization and complexity adjustment. HANNES supports diverse neurointerventional training scenarios, including various modalities of aneurysm embolization, internal carotid artery (ICA)-stenosis, and thrombotic vessel occlusions, which can be treated through a transradial or transfemoral approach. The use and benefits of the model were evaluated with a group of trainees, who provided positive feedback, confirming the model's practicality and effectiveness in enhancing neurointerventional technical skills. In conclusion, HANNES represents a significant advancement in neurointerventional training, addressing the limitations of traditional training methods by simulating diverse disease patterns, enhancing medical staff's skills, and facilitating product testing.

PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL SEBAGAI SARANA INFORMASI DAN PROMOSI DI SDN SUMBER 2

The use of social media as a means of information and promotion has become an important strategy in the world of education, including in elementary schools. The purpose of this community service is to provide training on the use of Social Media as a Means of Information and Promotion in order to improve the ability of human resources responsible for managing Social Media, in this case we focus on Instagram. The methods used in this activity include training, mentoring, and evaluation of the use of school social media. This training has succeeded in improving the understanding and skills of teachers and school staff in using social media and managing digital assets of SDN Sumber 2. In addition, training participants now understand how to use social media effectively as a tool for information and promotion. They learned about the importance of consistency in posting, how to create interesting content, and strategies to increase audience engagement.

Addressing tobacco screening and treatment among racially and ethnically minoritized parents in pediatric clinics: barriers and facilitators.

Household secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a significant health issue for racially and ethnically minoritized children in the United States. Delivering parental tobacco treatment during pediatric primary care visits can reduce children's SHS exposure. This study examined current tobacco screening practices and health system stakeholder perceptions of facilitators and barriers to addressing tobacco use during pediatric visits among racially and ethnically minoritized parents. We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with clinicians, staff, and health system leaders from 5 pediatric primary care clinics in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The study was informed by the Health Equity Implementation Framework. Interviews were analyzed using both directed content and thematic analysis. Participants identified multilevel facilitators and barriers to addressing parental tobacco use in minoritized families. Within the clinical encounter, barriers included linguistic and cultural barriers, health system navigational challenges, medical mistrust, low levels of clinician and staff knowledge, skills, and confidence, time constraints, and lack of alignment with external metrics. Facilitators centered on leveraging interpreters' cultural knowledge and the presence of culturally-congruent clinicians and staff to reduce medical mistrust and stigma, developing linguistically and culturally relevant resources, and integrating prompts and resources into the electronic health record. Participants described how lessons from previous system change mechanisms would facilitate this work. Addressing health system, training and resources, and linguistic and cultural barriers among clinicians and staff is essential to strengthen their capacity to address household SHS exposure among racially and ethnically minoritized populations as a component of pediatric preventive care. Clinicians and health system staff perceive unique barriers to identifying and addressing parental tobacco use among racially and ethnically minoritized parents during pediatric primary care visits. Solutions to expand tobacco treatment access to minoritized parents in pediatric settings must attend to clinician training needs on tobacco treatment, embedding clinical encounter resources and reminders that match the linguistic and cultural needs and preferences of their patient populations, and increasing access to high quality interpreting services and culturally-congruent staff.

Assessment of Training Needs of the Office staff (Management assistants and Development Officers) in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of healthcare administration, the role of hospital office staff is pivotal for maintaining the seamless functioning of the hospital. Training Needs Assessment is a proactive approach to aligning the skills of hospital office staff with the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape, ensuring compliance and promoting excellence in administrative practices and, consequently, contributing to improved patient outcomes.Objective: This study aims to identify the training needs of hospital office staff in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in NHSL with the office staff from June to August 2023. The total population was 181. Among them, 123 people were selected from simple random sampling proportionately to the category. The self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire assessed the activities and capabilities of office staff necessary for their daily tasks. Participants were asked to score these activities based on their importance and current performance level. Mean scores for the importance of the training areas and current performances were calculated, and gaps were identified by subtracting. Training needs with the highest gaps (gap equal or more than 2) were prioritized as training needs for office staff in NHSL.Results: Procurement for the public sector, handling audit inquiries, file management including personal file management, salary conversion, pension management, gathering, organizing, analyzing statistically, & disseminating data and information were prioritized as training needs for next year.Conclusions and recommendations: Those prioritized training needs were included in the next year's (2024) annual action plan with the permission of the Deputy Director General -NHSL.

