Healthcare Workers In Settings Research Articles

The invisible frontiers: Mental health and turnover intention among Egyptian social workers

Research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social workers is limited, especially from low-income countries. Hence, this study examined the effect of this international health crisis on the mental health of 261 social workers in health care settings in Egypt. Generalized anxiety and stress generated by fear of COVID-19 directly influenced social workers’ intention to leave their current job. The findings show the vulnerability of social workers employed in health care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mental well-being is less than optimal, which might contribute to a high turnover rate.

Prize‐winning abstracts from BSACI/WAO 2022 meeting

Prize‐winning abstracts from <scp>BSACI</scp>/<scp>WAO</scp> 2022 meeting

Rhamnolipid Nano-Micelles versus Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer: A Comparative Study for Antibacterial Activity against Hospital-Acquired Infections and Toxicity Concerns.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are considered to be a major global healthcare challenge, in large part because of the development of microbial resistance to currently approved antimicrobial drugs. HAIs are frequently preventable through infection prevention and control measures, with hand hygiene as a key activity. Improving hand hygiene was reported to reduce the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens and HAIs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are commonly used due to their rapid action and broad spectrum of microbicidal activity, offering protection against bacteria and viruses. However, their frequent administration has been reported to be associated with many side effects, such as skin sensitivity, skin drying, and cracks, which promote further skin infections. Thus, there is an essential need to find alternative approaches to hand sanitation. Rhamnolipids are glycolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and were shown to have broad antimicrobial activity as biosurfactants. We have previously demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of rhamnolipid nano-micelles against selected drug-resistant Gram-negative (Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Typhimurium) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae). To the best of our knowledge, the antimicrobial activity of rhamnolipid nano-micelles in comparison to alcohol-based hand sanitizers against microorganisms commonly causing HAIs in Egypt—such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus—has not yet been studied. In the present work, a comparative study of the antibacterial activity of rhamnolipid nano-micelles versus alcohol-based hand sanitizers was performed, and their safety profiles were also assessed. It was demonstrated that rhamnolipid nano-micelles had a comparable antibacterial activity to alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with a better safety profile, i.e., rhamnolipid nano-micelles are unlikely to cause any harmful effects on the skin. Thus, rhamnolipid nano-micelles could be recommended to replace alcohol-based hand sanitizers; however, they must still be tested by healthcare workers in healthcare settings to ascertain their antimicrobial activity and safety.

Resilience and adaptability of social workers in health care settings during COVID-19 in Australia

ABSTRACT In 2020 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in Australia. During the pandemic, as essential workers, hospital-based social workers have been on the frontline. This cross-sectional study examines the resilience of social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, how the pandemic impacted on social work and lessons learnt. Hospital social workers working in three states, namely Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales were invited to participate in an online web-based survey, providing non-identifiable demographic details and information a) relating to their proximity to COVID-19, b) their degree of resilience (CD-RISC-2), c) professional quality of life, d) perceived social support, e) physical health, f) professional and personal growth during the pandemic, and g) impacts of COVID-19 on their practice. Basic descriptive statistics were computed for variables of interest. Within group, comparisons were made using paired t-tests or one-way ANOVAs for continuous variables as appropriate to investigate possible interstate differences. Regression analyses were conducted to determine which factors contribute to resilience. Social workers, during the pandemic, whether working under the constraints of lockdown or not, demonstrated high levels of resilience. These levels were similar across the three states, unaffected by the degree of infection in the community, indicating that as a group, social workers have high innate levels of resilience. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on hospital social workers, the long-term impact of the pandemic on social work practice, and potentially useful lessons learnt for the future.

The role of social work in the healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

Globally, the social work profession seeks to empower and support vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. These roles and responsibilities seem to be lagging in Africa as the potentials of social workers are underutilized in many areas of practice including the hospital setting. Given the contributions of medical social work, this article highlights the roles of social workers in healthcare delivery amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it emphasizes the challenges of medical social work. Since healthcare delivery requires collaboration, suggestions are made regarding ways to incorporate medical social work in healthcare settings for optimal healthcare delivery.

Tetanus Vaccination Status and Vaccine Hesitancy in Amateur Basketball Players (Italy, 2020).

