scholarly journals WILLINGNESS TO WORK AMONGST AUSTRALIAN FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING AUSTRALIA’S FIRST WAVE OF COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION: RESULTS OF AN ONLINE SURVEY

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Michella Hill ◽  
Erin Smith ◽  
Brennen Mills
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Objectives The majority of research investigating healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to work during public health emergencies asks participants to forecast their perceptions based on hypothetical emergencies, rather than in response to actual public health emergencies they have experienced. This research explored frontline HCWs willingness to work during Australia’s first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among frontline HCWs. Methods Participants (n=580) completed an online questionnaire regarding their willingness to work during the pandemic. Results Forty-two percent of participants reported being less willing to work during the pandemic compared to before. Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), concern expressed by family members, and viral exposure were significant barriers. One-third of participants disagreed that some level of occupational risk for exposure to infectious disease was acceptable. One-quarter of participants had received communications from their workplace concerning obligations to work during COVID-19. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Australian frontline HCWs’ willingness to work. Scarcity of PPE and exposure to the virus were the most cited reasons impacting on willingness to work. Appropriate policies and practices should be implemented and communicated efficiently to frontline HCW’s. This research provides insight into the lived experiences of Australian healthcare professionals’ willingness to work during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Safety Measures Adopted by Medical Practioners during the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 883-887
Author(s):  
Hemapriya L ◽  
Maureen Prativa Tigga ◽  
Anil Kumar M.R ◽  
Prathap T ◽  
Neha Wali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Safety Measures

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures

scholarly journals A study on stigma and apprehensions related to COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in Delhi

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 4547
Author(s):  
Kartikey Yadav ◽  
Ananya Ray Laskar ◽  
S. K. Rasania
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Perceived Stigma ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Public health emergencies during pandemics of communicable diseases, may cause fear leading to social isolation and stigma. Cases have been reported of healthcare professionals (HCPs), facing discrimination on account of heightened fear and misinformation. However, there is dearth of literature with regards to the nature and magnitude of this stigma. Hence, this study was conducted to assess perceived and experienced stigma related to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among HCPs and also assess their apprehensions about testing, quarantine/isolation and consuming Hydroxy-chloroquine as prophylaxis (HCQ).Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among the HCPs working in Delhi during the period May to July 2020. The study was conducted using a semi-structured online questionnaire which was circulated on official contact numbers and email IDs of HCPs in the Google.doc format.Result: Seventy percent of the participants in the current study perceived some kind of stigma, 50% of study participants perceived some form of stigma in their residential colony, 46% observed change in behaviour of their neighbours. Around 20% of participants experienced stigma, most commonly being rude behaviour or harassment from neighbour/landlord. A statistically significant association was observed between marital status (p=0.038), designation (p=0.021) and place of stay (p=0.013) of the study participants and perceived stigma among them. The level of awareness regarding HCQ was high (94.3%), but more than 60% didn’t consume it due to apprehension about side effects.Conclusion: In view of the substantial stigma faced by the HCP, necessary measures to curb the fear and dispel misinformation related to COVID-19 must be undertaken. the rural population.

scholarly journals Medical Students Volunteering during COVID-19 Pandemic: Synopsis of Some Student-led Initiatives in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (240) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragyan Basnet ◽  
Anjali Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
General Public ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Telemedicine Service ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Security Personnel ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

The efforts shown by healthcare professionals, security personnel and the general public in fighting Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic is highly appreciable. Medical students are future healthcare professionals and have the opportunity to volunteer and help their seniors fight Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. In Nepal, we as medical students are contributing by raising awareness about Coronavirus Disease 2019 along with some innovative initiatives which are Project Personal Protective Equipment, Project Telemedicine and the ″Donate Plasma, Help Defeat COVID-19″ Campaign. Since we were able to support thousands of frontline healthcare workers with personal protective equipment and reduce burden in hospitals by providing telemedicine service, we believe such volunteering and initiations from medical students can be an inspiration for all students for future crises.

scholarly journals Attitudes and beliefs of Spanish healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110037
Author(s):  
Borja Nicolás Santana López ◽  
Yeray G. Santana-Padilla ◽  
Jesús M. González-Martín ◽  
Luciano Santana-Cabrera
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
National Level ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Professional Commitment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Online Questionnaire

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals are taking the risk of becoming infected or infecting their families. Spain is the country with the highest number of infected healthcare professionals worldwide. Our aim was to study the attitudes and beliefs of these professionals during the current pandemic. Descriptive study conducted by using an online questionnaire—based on an earlier one—which was sent to healthcare professionals at the national level, during the week March 20-27, 2020. Healthcare professionals returned 971 completed questionnaires. A total of 803 (82.7%) participants thought that they did not have suitable PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect them from infection with COVID-19. In addition, even 229 (23.58%) agreed to go on working even if they were not. In spite of this, 606 (62.4%) of them were ready to work, even with a higher-than-usual risk of becoming infected at work and getting ill. Remarkably high professional commitment has been observed among Spanish healthcare workers in the current pandemic. They were ready to work even when many of them considered that they did not have suitable PPEs, and were thus taking a higher than usual infection risk. However, they put the health of their relatives before their duties at work.

