Training Of Healthcare Staff Research Articles

Evaluation of virtual training delivery for health information systems implementation in Canada: A qualitative study.

As health information systems (HIS) become a critical part of patient care, it is crucial to build an effective education strategy that facilitates the adoption and sustained use of these systems. The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023) has contributed to the rapid shift in virtual education and training for healthcare staff. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and long-term sustainability of virtual training for using a HIS by examining opportunities and challenges. An exploratory, multimethods study was conducted with staff who had taken part in a virtual HIS training program as part of the clinical transformation journey at a large academic health science center in Canada. The study was guided by the Accelerating the Learning Cycle framework. Data were collected through pre- and post-training surveys, as well as semi-structured interviews. An iterative, inductive, constant comparative analysis approach, outlined by Braun and Clarke, was taken to thematically analyse the data. Of the 33 participants in this study, 13 were educational champions, and 20 were end-users. The pre- and post-training surveys yielded a total of 1479 responses in both groups. Three prominent themes emerged from this study: (1) fostering dynamic facilitation techniques to cultivate an inclusive culture and adapt to diverse learning needs; (2) integrating practical learning activities that contribute to knowledge retention; and (3) ensuring training resources are accessible and consistent for an optimal training experience. As HIS continue to be part of the transformation of the healthcare ecosystem, education is vital in preparing healthcare providers to perform their clinical tasks and effectively use these technologies. Findings from this study can be used to inform the development of virtual training that is inclusive and addresses the needs of care providers.

Spiritual care competences of healthcare workers in emergency and intensive care-aprospective questionnaire study

In intensive and emergency care, patients and their relatives are confronted with potentially existential crises. Spiritual care can be an additional resource to address related psychosocial and physical symptoms and to support patients and their relatives. Accordingly, healthcare workers need spiritual skills to recognize and respond to these needs. What spiritual competencies do healthcare workers in intensive and emergency care have? Are there differences between professions and genders? What factors influence spiritual competencies? The prospective questionnaire study included physicians participating in intensive care and emergency medicine courses and nurses who were training or working in intensive and emergency care. Self-reported spiritual competencies were assessed using the Spiritual Care Competence Questionnaire (SCCQ), which captures the following areas: perceptual competence, team-spirit, documentation competence, self-awareness and proactive opening, knowledge about other religions, competence in conversation techniques and proactive empowerment-competence. We included 465 physicians (50% female, years in profession: mean = 4.0, standard deviation [SD] = 3.5) and 86nurses (80% female, years in profession: mean = 12.7, SD = 10.7). The average SCC was2.3 (SD 0.4) out of amaximum of 4points, with higher spiritual competences among spiritual and religious respondents. There were differences in specific competencies between the professions and genders. Women indicated ahigher level of competence in the area of perception and conversation skills, physicians in documentation skills. Overall, there is aclear need to train healthcare staff in the field of intensive care and emergency medicine.

Accessing medical care in the era of the digital revolution: arguing the case for the "digitally marginalised".

This article explores the intersection of healthcare accessibility and digitalisation from a rights perspective. Drawing from two illustrative cases presented to a filariasis management clinic in Puducherry, where the authors are affiliated, the article argues that despite the multiple benefits that digital health poses, there are individuals and sections of society that experience marginalisation in healthcare owing to digitalisation. Collating the data generated through the observations of the authors and the narratives of the patients, the article illustrates that such marginalisation can originate even from a relatively simple ICT adaptation like text message-based appointments, inducing health inequities. The impact of such digital marginalisation disproportionately affects vulnerable sections like older adults and the rural population in an intersectional pattern where disadvantages compound to produce larger health inequities for the affected. The study advocates for bridging the digital divide through efforts including digital literacy-when possible-and alternative solutions like dedicated helpdesks, training healthcare staff and involving NGOs and voluntary organisations to ensure health equity for the digitally marginalised.

National Addiction Workshop: A Virtual Adaptation to Support Competency Development in Opioid Use Disorder Management.

