Experiences Of Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Pandemic scars: long-term impact of COVID-19 on work stress among healthcare workers in China.

This study mainly focused on the long-term effect of different risk exposure levels and prior anti-epidemic experience of healthcare workers in mitigating COVID-19 on their work stress in the post-COVID era. The study sample included 359 physicians, 619 nurses, 229 technicians and 212 administrators, for a total of 1,419 healthcare workers working in the Lanzhou area during the investigation. Data were analyzed by multivariate regression models. Our findings indicated that the interaction between pandemic effect mitigation experience and high-risk exposure significantly affected healthcare workers in the post-COVID era by increasing their work stress (p<0.001) and reducing their rest time (p<0.001). Healthcare workers may have experienced worse outcomes in the long term if they had higher levels of risk exposure and more experience in fighting epidemics. Furthermore, poor mental health (p<0.001) and prior experience with SARS (p<0.001) further amplified these adverse effects. However, surprisingly, we did not observe any effect of prior anti-epidemic experience or high-risk exposure on the mental health of healthcare workers in the post-COVID era (p>0.1). The adverse impact of COVID-19 may have left long-lasting effects on Health professionals (HPs), particularly those with high Risk exposure (RE) and more mitigation experience. Poor Mental health (MH) and previous experience in mitigating previous similar outbreaks (such as SARS) are risk factors that should be considered. Support programs must be designed and promoted to help HPs respond and improve their performance. Our study presents compelling evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term detrimental effects on the work stress of healthcare workers.

Redeployment experiences of healthcare workers in the UK during COVID-19: a cross-sectional analysis from the nationwide UK-REACH study.

To assess how ethnicity, migration status and occupation are associated with healthcare workers (HCW) redeployment experiences during COVID-19 in a nationwide ethnically diverse sample. A cross-sectional analysis using data from the nationwide United Kingdom Research Study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers (UK-REACH) cohort study. Healthcare settings. Healthcare workers (HCW). Outcome measures included redeployment, provision of training and supervision during redeployment, change in patient contact and interaction with COVID-19 patients. We used logistic regression to examine associations of ethnicity, migration status, and occupation with redeployment experiences of HCWs. Of the 10,889 HCWs included, 20.4% reported being redeployed during the first UK national lockdown in March 2020. Those in nursing roles (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04-1.42, p = 0.009) (compared to medical roles) had higher likelihood of being redeployed as did migrants compared to those born in the UK (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.49, p = 0.01) (in a subcohort of HCWs on the agenda for change (AfC) pay scales). Asian HCWs were less likely to report receiving training (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.88, p = 0.005) and Black HCWs (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14-3.57, p = 0.02) were more likely to report receiving supervision, compared to White colleagues. Finally, redeployed Black (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.66, p = 0.009) and Asian HCWs (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14-1.48, p < 0.001) were more likely to report face-to-face interaction with COVID-19 patients than White HCWs. Our findings highlight disparities in HCWs' redeployment experiences by ethnicity, migration, and job role which are potentially related to structural inequalities in healthcare.

Moral distress related to paid and unpaid care among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there is growing literature on experiences of healthcare workers and those providing unpaid care during COVID-19, little research considers the relationships between paid and unpaid care burdens and contributions. We administered a moral distress survey to healthcare workers in Canada, in 2022, collecting data on both paid and unpaid care. There were no significant differences in the proportion of participants providing unpaid care by gender, with both genders equally affected by certain responsibilities such as reduced contact with family/loved ones. However, men were significantly more distressed about specific unpaid care responsibilities. Unpaid care was not significantly associated with differences in intention to leave work. At work, women were significantly more concerned about patients unable to see family, while men were distressed by others mistreating COVID patients. This study enhances understanding of paid and unpaid care relationships, particularly during crises, and proposes an innovative method for assessing unpaid care burdens.

Perceptions of lived in experiences of healthcare workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in a tertiary Care hospital: A perspective from Pakistan.

