Years Of Work Experience Research Articles

Self-perceived attitudes of Italian oncology nurses towards clinical trial involvement: A cohort observational study.

Literature is lacking when it comes to oncology nursing attitudes in clinical trial involvement. To assess how Italian oncology nurses perceived their attitudes in clinical trials involvement. An on-line cohort observational study was carried out. Data collected included: sex, years of work experience in oncology field and 10 items assessing participants' self-perceptions of their attitudes in clinical trials. Linear regression was used to assess associations between work experience and self-perceived preparedness. A total of 338 Italian oncology nurses were enrolled. Most nurses declared not receiving any specific training in oncology clinical trials (23.1%). No significant associations were reported between self- perceived attitudes in clinical trial involvement in the oncology setting and both work experience and clinical trial involvement. Cancer centers are improving cancer nursing research in supplying clinical care. But very few centers are involved in training oncology nurses. This gap seems to be very deep in taking into consideration the oncology nursing research in clinical trials, too.

The effect of service robot use on tourism staff career identity: an experimental study

ABSTRACT Based on cognitive-affective system theory and using tour guides, hotel and attraction staff as subjects, three experimental studies investigated the effect of using service robots on career identity. The results were that: (1) the use of service robots significantly affected career identity; (2) emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between service robot use and career identity; and (3) years of work experience and staff age positively moderated the main effect. The findings provide meaningful implications for managers to more effectively deploy service robots and enhance staff career identity.

Creative Leadership in the Digital Age of School Administrators under the Jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office

Background and Aims: The main objectives of this research are to: (1) study the level of creative leadership in the digital age of school administrators under the jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office. (2) Compare the creative leadership in the digital age of school administrators under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office classified by educational level work experience and the size of the educational institution. (3) Study guidelines for developing creative leadership in the digital era for school administrators under the jurisdiction of the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office classified by educational level work experience and the size of the educational institution. Methodology: The sample group in this research is teachers under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office, 406 people, selected according to the proportion of the population and the sample size related to the number of schools. The tool used to collect data is a questionnaire with a 5-level rating scale with a consistency index between 0.60-1.00 and a reliability value of 0.97. For data analysis, statistics were used, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, T-test, One-way ANOVA, and F-test. Results: The results of the research found that: (1) Creative leadership in the digital age of school administrators under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office was overall at a high level. (2) Comparison of creative leadership in the digital age of administrators. Educational institutions under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office, classified by work experience It was found that overall every aspect was significantly different at the 0.05 level, with the average of executives with 15 years or more of work experience being higher than those of executives with less than 15 years of work experience. When classified according to the size of the educational institution It was found that overall there was no difference. and when classified by educational level It was found that overall there was no difference. (3) Guidelines for developing creative leadership in the digital age of school administrators under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office consists of 6 areas: 1) Vision 2) teamwork and participation 3) creativity 4) digital skills 5) motivation 6) being a learning organization. Conclusion: Creative leadership in the digital age of school administrators under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office Continuous personal and professional development is required. Through seeking knowledge from various learning sources to enhance skills, processes, or methods that can be applied to solve problems and improve educational institution administration for maximum efficiency.

Comparison of the Achieved and Expected Competence Level of New Graduate Nurses: Two Cross-Sectional Studies.

To explore and compare the self-perceived competence level of new graduate nurses with the expected competence level that nurse managers believe new graduate nurses should have in general. Two cross-sectional empirical studies. Two independent cross-sectional studies were carried out in 12 tertiary hospitals in September 2020 and November 2021, respectively. Participants were 1017 new graduate nurses with less than 2 years of work experience and 306 nurse managers who completed an online survey. The score of self-perceived nursing competence of new graduate nurses was 74.77 ± 14.35, and the expectation of nurse managers was 74.21 ± 15.04. The values of 18 items were significantly different between the two of them (p < 0.05), and there were only three items showed higher expectations of nurse managers than the self-rated values of new graduate nurses. Results of latent profile analysis revealed that this cohort of new graduate nurses could be divided into three subgroups, named risky competent (11.1%), medium competent (46.0%) and advanced competent (42.9%). When comparing, the nurse managers' expected competence level was between the value of 'medium competent' group and 'advanced competent' group. Our study adopted a dual perspective comparison of nurse managers and new graduate nurses, which broke through the limitations of the previous single perspective study of new graduate nurses' nursing competence. This study highlights the importance of the consistency in new graduate nurses' nursing competence from the perspectives of new graduate nurses and nurse managers. This study showed a generally good match of actual nursing competence level of new graduate nurses and the expected level from nurse managers. While there was significant individual heterogeneity in the competence score of new graduate nurses, three subgroups were identified through the individual-centred analysis of latent profile analysis. Therefore, Nurse managers need to systematically adjust the standardized training programs and teaching methods for new graduate nurses according to the population characteristics and take precise interventions to improve nursing competence of new graduate nurses. We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