scholarly journals Departments of Pediatrics Approach at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Beatriz Simões Vala ◽  
Mariana Lopes Costa ◽  
Joana Aquino ◽  
Bilhota Xavier
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The novel coronavirus pandemic poses a challenge to healthcare systems’ balance. Since children apparently have milder disease courses, COVID-19 guidelines were not easily adapted to pediatrics. We intend to characterize how the national departments of pediatrics adapted to the pandemic at the beginning and describe the measures that were taken to protect healthcare workers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> An unvalidated online questionnaire was sent to all departments of pediatrics directors of Portuguese public health system hospitals regarding course of actions taken between April and May 2020 to face the new coronavirus pandemic. Neonatology units were excluded. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-eight questionnaires were included (93% of public health system departments). All departments divided the pediatric emergency unit into non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 areas: 68% in different areas, 47% divided the same space with a physical barrier and 16% with a line on the floor. Healthcare workers were divided into non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 teams in 71% of the departments. Personal protective equipment mostly used in COVID-19 areas consisted of face shield/goggles (97%) and respirators (95%). Others wore surgical masks (8%). The main clinical criteria for testing were Direção-Geral da Saúde criteria (84%). Presential appointments were maintained in 68% of departments with selected follow-up (81%) and priority-first appointments (73%). <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> National departments of pediatrics faced the pandemic differently and measures taken in the emergency department were more similar. Personal protective equipment was adequate in all wards with occasional overuse, considering national and international guidelines.

scholarly journals Adherence to Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Personnel in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Oliver A. Darwish ◽  
Ayushi Aggarwal ◽  
Mehran Karvar ◽  
Chenhao Ma ◽  
Valentin Haug ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cdc Guidelines ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Objectives: Protecting frontline healthcare workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical during the COVID pandemic. Through an online survey, we demonstrated variable adherence to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) PPE guidelines among health care personnel (HCP). Methods: CDC guidelines for optimal and acceptable PPE usage in common situations faced by frontline healthcare workers were referenced to create a short online survey. The survey was distributed to national, statewide, and local professional organizations across the United States and to HCP using a snowball sampling technique. Responses were collected between June 15 and July 17, 2020. Results: 2245 responses were received from doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, and medical technicians in 44 states. Eight states with n>20 (Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington) and a total of 436 responses are included in the quantitative analysis. Adherence to CDC guidelines was observed to be highest in the scenario of patient contact when COVID was not suspected (86.47%) and lowest when carrying out aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) (42.47%). Conclusions: Further research is urgently needed to identify the reasons underlying variability between professions and regions to pinpoint strategies for maximizing adherence and improving the safety of HCPs.

scholarly journals Predictors of stress among a sample of Egyptian healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermin Mahmoud Shaker ◽  
Noha Sabry ◽  
Muhammad Abdullatif Alkasaby ◽  
Menan Rabie
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Stress Levels

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous effect on people’s mental health. Healthcare workers were on the front lines in response to this crisis; therefore, they were among the most affected by the pandemic. The study aims to assess the stress perceived by healthcare workers and possible factors contributing to it, hoping that more efforts will be exerted to support the well-being of healthcare workers during public health emergencies. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted. Data were collected from 118 healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients during the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Most of the respondents (75.2%) scored much higher stress levels than average, and 19.5% had slightly higher levels of stress. Most respondents were afraid of infecting their family and close ones (77.1 %), and about half of the respondents were afraid of getting infected (47.5%). Regression analysis revealed that the only significant independent variable predicting developing higher stress levels among the participants was assigning them to tasks outside their specialty. Conclusions Healthcare workers are at high risk of developing mental health problems during public health emergencies. Their well-being is essential for the quality of services they provide. More efforts are needed to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers and to prepare them for such emergencies. Preparing healthcare workers before redeployment through training and providing PPEs will help to reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical and mental health.

scholarly journals Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7378
Author(s):  
Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Duong Dinh Le ◽  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Trung Dinh Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Stress Component ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Laboratory Workers ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Second Wave

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During the outbreak, HCWs were quarantined within the health facilities in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to their respective communities. Using the stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), we assessed the level of stress among HCWs in Da Nang city. Between 30 August and 15 September 2020, 746 frontline HCWs were recruited to fill in an online structured questionnaire. Overall, 44.6% of participants experienced increased stress and 18.9% severe or extremely severe stress. In multivariable analysis, increased stress was associated with longer working hours (OR = 1.012; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019), working in health facilities providing COVID-19 treatment (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39), having direct contact with patients or their bio-samples (physicians, nurses and laboratory workers; OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99), low confidence in the available personal protective equipment (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.744–0.962) and low knowledge on COVID-19 prevention and treatment (OR = 0.853; 95% CI: 0.739–0.986). In conclusion, many frontline HCWs experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang city. Reducing working time, providing essential personal protective equipment and enhancing the knowledge on COVID-19 will help to reduce this stress. Moreover, extra support is needed for HCWs who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Stress, Burnout, and Resilience among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Emergency: The Role of Defense Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5258
Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ◽  
Gianni Nepa ◽  
Tracy A. Prout ◽  
Fabrizio Albertini ◽  
Stefano Marcelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Defensive Functioning ◽  
The Impact

The experience of working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis has presented a cumulative traumatic experience that affects healthcare professionals’ well-being. Psychological resources such as resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms are essential in protecting individuals from severe stress and burnout. During September 2020, 233 healthcare workers responded to an online survey to test the impact of demographic variables, COVID-19 exposure, and psychological resources in determining stress and burnout during the COVID-19 emergency. Frontline workers reported higher scores for stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization (p < 0.001) as compared to colleagues working in units not directly serving patients with COVID-19. Mature defensive functioning was associated with resilience and personal accomplishment (r = 0.320; p < 0.001), while neurotic and immature defenses were related to perceived stress and burnout. Stress and burnout were predicted by lower age, female gender, greater exposure to COVID-19, lower resilience, and immature defensive functioning among healthcare professionals (R2 = 463; p < 0.001). Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provoke greater stress and burnout. On the other hand, resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms predicted better adjustment. Future reaction plans should promote effective programs offering support for healthcare workers who provide direct care to patients with COVID-19.

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