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of frontline Healthcare Workers (HCWs) towards managing COVID-19 in Tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted from January to May 2021 at a Tertiary care hospital designated for COVID-19 patients in Rawalpindi Pakistan. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from twenty six HCWs. To acquire a sample that was diverse in terms of professional capacity, degree of experience and exposure, purposive sampling technique was used. After thematic analysis, themes were generated by identifying patterns among codes. Five themes emerged. All HCWs experienced significant amount of negative emotions including fear, uncertainty, imposing social distancing and workload. There were also positive experiences such as rewarding, call of duty and professional growth. HCWs experiences related to personal protective equipment (PPE) were communication issues, physical and dermatological issues, reuse and working confidently while wearing PPE. HCWs were buoyed by cooperation and facilitation, trainings and health education from administration. Coping mechanisms were used such as seeking team support, adjusting cognition to deal with reality and resorting to religion. Negative emotions predominated in the beginning and positive emotions emerged gradually. PPE and administrative support played significant role. HCWs' mental health was maintained in part by their self-coping styles. The findings of this study can be employed to inform and enhance future pandemic response initiatives.

Improving Safety and Comfort of Healthcare Workers Caring for Patients With High-Consequence Infectious Diseases in a High-Level Isolation Unit Using Innovative Approaches.

Patients with high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) require high-quality care by specially trained staff in a high-level isolation unit (HLIU) that follows strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Caring for patients with (suspected) HCID is challenging, mainly because of the strict personal protective equipment (PPE) and IPC protocols healthcare workers (HCW) must adhere to for protection. The Radboud University Medical Center, located in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, has been a dedicated HLIU facility since 2008. A newly built HLIU opened in May 2022, and encouraged us to review the existing PPE selection, IPC protocols, and HCID training program to improve safety and comfort for HCWs working in the HLIU. Based on a systematic search through (inter)national HCID PPE guidelines and semistructured interviews with end users, we selected an improved, more comfortable set of PPE. Additionally, we developed a more concise and easier-to-use patient care process flow and implemented a new teaching strategy. The new way of working was tested in October 2022 when the first 2 patients with suspected HCID were admitted to our unit. We used surveys to evaluate the experiences of HCWs involved in this care to further improve the workflow of the unit. When optimizing safety and comfort for HCWs, it is important to consider (inter)national guidelines as well as user preferences. By systematically evaluating recent experiences of patient admission to the HLIU and then adjusting protocols and training, we can ensure that the quality of provided healthcare and the safety of HCWs working in the HLIU remains high.

Access to and provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Ekurhuleni, South Africa: Experiences and coping strategies of migrant women and healthcare workers.

The importance of universal access to health services including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services by migrant populations and the fundamental role of healthcare workers in providing SRHR services, requires a balanced understanding of the experiences of both migrants and healthcare workers. This study explored the experiences of migrant women in accessing and utilising SRHR services and the experiences of healthcare workers in providing SRHR and HIV services in Ekurhuleni, South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with five internal migrants, eight international migrant women aged 18-49 years, and four healthcare workers. Migrant women were selected using snowball sampling while healthcare workers were purposively sampled. Migrant women face multifaceted challenges including but not limited to language barriers, discrimination based on migration status, cultural and religious hurdles when accessing and utilising SRHR and HIV services. Similarly, healthcare workers encounter challenges in providing SRHR and HIV services to migrant women which include language barriers and having migrants who seek services without referral documentation and legal migration documents. Training healthcare workers on cultural sensitivity and integration of migrant friendly services in the health policy may improve migrant women's experiences in accessing and utilising as well as healthcare workers' experiences in providing SRHR services.