Accessible, manualized, skill-based training ready for wide dissemination is needed to prepare healthcare staff to meet the needs of people impacted by the opioid epidemic. A 2-day workshop and simulation training was designed by an interprofessional substance use disorder (SUD) specialty care team, adapted to a virtual platform, manualized, and offered to healthcare staff and trainees from a large healthcare system. The workshop was offered 6 times over the course of 10 months with a total of 177 participants from across the United States enrolled in the training. Interactive experiential learning strategies including games designed to test knowledge, small-group case discussions, video demonstrations of skills, patient panels, and 3 simulations of a patient with chronic pain who developed opioid use disorder in the context of long-term opioid therapy were utilized in efforts to build skills and confidence managing SUDs in primary care and general mental health settings. Of those who completed the post-workshop survey, most found both content and training structure useful, particularly content related to medication management, stigma, and collaborative care. In addition, overall confidence scores in assessing, diagnosing, and treating SUD increased. Skill building exercises, such as interprofessional team simulations, were highlighted as most beneficial. The workshop received national attention leading to a partnership with the healthcare system's simulation center for wider dissemination. Expanding access to SUD treatment requires training healthcare staff to effectively change attitudes, increase knowledge, and improve key skills. This 2-day interprofessional workshop was well-received by participants who reported high acceptability and satisfaction scores and demonstrated improved confidence in the management of SUDs. This type of manualized, collaborative, skill-based learning experience can foster staff preparedness and willingness to conceptualize SUD as a chronic condition amenable to treatment in different healthcare settings.

Promoting sleep and rest in hospitalized children: a best practice implementation project.

The objective of this project was to implement scientific evidence to promote sleep and rest in pediatric patients during hospitalization. Hospitals are not conducive to quality sleep, as external factors such as light, noise, and interruptions from health care staff can disturb patients. Being hospitalized has a detrimental impact on children's sleep because it reduces how much sleep they get and the quality of that sleep. It has been reported that up to 20% to 30% of hospitalized children experience sleep problems. This project was conducted at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Cantabria, northern Spain. The project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit process, together with a structured approach to identifying and managing barriers to change. The study subjects were 100 children aged 2 to 16 years, who were admitted to the hospital's pediatric unit from November to December 2021, and 27 multi-disciplinary health care staff. Implementing the evidence-based strategies improved our care practices, with the follow-up audit results showing a marked improvement in compliance. Thus, training health care staff on pediatric sleep increased from 4% to 80%; using a multi-faceted approach to sleep promotion increased from 21% to 87%; and promoting relaxation techniques to promote sleep increased from 0% to 80%. The project met its objectives. Areas for improving children's sleep and rest during hospitalization were identified. To avoid resistance to change, it was necessary to involve the entire team and maintain training. We recommend follow-up audits once a year, to ensure the sustainability of the project. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A252.

Akurasi dan Ketepatan Pengkodean Diagnosis pada Kasus Obstetric di RST Dr. Asmir DKT Salatiga

Accurate and precise diagnosis coding in obstetric cases at Dr. Asmir DKT Hospital, Salatiga, is crucial for effective medical record management. This study utilized an analytical quantitative approach with a cross-sectional method to explore the relationship between the accuracy and precision of diagnosis coding. The sample comprised 100 obstetric cases selected from inpatients during the first quarter (January – March 2024). Data analysis revealed that 68% of the 72 analyzed cases had accurate diagnosis coding, while 32% were inaccurate. Similarly, 71% of the cases were coded precisely, with 29% coded imprecisely. Chi-Square analysis indicated a significant relationship between accuracy and precision of diagnosis coding (p = 0.002). Factors influencing inaccuracies and imprecisions in coding included legibility of physician notes in medical records, inadequate understanding of the coding system (ICD-10), and completeness of medical documentation. To enhance coding quality, regular training for healthcare staff is recommended, alongside strengthening internal audit systems and developing more efficient medical record information systems.

Understanding current antenatal Hepatitis C testing and care in maternity services in England.