Influences on the physical activity behaviour of inpatients after stroke outside of staff-led rehabilitation sessions: a systematic review.

To use behavioural science frameworks to synthesise evidence on the factors influencing physical activity of patients hospitalised after stroke outside of staff-led rehabilitation sessions. A systematic review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and AMED were searched from inception to October 2024 for studies that explored influences on the physical activity of patients hospitalised after stroke. Data were coded with reference to the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B ('capability', 'opportunity', 'motivation' and 'behaviour') model. Thematic analysis was used to group data extracts into themes within each Theoretical Domains Framework domain. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We identified 17 studies. There was no significant risk of bias concerns. We identified 19 themes across eight Theoretical Domains Framework domains and all COM-B model categories. The most frequently recognised themes were found in three Theoretical Domains Framework domains: Environmental Context and Resources (themes: 1 -- availability of sufficient skilled staff to facilitate physical activity; 2 - design and use of the physical environment; 3 - lack of opportunities or incentives; 4 - passivity and institutionalisation; 5 - perceived and actual rules and culture of the ward); Skills (theme: physical impairments); and Social Influences (theme: activity influenced by family and friends). The review highlights the complexity of the influences on the physical activity of patients hospitalised after stroke outside of staff-led rehabilitation sessions. It is likely multi-component interventions addressing a number of influences will be required to effectively improve physical activity. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022383506.

Актуальные стратегии научно-методического сопровождения педагогических работников как механизм формирования единого образовательного пространства

<p>This publication examines the features of the integration of universities into the system of scientific and methodological support for teaching and HR staff. The most significant areas of activity of scientific and methodological centers for supporting teaching staff, created on the basis of universities, are analyzed to improve the conditions for improving the professional skills of teaching and HR staff. The central issue of discussion is the definition of strategies for the activities of scientific and methodological centers oriented on solving problems within the framework of the formation of a unified educational space in the Russian Federation. Strategies for scientific and methodological support of teaching staff are considered based on the practical experience of universities in implementing educational and scientific projects in accordance with the criteria, which determines the increase of the innovative potential in organizations, the practical significance of the content and forms of scientific and methodological support, the formation of infrastructure for supporting teaching staff, problem specialization and expertise in the activities of scientific and methodological centers, as well as the development of the interaction with professional communities.</p>

Improving Interprofessional Provider Perceptions About Opioid Use Disorder in the Acute Care Setting Through a Blended Educational Simulation Intervention

Background The influx of patients in the acute care setting with opioid use disorder (OUD) has outpaced many hospitals’ ability to educate interprofessional staff. This creates distressing experiences for interprofessional staff and patients, leading to moral distress and burnout in staff and poor patient outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to improve interprofessional staff knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward working with patients who have OUD using a blended classroom-simulation–based curriculum. Methods A preintervention and postintervention design was selected. Interprofessional staff (n = 46) participated in a blended classroom-simulation educational intervention focused on the neurobiology of OUD, stigma reduction, pain management, and harm reduction principles, followed by 3 high-fidelity simulation scenarios. Participants completed the Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire to measure staff self-perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes when working with patients who use drugs before, immediately after, and again 3 and 6 months postintervention. Results Most respondents were nurses with an average of 7.6 (SD, 9.6) years of experience. The majority did not have prior training in substance use disorder before (75.6%). There was a statistically significant decrease in mean Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire scores across the total score mean: 55.2 (95% confidence interval, 52.2-58.3) versus 45.5 (95% confidence interval, 43.9-47.1), P < .001. Decreased score indicates improved attitude and perception. Discussion A curriculum consisting of a blended classroom-simulation intervention was successful at improving several domains regarding perceptions of caring for patients with OUD. This educational intervention can serve as a model for health care systems with goal of improving patient outcomes and staff well-being.