The caregiving work experience of healthcare workers in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health: A qualitative study based on the international initiative HEROES.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. Studying the care perspective is essential to understanding the causes of specific mental health findings and proposing strategies to address them. Cross-sectional study with a thematic analytical approach, derived from the international initiative "The Health Care Workers Study" (HEROES), conducted among healthcare workers in Chile during the second semester of 2022 and the first of 2023 through semi-structured interviews and inductive coding. A narrative synthesis of 35 interviews in four themes: care at work: the presence of changes in work tasks, concern about becoming infected, collective "mystique", stigma due to being a healthcare worker, conflicts with patients; care at home: multiple ways of arranging household tasks, the relevance of living with others, interrelation with work dynamics, "double burden" among women; relationship with one's own mental health: recognition of mental health impact, the stress associated with change and uncertainty, perception of work overload, feelings of guilt or responsibility for infecting family members; and beliefs and values about the pandemic and its effects: acceptance of psychological impact on healthcare workers, organizational culture as a relevant element in postponing one's own mental health, initial disbelief in the effects of the pandemic, similarities with previous periods of social upheaval, and equality among people in terms of vulnerability to the disease. Five elements emerge as potential areas for intervention: gender perspective, previous exposure to crisis experiences, self-care spaces, peer support, and institutional response. The care perspective helps study the relationship between some stressors and healthcare workers' mental health in the context of a pandemic.

The Lived Experiences of Hospice Healthcare Workers Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults With Advanced Cancer: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Objective: To understand the lived experience of healthcare workers who provide palliative care to adolescents and young adults living with advanced cancer. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was the design of this study. Hospice healthcare workers from four pediatric hospices across Canada were recruited through purposive sampling. Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted. Results: Eighteen hospice healthcare workers participated. Two superordinate themes were identified. First, balancing on the tightrope of uncertainty wherein hospice healthcare workers strive to do their best while aiming to take the path of least regret. This theme was underscored by a notion of doing for the adolescents and young adults. Second, acting as a proxy revolves around the importance of fostering relationships with adolescents and young adults through honesty and transparency. The cycle of protection between adolescents and young adults, families, and healthcare providers was emphasized. Conclusions: An action-focused orientation when supporting adolescents and young adults was shared by the healthcare workers. The need to do for adolescents and young adults and the need to protect not only the people they care for but also themselves. More exploration is needed on how healthcare workers who care for adolescents and young adults can be supported while better understanding coping mechanisms.

Determinants of Health Outcomes of Patients Presenting with Massive Traumatic Bleeding in the Emergency Department in Selected Hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: The study sought to identify the determinants of the health outcomes of patients presenting with massive traumatic bleeding in the emergency department of selected hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. Methods: The research employed an analytical cross-sectional study design, utilizing quantitative data. Data was collected using a questionnaire, an observation checklist, and extraction of secondary data from patient records. A census sampling was done. The collected data underwent analysis using IBM SPSS version 26. Simple linear regression and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Regarding the health outcomes of patients presenting with massive traumatic bleeding, three outcomes were observed: 68.39% of the patients were discharged in fair general condition (FGC), 21.70% were referred and 9.90% were deceased. The experience of the healthcare workers, 11.6% of the variability of the health outcome of the patient is explained by experience of healthcare workers (p-value = 0.0138). Comparing the health outcomes in the two facilities, there was no difference in health outcome (p&lt;0.001). According to the multinomial logistic regression the results indicate that age is a significant predictor of the deceased outcome (B=0.064, p=0.014). Therefore, age is the most significant predictor of the health outcomes of patients presenting with massive traumatic bleeding. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: To reduce poor health outcomes of pediatric and geriatric patients, it is recommended that a specific area in the emergency department should be set aside for the trauma patients in these age categories. Due to adding special areas in the emergency department, more staff and resources will need to be allocated to the emergency department.