“I always have to look attractive, but nobody cares on what I feel”: Aesthetic labor on Sales Promotion Girl (SPG)

Aesthetic labor is a job that involves the display of aesthetic body appearance and emotions by the workers. Aesthetic labor practices are performed by service workers who interact directly with customers, including Sales Promotion Girls (SPGs). This qualitative research aims to reveal how aesthetic labor practices are carried out by SPGs and what burdens that they carry. A total of 10 SPG informants who have at least one year of work experience were involved. This research found that SPGs always have to maintain their body appearances and emotions to attract customers’ attention and convince them to make purchases. They even spend money to maintain their body appearances, such as for buying healthy foods, cosmetics, skincare products, and going to the salon. SPGs are also expected to always display positive emotions in any situation. Furthermore, SPGs often experience sexual harassment at the workplace. It can be concluded that while performing aesthetic labor practices, SPGs actually experience the practices of being a docile body too. In addition, SPGs have a double burden, namely physical and emotional burdens, in doing their jobs. However, there are still many who underestimate SPGs and ignore the difficulty they face as aesthetic labor workers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the use of local anaesthesia in the Emergency Department

Background: Local anaesthesia (LA) is frequently used in the Emergency Department (ED). Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a potentially fatal complication associated with its use. It is assumed that all doctors administering LA are trained in all aspects of its use including the management of LAST.Methods: A prospective, multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at three academic EDs in Gauteng. Doctors working in the ED completed an online questionnaire designed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of LA as well as the recognition and management of LAST.Results: A total of 94 completed questionnaires were analysed. Of these, 44% of participants had graduated from medical school less than 5 years ago, and 72% had less than 5 years of experience working in the ED. The overall mean knowledge score percentage for the safe use of LA was 48.2%. The overall mean knowledge score percentage for recognition and management of LAST was 56.7%. A total of 78% of participants knew that intravenous intralipid emulsion (ILE) therapy is needed in managing LAST; however, only 25% of participants knew where to access ILE and only 33% knew how to use it.Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge on LA and the management of LAST among doctors working in the ED is low. There is also an apparent lack of awareness of the potential for toxicity despite frequent use of LA. Although the occurrence of LAST is rare, our findings highlight an obligation for continuous education on local anaesthesia and the management of LAST.Contribution: The result of this research indicates a gap in training regarding the potential for toxicity of local anaesthesia, recognition of systemic toxicity, and the management thereof. These findings suggest the possibility of misdiagnosis and under reporting of LAST.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Workplace Violence Among Hospital Staff

Background: Workplace violence has always been a serious chal-lenge in health care systems. It reduces employees’ satisfaction and productivity, and increases the potential for adverse medical events. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of workplace violence among hospital clinical staff. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 hospital care staff including nurses and paramedics in 2022. The standard questionnaire of WHO on workplace violence in health sector was used to collect data. To describe the quantitative variables, the mean and standard deviations were utilized, and for analyzing the data, multiple logistic regression model was used. The analysis was performed using SPSS 26. Results: The results showed that 47.9% of the participants ex-perienced verbal violence at least once in the past year, and 19.3% experienced sexual violence. Regarding the perpetrators of violence, except for physical violence, colleagues accounted for the highest. Most physical violence cases against the clinical staff were perpetrated by one of the patient’s family members. Gender, marital status, and years of work experience were determined as predictors of workplace violence. Married male employees with limited work experience were disproportionately at risk of workplace violence. Conclusion: Hospital clinical staff were exposed to all kinds of violence, especially verbal violence. Training personnel on the management of workplace violence and enhancing their communication skills and determining the scope, and predictors of workplace violence can help healthcare managers reduce the violence and its complications.

What factors influencing surgical nurses' competence in implementing person-centered care in the perioperative period?: A cross-sectional study.