Universal opt-out antenatal screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not currently recommened and it is recommended that maternity services offer risk-based testing. We aimed to investigate antenatal HCV testing and adherence to testing guidance. A cross-sectional survey was circulated to maternity service providers between November-December 2020 which included testing policy, training for healthcare staff, and management of women found to be HCV positive. Descriptive data are presented. A total of 75 questionnaires were returned, representing 48 % of English maternity service providers. 87 % of providers reported offering antenatal HCV risk-based testing. Risk factors used to identify pregnant women for testing varied. Less than 15 % of respondents considered women that were ever homeless or with history of incarceraton or from higher HCV prevalence areas as high risk. Current antenatal HCV testing practices are inadequate and HCV infection likely goes undiagnosed in pregnancy, especially among vulnerable population groups. In the absence of universal antenatal screening, re-framing antenatal HCV risk-based testing and management as a quality improvement initiative and developing HCV specific pathway guidance for maternity units is required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF EMERGENCY NURSES REGARDING MEDICATION ERRORS

Medication errors in emergency departments can lead to significant patient harm. Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding these errors is critical for developing effective prevention strategies. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of emergency department nurses regarding medication errors. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from March 2023 to March 2024. A total of 150 nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire available in both Urdu and English. The questionnaire comprised six sections, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding medication errors. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize the responses. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 43.6 ± 16.6 years, with 70% being female and 30% male. A majority of nurses agreed that medication errors can be reduced by calculating drug dosages beforehand (76%), using prepackaged drugs from the pharmacy (62%), and utilizing informative brochures and guidebooks (66%). Attitudes towards error reduction were positive, with recommendations for systematic training of healthcare staff (94%), raising awareness about risk management and prevention (90%), evaluating staff for eligibility (90%), and the importance of reporting and assessing errors (94%). Conclusion: Nurses in the emergency department possess sufficient knowledge and exhibit positive attitudes toward medication errors in the management and administration of IV drugs. However, ongoing training programs and awareness initiatives are essential to update nurses' knowledge and enhance patient safety.

'Alright my lovely': The use of terms of endearment as a mitigation device in the care of people living with dementia in the acute hospital environment.

This paper examines how terms of endearment (ToE) are used as a mitigation device in interactions between staff and people living with dementia (PLWD) in the acute hospital environment. ToE are often discouraged in training for healthcare staff. However, this research demonstrates that they are still commonly used in practice. Using conversation analysis, video and audio data were examined to identify the interactional functions of ToE. Analysis showed that ToE play an important role in mitigating potentially face-threatening actions such as when patients are asked to repeat hard-to-interpret talk, or when patient agency is compromised through instruction sequences or having necessary healthcare tasks undertaken. The success of this mitigation is sensitive to the specific interactional circumstances, as well as the responsiveness of the HCP to the patient's voiced concerns. These findings have implications for healthcare practice, training and wider care of PLWD.

Development of a workforce self-assessment tool for public health emergency preparedness.

In collaboration with six European public health agencies as part of the PANDEM-2 consortium, we have developed and validated a self-assessment tool that captures the workforce capacities and capabilities needed at the institutional level within National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) to deal with public health emergencies. The work carried out in this study included (i) a review of existing tools for workforce assessment, (ii) focus group discussions and interviews to map the experiences and needs of NPHI's, (iii) the development of a tool for NPHI's to assess their workforce capacity and capabilities in public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and (iv) refinement of the assessment tool via a Delphi study. Capacity markers were identified to assess the workforce required for PHEP functions and the availability of surge capacity during a public health emergency. The tool also enables NPHIs to analyze gaps in PHEP staff competencies. The assessment scores can assist NPHI pandemic preparedness by identifying and prioritizing training and recruitment needs. In line with EU Regulation 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health, article 11 Training of healthcare staff and public health staff, Member States (MS) are tasked with assessing current workforce capacity and capability gaps. The PANDEM-2 workforce self-assessment tool aligns with this requirement and will support effective planning and development to strengthen the public health workforce capacity in EU MS.

A Scoping Review of Breastfeeding Interventions and Programs Conducted Across Spanish-Speaking Countries.

Breastfeeding is vital to a child's lifelong health and has significant positive benefits to mother's health. World Health Organization recommends beginning exclusively breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and continuing during the first 6 months of infant's life. The purpose of this review is to identify and examine breastfeeding interventions conducted across the Spanish-speaking countries. A scoping review of the literature was conducted across 14 databases for relevant publications published through April 2023 to find studies in Spanish-speaking countries that involved breastfeeding as an intervention component. A total of 46 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review, across 12 Spanish-speaking countries. Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother-infant pair, and health care professionals. Intervention at the individual level in combination with support from trained health care professionals or peer counselors seemed to have higher improvements in breastfeeding rates. The greatest improvement in exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months was seen in interventions that included prenatal and postnatal intensive lactation education, for a period of 12 months. The most effective interventions that improved rates of any breastfeeding included promotional activities, educations workshop, and training of health care staff along with changes in hospital care. Breastfeeding promotion is an economical and effective intervention to increase breastfeeding behavior and thereby improving breastfeeding adherence across Spanish-speaking countries.