Basketball is among the third most popular team sport in Italy. Albeit not usually perceived as being at high risk for tetanus, the Italian legal framework (Law No. 292 of 1963; Presidential Decree 1301/1965) requires tetanus vaccination (TeV) even for amateur practice. Even though some previous reports have suggested a relatively low adherence towards vaccination practice among basketball player, corresponding knowledge, attitudes and practices towards TeV remain largely unknown. Our study specifically investigated such topics in a total of 270 amateur basketball players participating into an internet-based survey by completing a structured questionnaire. Of them, 73.0% had a proper vaccination status, but a third of respondents (33.3%) exhibited some degree of vaccine hesitancy. The average understanding of TeV and tetanus (79.8% with a potential range 0–100) as well as the risk perception for natural infection (63.9% ± 26.6) were quite good. Even though unmotivated fears towards TeV were more scarcely reported (14.0% ± 15.4), they still represented the main reasons for having missed vaccination shots (63.0%). Knowledge status and risk perception for natural infection and TeV were well correlated (R = 0.22 and R = −0.64, respectively). Appropriate TeV status was more likely in respondents not exhibiting vaccine hesitancy (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.114, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 0.059–0.225). In turn, vaccine hesitancy was more frequently reported among individuals of male gender (OR 3.148, 95%CI 1.072–9.244), while better formal education (OR 0.065, 95%CI 0.013–0.319) and working in healthcare settings (OR 0.042, 95%CI 0.007–0.265) were characterized as negative effectors. Vaccinations in athletes represent an often overlooked issue, with a considerable lack of available evidence. The results stress the opportunity for appropriate TeV screening programs among amateur athletes and the potential relevance of interventions aimed at raising the perceived significance of TeV in order to cope with a significant share of vaccine-hesitant athletes.

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Safety Practices among Eye Care Workers in Nigeria

Abstract Objective: To assess safety practices among eye care workers in Nigeria during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. A structured electronic questionnaire was distributed among eye care workers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses) across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. Information on socio-demographics, COVID-19 infection, current working conditions and safety practices were obtained. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago Illinois, USA) for windows, version 22. Results: A total of 236 eye care workers participated in the study; their mean (±SD) age was 37.13 (±8.141) years, 125 (53%) were females, and 145 (61.4%) worked in a tertiary care hospital. All participants described COVID-19 as a viral disease and 98.3% agreed that the disease can affect the eyes. Outpatient clinic consultation was recorded as the highest (77.7%) service provided during the pandemic. Regarding preventive practices, 95% of eye care workers wore facemasks, 82.4% wore gloves during ophthalmic examination and Hazmat suit was the least used protective device (2.5%). About three-quarters (77.5%) reported feeling unsafe in their working environment and 63.9% were dissatisfied with the personal protective device provided by hospitals to eye care workers. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for eye care workers; with the practice of ophthalmology posing a high risk of transmission of the virus. Efforts should be made to provide the required personal protective devices needed for optimum protection of eye care workers in healthcare settings.

Impact of Smartphone Usage on Quality of Treatment Provided by the Physiotherapists and the Physiotherapy Interns in Out Patient Department

Introduction: Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. There is anecdotal evidence that health professionals are increasingly using Smartphones during their work. Smartphone use in healthcare work settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Using smartphone during clinical practice causes lack of attention, diminished capacity to remember important information and a decrement in performance which might impact the quality of treatment provided. Aims: The objective of the study is to determine the impact of smartphone usage on quality of treatment provided by the physiotherapists and the physiotherapy interns between the treatment sessions in OPD’s. Methodology: A descriptive design with convenience sampling and a self-designed questionnaire with close ended questions were used to survey 120 PTs and PT interns working in various health care sector. The questionnaire was based on various validated instruments for assessing the frequency and purpose, perception and opinion regarding the usage of smartphone during treatment. Results: In the present study, the statistical analysis showed that there is a significance difference in the frequency and purpose of smartphone usage during treatment among the groups with p value&lt;0.002 and the perception and opinion regarding the usage of smartphone among the two groups with p value &lt;0.001 . The physiotherapy interns scored higher in both the sections. A positive correlation is found between frequency/purpose and perception/attitude among physiotherapy interns. Conclusion: The study concluded that smartphone usage while giving treatment can alter the quality of treatment provided to the patient by the physiotherapy interns. Majority of the physiotherapy interns believe that smartphone usage while giving treatment may impact the quality of treatment during the treatment sessions in OPDs