Strengthening the capability of clinical surgical nurses to provide person-centered care (PCC) requires a thorough analysis of several related factors. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design to investigate the factors that influence surgical nurses' perioperative competency in the performance of PCC in Anhui, China. A convenience sampling was implemented to administer a questionnaire survey to 437 nurses with more than 1 year of experience working in surgical wards. A web-based cross-sectional questionnaire evaluated the participant's general sociological information, empathy, job burnout, and nursing competence. The questionnaire were designed and published through the online platform Questionnaire Stars, and the link was distributed through the Internet and WeChat media by the nursing department of their hospital. Data were collected from June to September 2023 and processed by descriptive, correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analyses. Participants with high levels of empathy (β = 0.502, P < .001), low levels of job burnout (β = -0.288, P < .001), humanistic nursing training (β = 0.167, P < .001), and personnel agency (β = 0.083, P < .001) showed better PCC competence. The regression model analysis showed that 4 influencing factors explained 59.2% of the variance (F = 158.930, P < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.592). These findings suggest that steps should be taken to strengthen the key factors, such as improving empathy, minimizing job burnout, offering more humanities training, and enhancing personalities, to reinforce PCC competency.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Meat Hygiene Among Butchers in Abattoirs and Meat Markets in Wadi Salih Garsila, Central Darfur - Sudan

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to meat hygiene among butchers and meat workers in abattoirs and markets in Garsila. A total of one hundred structured questionnaires were used to collect data on participants&amp;apos; knowledge and practices regarding meat hygiene, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. The results showed that all butchers (100%) in this study were male, with 27% aged between 36 and 45 years. Less than half (41%) of the butchers were older than 46. Additionally, 90% of butchers were married, while 10% were single. The study found that 46% had less than 10 years of work experience, while 24% had 11 to 20 years of experience. Notably, 90% of butchers were uneducated, with only 1% holding a university degree. Furthermore, 99% believed regular handwashing can reduce the risk of meat contamination, and 84% thought using appropriate gloves could minimize contamination. However, 20% believed that freezing meat is not important for preservation. There was unanimous agreement among all butchers that wearing clean personal protective equipment improves meat hygiene. In conclusion, the study indicates moderate awareness regarding meat hygiene among butchers and meat workers in Wadi Salih Garsila.

Impact of organizational culture on healthcare supply chain resilience in Jordan: Moderating role of technology integration

This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational culture (i.e., rational, hierarchical, and group) on healthcare supply chain resilience (SCR) in Jordan. This paper further examines the moderating role of technology integration on the relationship between organizational culture and healthcare SCR. Cross-sectional research was conducted, and participants were recruited from different hospitals in Jordan. An electronic survey was employed to collect the responses from 304 participants, including senior professionals designated as doctors, nurses, ray technicians, physical therapists, procurement officers, pharmacists, and lab technicians with more than three years of work experience. There was no statistically significant influence of rational culture on healthcare SCR (p-value = 0.156) and an adverse impact of hierarchical culture on healthcare SCR (p-value = 0.030). Group culture had a statistically significant impact on healthcare SCR (p-value = 0.007). Technology integration had an influential moderating influence on the association between rational culture and healthcare SCR&amp;amp;nbsp;(p-value = 0.042) and the association between hierarchical culture and healthcare SCR (p-value = 0.0129). However, technology integration had no moderating influence on the association between group culture and healthcare SCR (p-value = 0.331). The analysis revealed that group culture has an influential impact on healthcare SCR, while hierarchical culture has a negative impact on healthcare SCR. Moreover, technological integration was observed to improve the beneficial influence of rational culture and the negative effects of hierarchical culture on healthcare SCR. However, the technology integration was not observed to moderate the relationship between group culture and healthcare SCR. Acknowledgment The author acknowledges all the associated personnel who, in any reference, contributed to the completion of this study.

Tasks and responsibilities of clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals.