Healthcare workers’ perceptions and user experiences of biometric technology in the selected healthcare facilities in Zambia

BackgroundBiometric recognition, using traits like fingerprints, faces, and irises, has advanced significantly, enabling accurate identification. Despite progress, implementation in Zambian healthcare is limited. This study explored healthcare workers’ and patients' perceptions and experiences regarding biometric technology in Zambian healthcare settings, offering insights for informed decision-making and product design.MethodsThis phenomenological study explored the perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers and end-users (patients) concerning biometric technology in four healthcare facilities in Lusaka Province: Chilenje, Chawama, Kanyama (first-level hospitals), and Railways Urban Clinic. These facilities were purposefully selected for their active use of biometric services and involvement with the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). The study included 20 healthcare workers and 16 patients. Face-to-face interviews with healthcare workers and patients, and focus group discussions with users, lasting 35 to 65 min, were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded with Nvivo version 12, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFacilitators included efficient system integration, investment in biometric equipment, workflow transformation, and patient recognition of benefits. Barriers included infrastructure limitations, technical challenges, patient resistance and misconceptions, and accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities.ConclusionThis study highlights the transformative potential of biometric identification systems in healthcare, emphasizing benefits in efficiency and data integrity. Successful integration requires addressing facilitators like education and infrastructure and mitigating barriers such as cultural resistance and technological limitations. Stakeholders, including policymakers and healthcare providers, can use these insights to align efforts with Sustainable Development Goals for improved healthcare access and reduced inequalities. Considering user perspectives is crucial for effective implementation, and continuous improvement can enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Beyond the needle: a qualitative exploration of Sierra Leonean healthcare workers' post COVID-19 vaccination experiences.

The global health crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of swift vaccine development and distribution to curb virus transmission. However, discussions on vaccine acceptance and hesitancy have predominantly focused on pre-vaccination attitudes, often overlooking the significance of post-vaccination experiences in shaping individual and communal attitudes toward vaccines. This oversight is particularly critical among healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), who play a dual role in combating the pandemic and influencing public vaccine sentiment. Using the theory of planned behavior, this study explores the post-vaccination experiences of healthcare workers in Sierra Leone and assesses how these experiences influence their attitudes toward vaccine safety, efficacy and their advocacy for vaccine uptake within their communities. Employing a qualitative design, the study interviewed 24 healthcare workers, 21 of whom were vaccinated against COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews, conducted in English or Krio, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Three themes were identified: positive vaccination experiences exceeding initial expectations, strong belief in the vaccine's protective benefits and active roles in vaccine advocacy. Despite initial hesitations due to concerns over potential adverse effects, participants reported no significant issues post-vaccination, fostering trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness. Healthcare workers' positive post-vaccination experiences significantly bolster their vaccine advocacy, influencing their recommendations to patients, friends, families, colleagues and community members. This study highlights the importance of understanding and leveraging healthcare workers' experiences to enhance public trust and vaccine uptake, crucial for pandemic response efforts in LMICs.

Stigmatization experiences of healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers face the stigmatization of those caring for COVID-19 patients, creating a significant social problem. Therefore, this study investigated the stigmatization of healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this scoping review study, searches were conducted from December 2019 to August 2023 in Persian and English using various databases and search engines including PubMed (Medline), Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Springer, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and national databases. The study used English keywords such as Social Stigma, Health Personnel, Healthcare Worker, Medical Staff, Medical Personal, Physicians, doctors, Nurses, nursing staff, COVID-19, and coronavirus disease 2019, and their Persian equivalents, and their Persian equivalents to explore healthcare workers’ experiences of COVID-19-related stigma.ResultsFrom a total of 12,200 search results, 77 eligible studies were included in this study. stigmatization of healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients was evident from the literature because of fear, misinformation, and negative self-image. Manifestations were violence and deprivation of social rights, resulting in adverse biopsychosocial, occupational, and economic consequences. This condition can affect negatively health staff themselves, their families, and society as well. Anti-stigmatization measures include informing society about the realities faced by healthcare workers, presenting an accurate and empathetic image of health workers, providing psychosocial support to health workers, and encouraging them to turn to spirituality as a coping mechanism. There are notable research gaps in comprehending the phenomenon, exploring its variations across diverse healthcare roles and cultural contexts, examining its long-term effects, and monitoring shifts in stigma perceptions over time.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the stigmatization of healthcare workers, causing mistreatment and rights violations. This stigma persists even post-pandemic, posing a psychological dilemma for caregivers. Addressing this requires comprehensive strategies, including tailored stigma prevention programs and research to understand its psychological impact.