Dental Solid Waste Analysis: A Scoping Review and Research Model Proposal

In the face of 21st-century environmental challenges, including climate change, migration pressures, and waste disposal issues, certain healthcare sectors, notably dentistry, pose a significant global environmental footprint with concerns about carbon emissions and waste production. This scoping review searches the paradox that healthcare, while dedicated to safeguarding health, inadvertently contributes to environmental degradation through waste accumulation and disposal. The analysis of the relevant literature emphasizes the imperative for an environmentally sustainable approach to dental waste measurement, disposal methods, and comprehensive education for stakeholders. Aligned with the World Conference on Sustainable Development and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the study adhered to PRISMA-ScR systematic review guidelines and the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations. The study utilized Medline/PubMed and international organization websites for data retrieval, employing Boolean operator queries in Medline. The systematic literature analysis identified six cross-sectional studies (2004–2023) highlighting variations in dental waste composition due to the lack of standardized identification methods. This heterogeneity underscores the need for a proposed research model, emphasizing comprehensive methodologies and healthcare staff training in waste management, thus transforming the analysis into a scoping review. The study advocates for environmentally conscious dental practices, contributing to broader sustainable healthcare goals through sharing of a research protocol for dental solid waste management.

THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED HOSPITAL SERVICE QUALITY ON PATIENTS' HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND REVISIT INTENTION

Improved hospital service quality is anticipated to enhance the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) for patients with heart and internal medicine diseases. This cross-sectional study at Persahabatan General Hospital (RSUP Persahabatan) explores the influence of perceived hospital service quality on HRQL and revisit intentions among 120 cardiology and internal medicine outpatient clinic patients. Findings reveal no direct impact on HRQL and revisit intention, but a significant influence on patient satisfaction and trust. Patient satisfaction acts as a crucial mediator between service quality perception and HRQL and revisit intention, emphasizing the need for enhanced procedural ease and healthcare staff training at RSUP Persahabatan.

Hubungan Lama Kerja dan Pengetahuan dengan Tindakan Pencegahan Infeksi Nosokomial di RSUD I Lagaligo Kecamatan Wotu Kabupaten Luwu Timur

Because infection can produce inflammation and injury that may disrupt the function of tissues and organs, it is one of the causes of many diseases. There are several locations where this health problem may arise, one of which is nosocomial infections that occur in hospitals. This study aims to analyze the relationship between length of work and knowledge with measures to prevent nosocomial infections at RSUD I Lagaligo. The type of research used in this research is quantitative research with a cross sectional study design. The population and sample in this study refers to all medical personnel who work at RSUD I Lagaligo. This research uses a questionnaire. The data analysis test used was the chi square test. The results of the analysis test found that there was a relationship between length of work and knowledge with measures to prevent nosocomial infections at RSUD I Lagaligo, Wotu District, East Luwu Regency with a p value smaller than the ? value of 0.05. Hospitals should prioritize implementation and maintenance of nosocomial infection prevention measures. This includes regular training for healthcare staff on hygiene practices and prevention protocols. Hospital management also needs to ensure the availability of equipment and facilities that support effective hygiene practices. Regular audits and monitoring of the implementation of preventive measures can help maintain high levels of compliance.

COVID-19 infection prevention and control for hospital workers in Indonesia.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 led to a global pandemic, posing unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in hospitals. This study explores the intricacies of strategies employed for preventing and controlling COVID-19 in Indonesian hospitals, with a particular focus on the protocols, challenges, and solutions faced by healthcare professionals. Using a cross-sectional analysis, we examined 27 hospitals and uncovered disparities in their preparedness levels. During our investigation, we observed the robust implementation of infection prevention measures, which encompassed stringent protocols, adequate ventilation, and proper use of personal protective equipment. However, shortcomings were identified in areas such as surveillance, mental health support, and patient management. This study underscores the importance of addressing these gaps, suggesting tailored interventions, and continuous training for healthcare staff. Effective leadership, positive team dynamics, and adherence to comprehensive policies emerge as pivotal factors. Hospitals should strengthen weak areas, ensure the ethical execution of emergency protocols, and integrate technology for tracking and improving standard operating procedures. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers and maintaining strong management practices, hospitals can optimize their efforts in COVID-19 prevention and control, thereby safeguarding the wellbeing of professionals, patients, and communities.