The number of Dutch clinical midwives has increased substantially over the last 20 years, but their tasks, responsibilities, and formal positions remain unclear. This study aimed to gain insight into the current tasks and responsibilities of clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals. We also aimed to determine whether these tasks varied among three types of hospitals in the Netherlands: secondary nonteaching hospitals, secondary teaching hospitals, and tertiary hospitals. A cross-sectional national survey in which a questionnaire was sent to 810 clinical midwives from 78 hospitals was conducted. Responses from 412 (51%) clinical midwives from 77 hospitals were included in the analysis. Most respondents (97%) provided care in the delivery wards. They were often involved in the induction of labor (88%), requests for pain relief (87%), cases of meconium-stained fluid (59%), prolonged first-stage labor (56%), and maternal hypertensive disorders (43%). Daily tasks and responsibilities were determined by the type of pathology (60%), caseload in the ward (48%), and years of work experience (28%). The tasks varied according to hospital type, and the majority also conducted non-care-related tasks, such as auditing (83%) and teaching (67%). Dutch clinical midwives play important roles in obstetric care. They provide care for women with a wide range of pathologies they are not always trained for. In addition, they perform non-care-related tasks. Their tasks varied according to hospital type. To ensure that they are both skilled and authorized, compulsory training and formalization of their profession are possible interventions.

Registered Nurses' Attitudes Towards ChatGPT and Self-Directed Learning: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Self-directed, lifelong learning is essential for nurses' competence in complex healthcare environments, which are characterised by rapid advancements in medicine and technology and nursing shortages. Previous studies have demonstrated that ChatGPT technology fosters self-directed learning by motivating users to engage with it. To explore the relationships amongst socio-demographic data, attitudes towards ChatGPT use, and self-directed learning amongst registered nurses in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study design with an online survey was adopted. Registered nurses from various healthcare settings were recruited through Facebook and LINE, a widely used messaging application in East Asia, reaching over 1000 nurses across five distinct online groups. An online survey was used to collect data, including socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes towards ChatGPT use, and a self-directed learning scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, t-tests, Pearson's correlation, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis. Amongst the 330 participants, 50.6% worked in hospitals, 51.8% had more than 15 years of work experience, and 78.2% did not hold supervisory positions. Of the participants, 46.7% had used ChatGPT. For all nurses, work experience and awareness of ChatGPT statistically significantly predicted self-directed learning, explaining 32.0% of the variance. For those familiar with ChatGPT, work experience in nursing and the technological/social influence of ChatGPT statistically significantly predicted self-directed learning, explaining 35.3% of the variance. Work experience in nursing provides critical opportunities for professional development and training. Therefore, ChatGPT-supported self-directed learning should be customised for degrees of experience to optimise continuous education. This study explores nurses' diverse use of and attitudes towards ChatGPT for self-directed learning. It suggests that administrators customise support and training when incorporating ChatGPT into professional development, accounting for nurses' varied experiences to enhance learning outcomes. No patient or public contribution. This study adhered to the relevant cross-sectional STROBE guidelines.

Unhealthy Eating Habits and Determinants of Diet Quality in Primary Healthcare Professionals in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: The aim of this work was to understand the factors influencing the prevalence of dietary behaviors, as well as determinants of unhealthy eating and diet quality among primary care physicians and nurses in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 161 doctors and 331 nurses was conducted in the years 2020–2022 in primary healthcare settings. Results: Unhealthy eating habits affected GPs aged 40–54 years (42.9%), females (64.3%), those of normal body weight (67.9%), representing private medical practice (67.9%), who had over 20 years of work experience (42.8%). Similarly, among the group of nurses, unhealthy eating habits were reported in subjects aged 40–54 (46.5%), individuals with normal body weights (49.5%), those with one chronic disease (38.4%), representing public medical practice (63.6%), with over 20 years of work experience (40.4%), seeing ≤100 patients during the work week (84.8%). The univariable logistic regression analyses for unhealthy dietary habits showed that overweight GPs had lower odds of unhealthy eating habits (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.11–1.08; p &lt; 0.05). Among the nurses, the odds of unhealthy eating habits increased with the number of years of work. Nurses with 10–20 years of work experience had 1.23 times greater odds of unhealthy eating habits, while people working for more than 20 years had 1.81 times greater odds of unhealthy eating habits than individuals working for a period shorter than ten years (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.68–2.23; p &gt; 0.05 vs. OR = 1.81; 95% CI: p &lt; 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analysis did not show statistically significant results. Conclusions: These issues should be addressed when planning educational activities aimed at supporting healthcare professionals in implementing lifestyle changes.