Vaccinating the Frontlines: A Qualitative Exploration of Hospital Healthcare Worker Perspectives on Influenza and COVID-19 Immunization.

Although they face higher occupational risk of contracting viral respiratory infections, hospital healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy persists. While most studies have used survey methods to quantify the prevalence of and reasons for healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy, this study employs a qualitative approach to understand their attitudes and beliefs associated with influenza and COVID-19 vaccination. To understand frontline healthcare worker experiences and perspectives on influenza and COVID-19 vaccination, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted in summer/fall 2022 with staff recruited from two Johns Hopkins hospitals in Maryland. An in-depth, key informant interview was conducted with an expert in public health audience engagement. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic and Framework analysis using NVivo software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). Healthcare workers engaged in little influenza vaccine information seeking due to their familiarity with the disease and low perceived disease severity. Approximately half (n=16) of healthcare workers reported no vaccine hesitancy towards influenza or COVID-19 vaccines. No physicians or physician assistants expressed any vaccine hesitancy, while most nurses expressed some (n=10). More than half of the women (n=14) expressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy compared to none of the men. Structural factors including hospital tier, unit assignment, and professional role influenced perceived risk of disease exposure and subsequent healthcare worker vaccination decisions. Institutional policies, including mandates and a pro-vaccine environment encouraged vaccination uptake. Healthcare workers reported being more receptive to vaccine messaging that focused on protection from disease, scientific and public health data and their heightened occupational exposure to pathogens. Despite their medical knowledge, healthcare workers are susceptible to vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to address specific concerns are needed and can be informed by our findings. A flexible and multi-pronged approach that considers individual anxieties, workplace structures, and the need for open communication with tailored messaging is necessary to promote vaccine acceptance in healthcare settings. What is already known on this topic: Healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy has been associated with many factors including race, gender, age and concerns about vaccine safety.What this study adds: Much of the research on healthcare worker vaccine hesitancy has used surveys and questionnaires giving a broad description of the prevalence and patterns of vaccine hesitancy in the healthcare workforce. This qualitative study examines vaccine behavior (rather than merely intent) through a cross comparison of healthcare workers' experiences and attitudes towards influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Study findings can be used to help tailor vaccine messaging to hospital healthcare workers which could offset concerns regarding vaccine efficacy and risk, to promote vaccine uptake.

Experiences of healthcare workers who faced physical workplace violence from patients or their relatives in Nepal: a qualitative study

IntroductionWorkplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs) has become a global concern. Our aim was to investigate the firsthand experience of HCWs who faced physical WPV from patients or their...

Providing sexual health care for international students in Australia: a qualitative study of a general practice team approach.

Background Provision of culturally responsive sexual health care for international students is important, given the large numbers of international students in Australia and known lower levels of health literacy among this cohort. Team-based care in general practice has the potential to provide this care. Methods A qualitative study that developed and evaluated a team-based model of care for female, Mandarin-speaking, international students in a university-based general practice. The model involved patients attending a consultation with a Mandarin-speaking nurse with advanced skills in sexual health who provided education and preventive health advice, followed by a consultation with a GP. Evaluation of the model explored patient and healthcare worker experiences using a survey and a focus group of patients, and interviews with healthcare workers. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach. Results The consultation model was evaluated with 12 patients and seven GPs. Five patients participated in a focus group following the consultation. Survey results showed high levels of patient satisfaction with the model. This was confirmed via the focus group findings. Healthcare workers found the model useful for providing sexual health care for this cohort of patients and were satisfied with the team approach to patient care. Conclusions A team-based approach to providing sexual health care for international students was satisfactory to patients, GPs and the practice nurse. The challenge is providing this type of model in Australian general practice under the current funding model.