Policy Considerations for Geriatric Social Workers in Healthcare Settings During COVID-19

Social workers are essential to the delivery of health care with older adults the during COVID-19 pandemic. This paper focuses on the impact of policies in health care systems that affect geriatric social work practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 social workers from a variety of health care settings. Data were analyzed to identify the scope of social work practice in health care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how policies in their respective settings impacted their work. Conditions that impeded participants’ ability to provide quality care and work within their scope of practice included inconsistent expectations of interdisciplinary team members, disparate access to resources, restriction of opportunities to address emotional distress experienced by workers. Recommendations for policy enhancements in health care settings include interprofessional education on effective team communication, protocol development for the equitable distribution of resources among essential workers, and trauma-informed in-service trainings for health care administrators.

Decision Support Needs for Patients with Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis

ABSTRACT Social workers in healthcare settings often support patient decision-making processes for complex medical decisions. The objective of this study was to examine decision support needs for patients considering aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis. Seventeen qualitative interviews were conducted to explore treatment decision experiences of patients who accepted AVR. Analysis was conducted using a mixed inductive-deductive approach. Fear was a prevalent response for most participants in the face of AVR. Two general paths of decision making emerged: an “active” information seeking approach, or a “passive” simplicity seeking approach. Patients with unique clinical presentations felt alienated by the decision-making process. Acknowledging fear while understanding different decision-making styles provide opportunities for social workers and other members of multidisciplinary teams to support complex patient decisions.

Older healthcare workers' satisfaction: managing the interaction of age, job security expectations and autonomy

PurposeDemographic changes involving a worldwide ageing population and later retirements produce a gradual ageing of the workforce and major concerns about how ageing may influence the workplace. This paper aims to provide evidence relating to older workers in healthcare settings in Australia.Design/methodology/approachUsing a secondary quantitative dataset, the authors sub-sampled a group of workers in the healthcare sector. We used linear regression arrangement with hypotheses focused on the assessment of the significance of interaction or moderation effects relating to job characteristics and age on employee satisfaction.FindingsThe authors note that older workers' job satisfaction is negatively influenced by poor perceptions of job security and autonomy in how their work is carried out. Ensuring that older workers stay in the healthcare workforce is imperative as the work force ages. This paper shows that managing their job security and offering them work autonomy enhance their job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a secondary and cross-sectional dataset has some limitations relating to endogeneity, although these have been managed and assessed. The paper is based on a representative sample of Australian workers, and is thus generalisable within the Australian context, and will be informative elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe focus on elements of flexibility for older workers (enhanced autonomy) and clearer job security elements is of practical relevance in the management of older workers.Social implicationsAs the overall population ages, supporting older workers in their careers will be of increasing importance. In sectors with a disproportionate share of older workers, like health care, this imperative will come sooner, and the benefits of getting arrangements right be will higher.Originality/valueNo other paper has explored these specific relationships empirically that the authors are aware of. This work is original in terms of its assessment of questions of what second-order effects exist in predicting employee satisfaction among older workers.

United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers (UK-REACH): a retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected data, study protocol

IntroductionCOVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. People from ethnic minorities, particularly those working in healthcare settings, have been disproportionately affected. Current evidence of the association between...

Mental Health Service Utilization among Adults with Head Injury with Loss of Consciousness: Implications for Social Work.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with mental health service utilization among adults with head injury with loss of consciousness (LOC) using Andersen's model of health. This secondary data analysis used the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with data collected from 7,399 adults. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine odds associated with predisposing, enabling, and needs factors on head injury with LOC and mental health service utilization. A total of 948 (12.8 percent) adults 40 years and older self-reported head injury with LOC. Head injury with LOC was higher among men and people with lower income, illicit drug use history, and moderate to severe depression. Mental health service utilization for people with head injury with LOC was lower among older-age adults and those with no health insurance. However, utilization was higher among adults with military service, history of drug use, and moderate to severe depression. Social workers in health care settings play critical roles serving adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) through mental health and substance use disorder treatment and bridging gaps in service access. Social workers should recognize the complex needs of clients with TBI and factors affecting mental health service use.