Job satisfaction of multidisciplinary staff working in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study in Qatar

Background/Aims Job satisfaction is an important contributor to the efficacy and success of organisations. An intensive care unit is a highly skilled area of healthcare that can be a physically and mentally challenging environment for staff, potentially impacting job satisfaction. This study aimed to assess job satisfaction levels among multidisciplinary staff members working in the intensive care units of a hospital in Qatar and evaluate how this is affected by sociodemographic and employment factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study that used a survey method. A total of 142 intensive care unit nurses, physicians and allied health professionals were recruited via random sampling from a tertiary hospital in Qatar. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form) was used to collect data on respondents' intrinsic, extrinsic and overall job satisfaction levels, using statements scored with 5-point Likert scales. The survey also collected data on respondents' gender, age, job category and years of experience working in intensive care. Data were analysed using Shapiro-Wilk tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests and analysis of variance. Mean overall job satisfaction scores were classified as low (&lt;3.00), moderate (3.00–3.99) or high (&gt;4.00). A P value of &lt;0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results The mean overall job satisfaction score was 3.82 out of 5.00, indicating moderate satisfaction. There were strong correlations between job satisfaction and both intrinsic (0.940) and extrinsic (0.894) satisfaction. There was a significant difference in job satisfaction levels depending on respondents' years of experience working in intensive care units (P=0.0477), with those who had less than 10 years of experience having the highest job satisfaction levels and those with 20–24 years' experience having the lowest job satisfaction levels. There were no significant differences between the job satisfaction levels of participants in different gender, age and job categories. Conclusions This study suggests that intensive care unit staff with more years of experience may have lower job satisfaction than those with fewer years of experience. Healthcare organisations should consider implementing targeted interventions to enhance job satisfaction, such as opportunities for professional development, recognition programmes, mentorship programmes, stress management workshops and efforts to improve work-life balance.

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors among domestic workers

BackgroundDue to urbanization and changes in family structure, the need for domestic workers has surged in many developing countries, including Rwanda. While being employed as a domestic worker presents financial benefits to many of them and their dependents, it also comes with risks and difficulties that might harm the domestic worker's mental health.AimThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicidal ideations, plans, and attempt(s)) among domestic workers in Rwanda.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, data was captured from 884 domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda. Suicidal ideation was measured using questions from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), while suicide attempts and plans were measured using questions adopted from previous studies in the region. The methods used/plan to attempt suicide were also captured from individuals with a recent history of suicide plan/attempt(s). Three separate regression models were employed to ascertain the factors associated with suicidal behaviors.ResultsThe prevalence of past-year suicidal behaviors was 32.5% for suicidal ideations, 9.5% for suicide plans, and 7.8% for suicidal attempts. Being female and having a chronic medical illness were linked to a higher risk of participating in any form of suicidal behavior. Suicidal ideations were less likely to occur among those who attained secondary education. However, more years of working as a domestic worker were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideations. Having more than five dependents at work increased the likelihood of experiencing suicidal plans or attempts among domestic workers. For those who attempted suicide, overdosing with medications/drugs was the most common method of attempting.ConclusionDomestic workers have prevalent suicide behaviors, especially among females and those with a chronic medical illness, more years of work experience, and those with many household members at work. Based on the present study, for domestic workers at risk, there is a critical need for focused mental health interventions and support networks in various sectors of the domestic labor force.

Trial‐and‐error: Securing field access for qualitative research in Vietnam

AbstractField access is frequently regarded as a mere practical step in the research process, with insufficient attention given to its broader implications. Numerous writings that focus on gaining field access offer just a collection of practical tips. While these recommendations are valuable, they are specific to each setting and individual experiences. Such an ad hoc approach fosters a limited understanding of the research permit application process and limits the discussion of access by disregarding its inherent uncertainty and its manifold consequences. In authoritarian contexts, obtaining field access remains highly uncertain and can be further complicated by arbitrary decision‐making. This article demonstrates that in Vietnam, social scientists, including anthropologists, must navigate ambiguous processes of trial‐and‐error to secure field access. With the term ‘trial‐and‐error’ we refer to an approach to problem‐solving in which various methods are attempted. Proceeding through trial‐and‐error involves familiarisation, networking, and improvisation. Based on 15 years of experience working in Vietnam we provide evidence that the process of trial‐and‐error is inherent in all three aspects. Beyond the issues surrounding access for foreign researchers, our observations also underscore the pivotal role of trial‐and‐error as a mechanism that Vietnamese citizens employ to navigate the uncertainties and arbitrariness associated with bureaucracy.