Improving Patient Care Through Collaborative Re-envisioning of the Model of Critical Care.

Advanced medical therapies enable people to live longer with multiple comorbidities, increasing the acuity and complexity of care required upon admission into the intensive care unit. This, coupled with the shift toward a less experienced nursing workforce as skilled nurses retire or leave the critical care environment, prompted the need to re-envision how critical care is delivered. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to embed the values of staff and patient partners in a re-envisioned critical care model, which aligns the provision of high-quality care with staff skill mix and patient needs. Through a series of clinical nurse specialist-led engagement sessions with patients, families, and the members of the healthcare team who work in this environment every day, we talked about what is important in critical care. We used their words and thoughts to inform and shape a new sustainable model of critical care. The 4 components identified as essential to achieving this vision include an acuity-complexity-based approach to care, a transition from separate high-acuity and intensive care areas to integrated units, development of a career pathway to advance practice, and exploration of opportunities to optimize the scope of the interprofessional team. Embedding the values and experience of the people directly connected with providing and/or experiencing critical care increases the likelihood of success in developing, implementing, and sustaining a new model of care. This multifaceted approach resulted in 4 distinct components with achievable outcomes that support this re-envisioned patient-centered sustainable model of critical care.

Nurses’ experiences in neonatal sepsis prevention and management: a qualitative cross-sectional study at selected hospitals in a metropolitan area

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among infants in healthcare settings. This study explored nurses’ experiences in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in the Tamale metropolis.MethodsAn exploratory, descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The sample size was determined at the point of data saturation of fifteen participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify codes, subthemes, and themes within the interview transcripts.ResultsThree major challenges nurses face in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis, including (1) the absence of a protocol for handling newborns upon admission, (2) an excessive workload that made it difficult for staff to follow infection prevention protocols, and (3) inadequate, obsolete and/or lack of equipment that caused devices to be overused. The nurses also identified critical psychological and emotional difficulties they encounter as a result of working within such a stressful environment. Other activities nurses conducted were handwashing before and after every procedure, infection prevention, and separating the babies in the incubator. In managing babies with neonatal sepsis, nurses provided daily treatment, hygiene care, and supported activities of living. The nurses also assert that the availability of resources, appropriate staff, and critical skills are important for preventing and managing neonatal sepsis.ConclusionThe lack of basic working consumables like gloves, syringes, and needles, inadequate staff, and lack of defined protocol of care were identified as critical challenges that hamper the care provided in neonatal care units. Hospital authorities must focus attention on addressing the critical challenges faced by neonatal care units. Also, measures should be instituted to address the emotional and psychological concerns associated with nursing care. Future research must consider the level of influence of each of the challenges enumerated on nurses’ overall health.

Service Encounter Front Office Di Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

Service encounter implemented at Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, one of the leading five-star hotels in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Aspects such as interaction with the receptionist, room service, food and beverage service, and complaint handling were analyzed to identify their contribution to building a satisfying guest experience. The hotel utilizes modern technology and implements high service standards to improve efficiency and personalization of service. The findings indicate that the implementation of effective service encounters at Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel plays a significant role in enhancing guest satisfaction and customer loyalty. Well-trained staff, spontaneous actions, and responsive problem-solving skills contribute to creating a memorable stay experience. Efficient check-in and check-out processes, 24/7 room service, and informative concierge services are integral parts of the service encounter offered by this hotel. In addition, personalization of service and small gestures such as surprises for special moments build positive relationships with guests. The study concluded that the implementation of superior service encounters provides significant added value, strengthening the image of Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel as a premier hospitality destination in Yogyakarta. The hotel successfully meets guest expectations by providing a high-quality service experience, which differentiates it from competitors in the hospitality industry.