Ethics education in clinical pastoral education: prevalence and types

Chaplains frequently serve on ethics committees, as ethics consultants, and as Institutional Review Board (IRB) members in hospitals. However, little is known about how Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residents are trained in ethics and whether this training is appropriate or adequate for chaplains' subsequent work in health care settings. We created a survey to canvas 222 CPE residency programs in the United States accredited by the ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care (ACPE) to inquire about the prevalence of ethics curricula within residency programs, the educational structure of ethics curricula, and challenges associated with teaching ethics within CPE. We received a total of 84 responses for a 38% response rate. Of these, three-quarters of the programs had a required ethics curriculum, another 10% were in the process of developing one, and 18% had none. There was a great deal of variability in the ethics curricula among the different programs. Developing guidelines for a standardized ethics curriculum could help healthcare chaplains provide more effective service on ethics committees, as ethics consultants, and as IRB members.

18 Socio-Demographic Associations of COVID Antibody in Multi-Ethnic Healthcare Workers

IntroductionHealthcare workers are particularly susceptible to developing COVID-19 owing to close and frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to describe prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies amongst healthcare workers within a hospital trust and examine factors associated with increased prevalence of this antibody.MethodsData was obtained over a 4-week period in 2020 from a cross-sectional prospective survey of healthcare workers serving a multi-ethnic inner-city population who had IgG SARS-COV-2 antibody. Multiple, overlapping sources of notification were implemented to promote the availability of the test. Anonymised socio-demographic data about staff members were cross referenced with data of the antibody tests.ResultsOf 7,013,6,212 (89%) staff undertook the antibody test during the study period. The overall detection rate of IgG SARS COV-2 antibody was 26%(1584/6212). Univariate analyses reveal that there were no differences in the prevalence rates in terms of gender or age. Compared to white staff members (18%), prevalence of the antibody was significantly greater in Black(38%) and Asian(27%) staff members. The combined prevalence for all BAME staff members was 32%. The prevalence rates of staff in general wards (43%) were significantly higher other areas of the trust. For staff in emergency medicine, intensive care and anaesthetics, prevalence was 23%, whereas for other clinical teams it was 21%. In terms of professional groups, prevalence rates were highest amongst nursing and allied clinical services (28%), followed by doctors (23%), whereas, it was lower for non-clinical staff(19%).DiscussionThis large multi-ethnic hospital-based study has described the prevalence of recent exposure to SARS-COV-2 infection amongst healthcare workers and determined socio-demographic associations of this prevalence including ethnicity, professional healthcare groups, and geographical areas of work in healthcare settings. The study provides information that may be useful in future COVID studies examining the role of antibody testing both in general populations as well as in healthcare settings.

A spatiotemporal simulation study on the transmission of harmful microorganisms through connected healthcare workers in a hospital ward setting

BackgroundHand transmission of harmful microorganisms may lead to infections and poses a major threat to patients and healthcare workers in healthcare settings. The most effective countermeasure against these transmissions is the adherence to spatiotemporal hand hygiene policies, but adherence rates are relatively low and vary over space and time. The spatiotemporal effects on hand transmission and spread of these microorganisms for varying hand hygiene compliance levels are unknown. This study aims to (1) identify a healthcare worker occupancy group of potential super-spreaders and (2) quantify spatiotemporal effects on the hand transmission and spread of harmful microorganisms for varying levels of hand hygiene compliance caused by this group.MethodsSpatiotemporal data were collected in a hospital ward of an academic hospital using radio frequency identification technology for 7 days. A potential super-spreader healthcare worker occupation group was identified using the frequency identification sensors’ contact data. The effects of five probability distributions of hand hygiene compliance and three harmful microorganism transmission rates were simulated using a dynamic agent-based simulation model. The effects of initial simulation assumptions on the simulation results were quantified using five risk outcomes.ResultsNurses, doctors and patients are together responsible for 81.13% of all contacts. Nurses made up 70.68% of all contacts, which is more than five times that of doctors (10.44%). This identifies nurses as the potential super-spreader healthcare worker occupation group. For initial simulation conditions of extreme lack of hand hygiene compliance (5%) and high transmission rates (5% per contact moment), a colonised nurse can transfer microbes to three of the 17 healthcare worker or patients encountered during the 98.4 min of visiting 23 rooms while colonised. The harmful microorganism transmission potential for nurses is higher during weeknights (5 pm – 7 am) and weekends as compared to weekdays (7 am – 5 pm).ConclusionSpatiotemporal behaviour and social mixing patterns of healthcare can change the expected number of hand transmissions and spread of harmful microorganisms by super-spreaders in a closed healthcare setting. These insights can be used to evaluate spatiotemporal safety behaviours and develop infection prevention and control strategies.