Prevalence of Neck and Shoulder Pain in Sewing Machine Operators of Rahim Yar Khan

Background: Neck and shoulder pain are prevalent among sewing machine operators due to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements, leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of neck and shoulder pain among sewing machine operators in Rahim Yar Khan City.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2019. A total of 100 sewing machine operators were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Participants with at least four years of work experience and daily work of 8 hours in a sitting posture were included. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, work hours, pain characteristics, and medication usage. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, with descriptive statistics and p-values for significance.Results: The mean age was 31 ± 11.56 years. Forty-three percent of operators reported shoulder pain, and 8% had both neck and shoulder pain. Pain was bilateral in 43%, with 35% suffering for over 2 years. Thirty percent used medication for pain relief (p = 0.001).Conclusion: A significant prevalence of neck and shoulder pain exists among sewing machine operators, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and health education.

Oral healthcare beliefs among home care services personnel; a cross-sectional study in south-eastern Norway

BackgroundThere is little knowledge about home care services personnel competencies and beliefs concerning oral healthcare for home-dwelling, dependent older adults. This study aims to map oral healthcare beliefs among home care services personnel, and have the following question: How do the education level, years of work experience and training in oral health have impact on home care services personnel oral healthcare beliefs?MethodsA cross-sectional study among home care services personnel working with older people receiving home care services was conducted across four municipalities in south-eastern Norway. The questionnaire consisted of background information (gender, education level, years of work experience, training in oral healthcare, employment status) and the nursing Dental Coping Beliefs scale. Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Norwegian Centre for Research Data.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty-two homecare services personnel responded to the questionnaire, 16.5% males and 83.5% females; 40.5% had had training in oral healthcare. Home care services personnel believed that gum diseases and cavities can be prevented by dental flossing (61.4%) and toothbrushing (98.4%). 59% disagreed that preventing sickness and medicines from destroying teeth is impossible. However, the majority of the home care services personnel were uncertain about how oral mucosal disorders can be treated. Having more than three years of higher education was positively associated with being in higher quartiles of oral healthcare beliefs, and external locus of control, and having training in oral healthcare was positively associated with being in the lower quartiles of internal locus of control and self-efficacy dimensions. Males were more likely to be in the lower quartile of oral healthcare beliefs, which wasn’t positive.ConclusionIn the population studied, the home care services personnel beliefs about oral healthcare improved with an increasing level of education and having had training in oral healthcare. This suggests that home care services personnel need more education and training in oral healthcare.

“Magical math hand‐waving”

AbstractPolitical risk forecasting is an industry that provides specialized analysis to a range of clients, including insurance companies, extractive industries, governments, defense ministries, and NGOs. Risk forecasters aim to help their clients mitigate risks by anticipating political developments that could threaten their investments and assets, especially in the “emerging markets” of the Global South. What can ethnographic analysis reveal about this industry's knowledge practices and how it transforms open‐source intelligence into commercially relevant risk forecasts? Based on five years of work experience as Senior Africa Analyst at a commercial intelligence firm, I examine how forecasters select and process risk‐relevant events, narrate them as qualitative risk briefs, and finally assign them quantitative risk scores. Through a close reading of a risk firm's internal guidelines and its daily practices, I show how analysts construct risk in African countries in line with entrenched sociopolitical imaginaries, reproducing the coloniality of finance.

GPs' experience of difficult decisions in patients with dementia and an acute illness.

GPs are often required to make decisions about the management of acute illness in people living with dementia. These decisions are often complex and involve multiple informants. We aimed to explore how GPs made decisions about acute illness in people with dementia using a micropolitics approach. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 13 GPs with a range of years of experience working in South Yorkshire, UK. Interviews were conducted by phone. Interviews focused on GPs' accounts to reflect their own perceptions and choices as portrayed to the interviewer. The analysis used the lens of micro-politics in the analysis and interpretation of the themes, with a focus on decisions between GP, patient, family and carers, other health and social care providers about the management of acute illness in a person with dementia. The results showed that GPs act as street-level bureaucrats while carrying out their role, using discretion during decision-making in an environment characterised by uncertainties and work pressures. In addition, GPs use the "soft power" skills of diplomacy such as negotiation, persuasion and engagement in navigating through difficult decision-making situations, while building relationships and partnerships with various actors in the health system. GPs possess and express power and influence decision-making in people living with dementia when navigating biomedical, social, economic and psychological factors. This power comes in the form of soft power (street level diplomacy) and the more formal power of street level bureaucracy.