Factors Associated with the Integration of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Nurses into Healthcare Organisations: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Background. Global nursing shortages have led to the recruitment of culturally and linguistically diverse nurses from various countries. However, nurses face integration challenges in their host countries. Objective. This systematic review aimed to find the most recent evidence of factors associated with integrational strategies and models to support the transition and adaptation of culturally and linguistically diverse nurses to the professional workforce in healthcare settings. Methods. This systematic review used the population, exposure, outcome framework to select studies according to JBI guidelines. Original peer‐reviewed quantitative studies published between 2000 and 2021 were identified. Two researchers independently screened the studies based on eligibility criteria using title, abstract, and full text. The JBI critical appraisal tool assessed the methodology’s quality for analytical cross‐sectional studies. Data were extracted, tabulated, and analysed narratively. PRISMA checklist was used in reporting. Data Sources. CINAHL (Ebsco), PubMed, Medic, ERIC (ProQuest), and Scopus. Results. The systematic review encompassed 19 articles and identified multiple factors associated with successful integration. These factors were classified into the following six categories: sociodemographic characteristics, discrimination, social support, organisational support, workplace environment, and acculturation. Conclusions. Comprehensive cultural competency training for healthcare staff, including managers, enhances cultural proficiency in work environments. Clear guidelines addressing bias and discrimination create a supportive environment where culturally and linguistically diverse nurses feel valued and respected, facilitating their adaptation and integration. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Patient care quality can be improved by ensuring sustainable culturally and linguistically diverse nurses’ integration into healthcare organisations. Cultural diversity is a unique opportunity to bring a diverse range and experience to clinical settings. The diversity can also help enhance the cultural competence of healthcare staff, allowing them to better understand and cater to the needs of culturally diverse patients. Patient or Public Contribution. Not required for study design.

Impact of Covid-19 on patient safety culture in hospital wards: A comparative study

BackgroundThe current coronavirus pandemic has profoundly impacted healthcare services across all dimensions. Patient safety culture stands as a pivotal element in enhancing safety and the quality of patient care. This study aimed to compare the patient safety culture in the COVID-19 ward with that in other inpatient wards. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 418 nurses were selected through a quota sampling method from an educational hospital in Western Iran. For data collection, the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC), developed by AHRQ, was utilized. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation (SD), as well as analytical statistics such as independent-samples t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman's correlation test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. SPSS 25 was used for analysis, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05), but there were variations in the mean scores within different dimensions. The overall mean score of patient safety culture in the coronavirus ward was 117 ± 20.91, indicating a moderate to low level of patient safety culture in this group. In contrast, in other inpatient wards, the mean score was 122.66 ± 23.47. ConclusionIn the coronavirus department, due to the heightened patient severity and increased nursing workload, the patient safety culture was rated as weak. Therefore, it demands specific attention from management to provide additional training for healthcare staff, aiming to enhance their performance in coping with stressful and unpredictable conditions.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in health care: A systematic mapping review of systematic reviews

Introduction: While patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly required by policymakers and funding agencies, the vast amount of literature on this topic makes it difficult for stakeholders who are at the beginning of their journey to find guidance on conceptual frameworks, successful methods, and good examples for PPI in contexts/settings similar to their own. Although there are various conceptual frameworks available, especially for PPI in research [1], little is known about which conceptual frameworks are successfully being implemented in health care practice. Recently, [2] highlighted different theoretical traditions and the need to further develop theory-driven approaches to guide the process of involvement in more strategic ways. 
 Objectives: The overarching goal of this mapping review is to identify systematic reviews on PPI in health care practice worldwide to: 
 
 further examine the different conceptualizations of PPI in health care used in the literature (i.e., definitions, models, frameworks);
 provide an overview of the methods used to promote and implement PPI in health care;
 provide an overview of contextual factors such as:
 