Antimicrobial resistance challenging professional learning in three LMICs

PurposeAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge global challenge calling for changes in learning and working in health-care settings. The purpose of this study is to examine tensions expressed by professionals involved in AMR in three low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia and Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative study was based on 60 face-to-face or online interviews in three LMICs. The interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis and analysis of elements of an activity system.FindingsA number of tensions within activity systems were analyzed revealing key issues inhibiting reconceptualization of object of work and moving toward new activity. The study suggests four opposing forces: (1) cost efficiency and good public health objectives; (2) historically and culturally developed hierarchies and good public health objectives; (3) individual responsibility and institutional responsibility; and (4) fragmented set ups and holistic view of activity as critical when developing learning and work activities in analyzed settings.Originality/valueThis study expands the analysis of learning needs beyond individual skills and knowledge by taking a systemic approach using the cultural-historical activity theory framework. It shows that learning around AMR is needed at individual, organizational and national level.

Suicide care from the nursing perspective: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies

To explore nurses' experiences of suicide care and to identify and synthesize the most suitable interventions for the care of people with suicidal behaviour from a nursing perspective. Qualitative meta-synthesis. Comprehensive search of five electronic databases for qualitative studies published between January 2015 and June 2019. The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the different phases of the literature search and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research checklist was used as an appraisal framework. Data synthesis was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's method. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed 13 subcategories from which four main categories emerged: 'Understanding suicidal behaviour as a consequence of suffering', 'Nurses' personal distress in suicide care', 'The presence of the nurse as the axis of suicide care' and, 'Improving nurses' relational competences for a better therapeutic environment'. Further training of nurses on the therapeutic relationship, particularly in non-mental health care work settings, and monitoring of the emotional impact on nurses in relation to suicide is required to promote more effective prevention and care. This review provides new insights on how suicide is interpreted, the associated emotions, the way suicide is approached and proposals for improving clinical practice from the point of view of nurses. The results demonstrate that the nurse-patient relationship, ongoing assessment, and the promotion of a sense of security and hope are critical in nursing care for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour. Consequently, to promote an effective nursing care of suicide, nurses should be provided with further training on the therapeutic relationship. Thus, health institutions do not only provide the time and space to conduct an adequate therapeutic relationship, but also, through their managers, they should supervise and address the emotional impact that is generated in nurses caring for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour.

Mental Health and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes Among Frontline Health Workers During the Peak of COVID-19 Outbreak in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeMental health is an important component of the protection strategy for healthcare workers (HCWs). However, it has not been well described in Vietnam during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to measure the psychological distress and health-related quality-of-life among frontline healthcare workers during the peak of the outbreak in Vietnam.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey on 173 health workers at two national tertiary hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam from March to April 2020. The psychological distress was measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 Items (DASS-21), Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). EQ-5D-5L was used to determine the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes.ResultsAmong 173 HCWs, the proportion of reported depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress was 20.2%, 33.5%, and 12.7%, respectively. The median EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.93 (IQR=0.85–0.94), and the anxiety/depression aspect had the highest reported problems. The most COVID-19-specific concerns among frontline HCWs were the reduction of income (59%) and the increase of living costs (54.3%). HCWs working in the COVID-19-designated hospital had a significantly higher rate of mental health problems and had a lower HRQoL outcome than those working in non-COVID-19-designated hospitals. Other factors associated with psychological distress and sleep problems include age, job title, income, chronic diseases status, and years of working in healthcare settings. HCWs who were ≥30 years old, had higher working years, had higher incomes, and had mental health and sleep problems were more likely to have lower HRQoL scores.ConclusionWe reported a moderate rate of psychological distress and lower HRQoL outcomes among frontline HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Vietnam. Various factors were found to be associated with mental health and HRQoL that might be useful for implementing appropriate interventions for HCWs in low-resource settings.

Risk of COVID-19-related bullying, harassment and stigma among healthcare workers: an analytical cross-sectional global study

ObjectivesEssential healthcare workers (HCW) uniquely serve as both COVID-19 healers and, potentially, as carriers of SARS-CoV-2. We assessed COVID-19-related stigma and bullying against HCW controlling for social, psychological, medical and...