Effect of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices on Performance of Construction Projects in Gasabo District- Rwanda

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of construction project in Gasabo district, Rwanda. The specific objectives of this study were to examine the effect of M&E planning, M&E Staff skills management and M&E ICT management on performance of construction projects in Gasabo district, Rwanda. Methodology: A descriptive research design was used. Two hundred sixty-three respondents randomly sampled from district, sectors and cells staff and the general local population who are involved in project planning of the construction projects at Gasabo district was interviewed. The data was collected using administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 16. The study chosen to use qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the topic and thus used multiple regression analysis such as ANOVA, Pearson correlation and descriptive analysis to estimate the strength relationship between the independent variables to the dependent variables. Findings: The result of the study showed that majority of the respondents were in agreement to the fact that the performance of construction project of Gasabo district was influenced by Monitoring and Evaluation practices. The findings indicate that M&E planning had a positive and significant effect on project performance with (β1=0.170, CI 0.010, 0.350, t=2.080, P<.001). Monitoring and Evaluation Staff skills management with β2=-.016, CI -.160, 0.131, t=-.196, P>.001), has no significant effect on project performance of construction project of Gasabo district. Finally, M&E ICT management performance had a positive and significant effect on construction project performance with (β3= 0.450, CI 0.393, 0.690, t=7.190, P<.001). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The researcher recommends that monitoring and evaluation should be a priority in the projects for its relevancy; and all bodies dealing with construction projects should make arrangements for monitoring and evaluation practices due to make monitoring and evaluation operations successful.

Banking service recovery and consumer loyalty: The mediating role of satisfaction

This study aims to prove the effect of justice-based service recovery on satisfaction and its impact on loyalty. The related justices intended are distributive, procedural, and interactive. Also, proving satisfaction as mediated by the Sobel test becomes another purpose. Then, to achieve these purposes, this study employs banking customers in a few areas in West Java (Bandung and Cirebon Cities, as well as the Purwakarta Regency) as the population and samples them by snowball sampling. Fortunately, 230 collected responses exist; hence, the structural equation based on covariance is applicable to examine hypotheses. As a result, this study finds a positive tendency of distributive, procedural, and interactive justice on satisfaction, and distributive justice has a leading influence. A similar sign occurs in the association between satisfaction and loyalty. According to the mediating test, customer satisfaction can mediate the relationship between the three justices and loyalty. Based on these facts, this study recommends that banks compensate the users for the disappointing situation and handle their complaints by providing procedures and responsive and skilled staff to help. Importantly, banks should give the gift as a sign of appreciation for complaints. These actions can encourage banking users to share positive information with their friends, family, and workmates based on their experience.

A mixed-methods evaluation of a dementia education program for hospital staff and volunteers in Melbourne, Australia

ABSTRACT People with dementia have a high likelihood of being hospitalized at some point during the disease process. Recent research has found that more can be done to improve dementia care in hospitals. One of the strategies suggested to help achieve this objective is to provide dementia education programs to hospital staff. Such programs have the potential to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of staff in caring for people with dementia to optimize their in-hospital experiences and clinical outcomes. This paper reports a mixed-methods evaluation of a dementia education program delivered to staff at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The quantitative evaluation found significant improvements in participant’s knowledge of dementia but did not show significant improvements in “social comfort,” a measure of how comfortable respondents are around people with dementia. Qualitative interview data supported the quantitative finding regarding improvements in knowledge about dementia and demonstrated participants were largely satisfied with the content of the education program. However, qualitative data also indicated a problem with engagement with some non-clinical staff. There is a need to improve the quality of care for patients with dementia in hospitals, and this study shows that a dementia education program can be effective in improving staff knowledge about people with dementia.