Exploring dental and oral hygiene students’ interprofessional readiness: a cross-sectional study in joint paediatric outreach training

BackgroundInterprofessional education is vital in oral healthcare education and should be integrated into both theoretical and work-based education. Little research addresses interprofessional education in dental hands-on training in authentic oral healthcare settings. The aim of the study was to examine the readiness and attitudes of dental and oral hygiene students towards interprofessional education during joint paediatric outreach training.MethodsIn the spring of 2022, a cross-sectional study was done involving dental and oral hygiene students using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) during joint paediatric outreach training. The 19-item tool was answered on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree). Means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, and medians were calculated for each subscale and overall score. Students grouped according to their categorical variables were compared for statistically significant differences. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for groups of two and the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis for groups of three or more. The internal consistency of the scale was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Statistical level was set at 0.05.ResultsThe survey included 111 participants, consisting of 51 oral hygiene students and 60 dental students, with a response rate of 93%. The questionnaire yielded a high overall mean score of 4.2. Both oral hygiene (4.3) and dental students (4.2) displayed strong readiness for interprofessional education measured by the RIPLS. The subscale of teamwork and collaboration achieved the highest score of 4.5. Students lacking prior healthcare education or work experience obtained higher RIPLS scores. Oral hygiene students rated overall items (p = 0.019) and the subscales of positive professional identity (p = < 0.001) and roles and responsibilities (p = 0.038) higher than dental students. The Cronbach’s alpha represented high internal consistency for overall RIPLS scores on the scale (0.812).ConclusionsBoth oral hygiene and dental students perceived shared learning as beneficial and showcased high readiness for interprofessional education, as evident in their RIPLS scores. Integrating interprofessional learning into oral hygiene and dental curricula is important. Studying together can form a good basis for future working life collaboration.

Nurses' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines: A qualitative study (PROACTIVE-study).

To explore the attitudes of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 vaccines. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Five focus groups were conducted between October and November 2021, with a total of 30 nurses from different contexts in Northern Italy. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Three main themes were identified: 'favourable', 'unsure' and 'contrary to' COVID-19 vaccines. The favourable position was underpinned by trust in science, research and vaccination; protection for themselves, their families, patients and the population; duty as professionals; necessity to set an example for others. Participants who were unsure had doubts about the composition, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and were sometimes afraid that media provided incomplete information. The main reason why nurses were against was the feeling that being forced to vaccinate perceived as blackmail. Favourable or unsure nurses struggled to deal with those who were against and developed a series of emotions that ranged from respect and attempt to rationalize, to frustration and defeat. Identifying the areas of hesitation is essential to understand what affects the choices of acceptance, delay or refusal of vaccination. The issues that emerged regarding proper communication within the vaccination campaign highlights the key importance of adequate vaccination strategies. Understanding attitudes towards vaccine and related motivations among healthcare workers could help develop more specific and targeted vaccination campaigns that can ensure proper vaccination coverage rates and avoid hesitancy or refusal. Healthcare workers experiences of COVID-19 vaccines, their views and know how they feel during COVID-19 vaccinations. Healthcare workers had three different positions in COVID-19 vaccination. This research will guide and target future vaccination campaigns. The study is reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). No Patient or Public Contribution.

Critical thinking level in nursing degree students according to sociodemographic and academic variables: A correlational study