 - the settings in which PPI is implemented in health care; 
 - the demographic characteristics of the patients and the publics involved;
 - the desired, achieved and reported outcomes of PPI; and 
 - the outcomes used to measure the effectiveness of PPI. 
 Method and preliminary results: Methodologically, a mapping review design was chosen to give an overview of findings, identify research gaps in the field and to provide the audience with intuitive and accessible visualisations. This review is co-designed and carried out in partnership with a patient (JB), who is also an active volunteer, representative and chair of a patient organization. 
 In December 2021, the study was registered on the Open Science Forum (https://osf.io/9b5j3) and an initial search on PubMed, Cinahl and PsycInfo resulted in 3763 articles after deduplication. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by 2 reviewers (VC, JB) and 95 articles were selected for full-text review. 35 articles were included in the study for detailed data extraction (VC, IB, JB). The themes covered in the articles range from PPI in the education and skills training of health care staff, PPI in design, development and evaluation of health care services and products, quality improvement, patient safety, infectious disease control, crisis management, mental health and health promotion. While data extraction has been completed, data synthesis is still ongoing at the time of abstract submission. An updated search is planned for December 2022. With this mapping review of systematic reviews, we hope to provide an overview of the field and some guidance to those wanting to involve patients, caregivers and the public in their upcoming projects. 
 References
 [1] Greenhalgh T, et al. Frameworks for supporting patient and public involvement in research: Systematic review and co-design pilot. Health Expectations 2019;22(4):785-801. DOI: 10.1111/hex.12888. 
 [2] Ocloo J, et al. Exploring the theory, barriers and enablers for patient and public involvement across health, social care and patient safety: a systematic review of reviews. Health Research Policy and Systems 2021;19(1):8. DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00644-3.

Diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in a primary care population (RAPTOR-C19)

ObjectivesLimited evidence exists for the diagnostic performance of point-of-care tests for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in community healthcare. We carried out a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of the LumiraDx™ SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A or B assay in primary care. MethodsTotal of 913 adults and children with symptoms of current SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from 18 UK primary care practices during a period when Omicron was the predominant COVID variant of concern (June 2022 to December 2022). Trained health care staff performed the index test, with diagnostic accuracy parameters estimated for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza against real-time reverse-transcription PCR (rtRT-PCR). Results151/887 participants were SARS-CoV-2 rtRT-PCR positive, 109 positive for Influenza A, 6 for Influenza B. Index test sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 was 80.8% (122 of the 151, 95% CI, 73.6–86.7%) and specificity 98.9% (728 of the 736, 95% CI, 97.9–99.5%). For influenza A, sensitivity was 61.5% (67 of the 109, 95% CI, 51.7–70.6%) and specificity 99.4% (771 of the 776, 95% CI, 98.5–99.8%). Sensitivity to detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza dropped sharply at rtRT-PCR cycle thresholds (Ct) > 30. DiscussionsThe LumiraDx™ SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B assay had moderate sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic patients in primary care, with lower performance with high rtRT-PCR Ct. Negative results in this patient group cannot definitively rule out SARS-CoV-2 or influenza.

Perception survey on the value of the hospital pharmacist at the emergency department

ObjectiveTo determine the perception and evaluation of the Emergency pharmacist by the medical and nursing staff at the Emergency department. MethodsA multicenter study based on a survey sent to the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacists (SEFH) for Emergency pharmacists (EPh) to distribute among the Emergency staff. Descriptive statistics were used, with a 95% confidence interval. Results102 (12%) questionnaires were completed by 73 Emergency Physicians (71.6%) and 29 Emergency Nurses (28.4%), out of 835 surveys sent. The most common pharmaceutical activities, and perceived as more relevant for patient safety, were: consultation solution, prescription validation, and medication reconciliation. 63% of respondents supported the prospective review of high-risk medications, while 89% believed that the Pharmacist improves the quality of care. EPh are considered useful for training healthcare staff and patients, and 77% of respondents considered them as an integral member of the team. They would resort more to Pharmacists if they were present at the hospital department. ConclusionsThe results show the acceptance of Hospital Pharmacists in the Emergency Department; their functions are known and valued. They are considered an integral member of the team, who will provide safety and improve patient care.Medication reconciliation and prescription validation are highlighted because of their relevance in terms of safety. Further studies are needed to assess health outcomes and their economic impact.