Effective Communication Skills for Housekeeping Staff: Improving Guest Interaction in English

Practical language skills are essential in the hospitality industry, especially for housekeeping staff interacting directly with international guests. This study aims to identify and evaluate effective English training strategies to improve the communication skills of housekeeping staff at Duta Syariah Hotel Palembang. This study uses a mixed-methods approach involving ten housekeeping staff selected through purposive sampling. The quantitative method was conducted with pre-tests and post-tests to measure the improvement of English proficiency. In contrast, the qualitative method involved in-depth interviews and questionnaire analysis to gain insight into the staff's perception of the training received. 77.4. This indicates that, in general, housekeeping staff is at a moderate level of ability. However, there is considerable variation among them. The highest score obtained was 89 (SH), while the lowest score was 58 (RR). The average score of all staff was 77.4, which indicates that overall, the staff's speaking ability was at a moderate level. The English training program developed and implemented in this study effectively improves the English skills of housekeeping staff, improving professional competence and guest satisfaction. The study recommends implementing similar training strategies in other hospitality industry sectors to improve the quality of global service and communication.

Non-Cash Systems Improving Transparency in Village Financial Management

The specific background of this study revolves around the implementation of a non-cash transaction program in Randegan Village in collaboration with BPR Delta Artha to enhance financial management through SISKEUDES. A knowledge gap exists in understanding the effectiveness of non-cash systems in improving transparency and accountability in village financial management. This research aims to describe and analyze the implementation of the non-cash system within the SISKEUDES application in Randegan Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Utilizing a qualitative, descriptive approach, data collection involved interviews, observation, and documentation. The results indicate that vertical and horizontal communication is effective, facilities for operating SISKEUDES and non-cash applications are adequate, employee disposition toward policy implementation is positive, and bureaucratic cooperation is strong. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the interplay between communication, resource management, and bureaucratic structure in implementing a non-cash system for village financial management. The implications suggest that effective implementation of non-cash systems in village financial management can enhance transparency, accountability, and overall governance. Highlights: Effective Communication: Ensures smooth implementation of the non-cash system. Adequate Resources: Proper facilities and skilled staff support SISKEUDES' operation. Strong Bureaucratic Cooperation: Enhances the efficiency and transparency of financial management. Keywords: Non-Cash System, SISKEUDES, Village Finance, Management, Transparency

Results of a Process Evaluation of the Implementation of a Housing First Program in Waterloo, Canada

This study evaluated PATHS2Home (P2H), a Housing First program in Canada, through qualitative interviews and focus groups with 34 program staff, participants, and partners. Results showed successful implementation with participant satisfaction, strong program design and leadership, skilled staff, positive service system relationships, effective housing support, and fidelity to the Housing First (HF) model. Challenges included skepticism of the program model, communication with partners, staff turnover, and systemic factors such as affordable housing availability. Overall, the evaluation showed successful implementation of the P2H program in line with HF principles and identified several areas for improvement to better support participants and achieve program goals.

Review article: Scoping review of interventions that reduce mechanical restraint in the emergency department.

Mechanical restraints are known to be associated with many undesirable outcomes in clinical settings. Our objective was to examine the current literature to explore possible interventions that would reduce the use of mechanical restraints in the ED. In this scoping review, we searched online databases Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL for any studies published between the databases from 1 January 2007 to 19 September 2023. Studies were included if interventions were hospital- or staff-focused and reported measured outcomes before and after the introduction of the intervention. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies. The search strategy yielded 1937 studies across the three databases, of which 13 studies were extracted and included in the review. Interventions were categorised into four groups: provision of staff training, addition of a de-escalation team, creation of a dedicated unit and introduction of an agitation scale only. Most of the studies saw reduction in restraint rates or time in restraints. Only the two studies that used an agitation scale as a stand-alone intervention saw no significant reduction. Only one study had low risk of bias, whereas the remainder had high risk. Evidence supports further exploration of interventions that include: designing an agitation guideline; training staff in assessment, attitudinal and de-escalation skills; addition of a crisis team; and environmental changes in the form of adding a dedicated clinical space. Although these strategies may reduce mechanical restraint in the ED setting, further high-quality studies are needed before definitive conclusions may be drawn.