AimsTo determine the level of critical thinking of undergraduate nursing students during their clinical practice, as well as to identify the relationship between sociodemographic and academic variables. BackgroundNursing degree programs should prioritize the development of critical thinking skills in their curriculum and regularly assess students to ensure the acquisition of core competencies. DesignMulticenter, descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive study. Participants included were students from the Degree in Nursing enrolled during the academic year 2020–2021. Students were selected by convenience from three universities located in Catalonia, Spain. Data were collected from 429 students, with 98 being excluded due to incomplete data. MethodsData were collected by administering the Nursing Critical Thinking in Students Questionnaire and an ad hoc form of sociodemographic and academic characteristics. The STROBE guidelines checklist were followed. The study involves a secondary analysis of data from a previous study that presented psychometric analysis. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in total Critical Thinking scores across various parameters including academic year, current situation, work experience in healthcare, previous academic training, family situation, or recent stressful events. On average, students demonstrated moderate critical thinking scores. However, statistically significant relationships emerged between critical thinking scores and gender (p=0.046), institution attended for undergraduate studies (p=0.019) and having satisfactory social relationships despite experiencing stressful events (p=0.330). ConclusionsThe study delves into the correlation between critical thinking skills and sociodemographic and academic factors, identifying students who may benefit from specific interventions and advocating for adaptable educational methods. It emphasizes the pivotal role of trust in fostering critical thinking in nursing education and suggests a connection between critical thinking and strong social relationships. In conclusion, evaluating critical thinking is crucial for addressing healthcare challenges, validating teaching strategies and promoting continuous improvement in nursing education.

Approaches for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services during coronavirus disease 2019.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a reduction in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services globally, yet this programme is critical for reducing paediatric HIV incidence. To minimise the impact of COVID-19 and prevent disruptions to the PMTCT service provision, innovative strategies had to be developed and implemented. The study aimed to describe the approaches that were developed and utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing PMTCT services in Tshwane primary healthcare facilities. Three primary healthcare facilities that were providing PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic located in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. The study is part of a larger study that focused on the experiences of healthcare workers who were rendering PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was employed to gain insight into the experiences of 16 purposively sampled healthcare workers who were providing PMTCT services during the pandemic in Tshwane district facilities. In-depth individual audio-recorded interviews were conducted with study participants, following a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed using an IPA framework. Three superordinate themes emerged: strategies utilised for providing care, community-based initiatives, and support systems to enhance the PMTCT service access. Strengthening community-based initiatives and support systems is important for the enhancement of the PMTCT programme during and beyond the pandemic. Community-based initiatives are critical in continuity of PMTCT services, reducing HIV incidence, under-five child morbidity and mortality particularly during emergency situations.

A longitudinal qualitative exploration of Victorian healthcare workers’ and organisations’ evolving views and experiences during COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted individuals, society, and healthcare organisations worldwide. Recent international research suggests that concerns, needs, and experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) have evolved throughout the pandemic. This longitudinal qualitative study explored the evolving views and experiences of Victorian healthcare workers (HCWs) and organisational key personnel during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsWe recruited participants from the Coronavirus in Victorian Health and Aged care workers (COVIC-HA) study cohort. We conducted two rounds of semi-structured interviews with HCWs and organisational key personnel from three different healthcare settings (hospital, aged care and primary care) in Victoria, Australia, in May-July 2021 and May-July 2022. Data were analysed thematically using trajectory and recurrent cross-sectional approaches, guided by a temporal change framework.ResultsTwelve HCWs and five key personnel from various professional roles participated in interviews at both timepoints. Expected themes derived from mid-2021 interviews (navigating uncertainty, maintaining service delivery, and addressing staff needs) evolved over time. Concerns shifted from personal health and safety to workforce pressures, contributing to HCW burnout and fatigue and ongoing mental health support needs. New themes emerged from mid-2022 interviews, including managing ongoing COVID-19 impacts and supporting the healthcare workforce into the future. Clear and consistent communication, stable guidelines and forward-looking organisational responses were considered crucial.ConclusionsOur longitudinal qualitative study highlighted the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs’ perceptions, health and wellbeing and uncovered long-term sector vulnerabilities. Analysing HCW experiences and key personnel insights over time and across different pandemic phases provided crucial insights for policymakers to protect the healthcare workforce. Findings emphasise the need for proactive strategies that prioritise HCWs’ wellbeing and workforce sustainability. Policy makers must invest in HCW health and wellbeing initiatives alongside healthcare system improvements to ensure resilience and capacity to meet future challenges.Trial registrationThis study was approved through the Victorian Streamlined Ethical Review Process (SERP: Project Number 68,086) and registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12621000533897) on 6 May 2021.