scholarly journals Barriers to Physical Distancing among Healthcare Workers on an Academic Hospital Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s):  
Sara C. Keller ◽  
Sara Pau ◽  
Alejandra B. Salinas ◽  
Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu ◽  
Sara E. Cosgrove ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Physical distancing among healthcare workers (HCW) is an essential strategy in preventing HCW-to-HCW transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objective: To understand barriers to physical distancing among HCW on an inpatient unit and identify strategies for improvement. Design: Qualitative study including observations and semi-structured interviews over three months. Setting: A non-COVID adult general medical unit in an academic tertiary hospital. Participants: HCWs based on the unit. Methods: We performed a qualitative study in which we (1) observed HCWs activities and proximity to each other on the unit during weekday shifts July-October 2020 and (2) conducted semi-structured interviews of HCWs to understand their experiences with and perspectives of physical distancing in the hospital. Qualitative data were coded based on a human factors engineering model. Results: We completed 25 hours of observations and 20 HCW interviews. High-risk interactions often occurred during handoffs of care at shift changes and patient rounds, where HCWs gathered regularly in close proximity for at least 15 minutes. Identified barriers included spacing and availability of computers, the need to communicate confidential patient information, and the desire to maintain relationships at work. Conclusions: Physical distancing can be improved in hospitals by restructuring computer workstations, work rooms, and breakrooms; applying visible cognitive aids; adapting shift times; and supporting rounds and meetings with virtual conferencing. Additional strategies to promote staff adherence to physical distancing include rewarding positive behaviors, having peer leaders model physical distancing, and encouraging additional safe avenues for social connection at a safe distance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Cernadas ◽  
Ángela Fernández

Abstract Background In Spain, homeless individuals have lower perceived quality of health than the rest of the population and their life expectancy is 30 years lower than the national average. While the Spanish health system provides universal access and coverage, homeless individuals do not access or use public care enough to maintain their health. The objective of this study is to determine if homeless individuals can access public health services in conditions of equality with the rest of the population, as established in healthcare legislation, and to better understand the causes of observed inequalities or inequities of access. Methods A detailed qualitative study was carried out in the city of Barcelona (Spain) from October 2019 to February 2020. A total of nine open and in-depth interviews were done with homeless individuals along with seven semi-structured interviews with key informants and two focus groups. One group was composed of eight individuals who were living on the street at the time and the other consisted of eight individuals working in healthcare and social assistance. Results The participants indicated that homeless individuals tend to only access healthcare services when they are seriously ill or have suffered some kind of injury. Once there, they tend to encounter significant barriers that might be 1) administrative; 2) personal, based on belief that that will be poorly attended, discriminated against, or unable to afford treatment; or 3) medical-professional, when health professionals, who understand the lifestyle of this population and their low follow-through with treatments, tend towards minimalist interventions that lack the dedication they would apply to other groups of patients. Conclusions The conclusions derived from this study convey the infrequent use of health services by homeless individuals for reasons attributable to the population itself, to healthcare workers and to the entire healthcare system. Accordingly, to reduce inequities of access to these services, recommendations to healthcare service providers include adapting facilities to provide more adequate care for this population; increasing sensitivity/awareness among healthcare workers; developing in situ care systems in places where the homeless population is most concentrated; and establishing healthcare collaboration agreements with entities that work with this population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. e45135
Author(s):  
Antonio Ribeiro Silva ◽  
Thereza Maria Magalhães ◽  
Raquel Sampaio Florencio ◽  
Lorena Campos Souza ◽  
Amanda Caboclo Flor ◽  
...  

Objetivo: analisar a percepção dos profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar acerca da assistência em cuidados paliativos. Método: estudo descritivo, qualitativo, desenvolvido em outubro de 2017, em hospital especializado em doenças cardiopulmonares situado em uma capital do nordeste brasileiro. O projeto do estudo foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. A amostra contou com 15 participantes da equipe multidisciplinar. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevista semiestruturada e submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: da análise, emergiram duas categorias: conhecimento da equipe multidisciplinar sobre cuidados paliativos e a percepção da prática dos cuidados paliativos. Os profissionais possuem um conhecimento ainda incipiente sobre cuidados paliativos e suas prerrogativas, além da necessidade de um comprometimento efetivo para a qualidade desse cuidado. Conclusão: apesar de os profissionais reconhecerem a necessidade de oferecer conforto nos momentos finais da vida, o conhecimento acerca do cuidado paliativo é limitado e, por isso, eles vivenciam dilemas ao lidar com equipes, pacientes e familiares.ABSTRACTObjective: to analyze the perception of professionals of the multidisciplinary team about assistance in palliative care. Method: descriptive, qualitative study, developed in October 2017 in a hospital unit specialized in cardiopulmonary diseases located in a capital of Northeastern Brazil. The sample included 15 participants from the multidisciplinary team. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to thematic analysis. Results: from the analysis, two categories emerged: knowledge of the multidisciplinary team on palliative care and the perception of palliative care practice. The professionals have a still incipient knowledge about what palliative care is and its prerogatives, in addition to the need for an effective commitment to the quality of this care. Conclusion: Although professionals recognize the need to offer comfort in the final moments of life, knowledge about palliative care is limited and, therefore, professionals perceive dilemmas when dealing with staff, patient and family.RESUMENObjetivo: analizar la percepción de los profesionales del equipo multidisciplinario sobre la asistencia en cuidados paliativos. Método: estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, desarrollado en octubre de 2017 en una unidad hospitalaria especializada en enfermedades cardiopulmonares ubicada en una capital del noreste de Brasil. La muestra incluyó a 15 participantes del equipo multidisciplinario. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y sometidos a análisis temático. Resultados: del análisis surgieron dos categorías: conocimiento del equipo multidisciplinario sobre cuidados paliativos y la percepción de la práctica de cuidados paliativos. Los profesionales tienen un conocimiento aún incipiente sobre qué son los cuidados paliativos y sus prerrogativas, además de la necesidad de un compromiso efectivo con la calidad de esta atención. Conclusión: aunque los profesionales reconocen la necesidad de ofrecer comodidad en los momentos finales de la vida, el conocimiento sobre los cuidados paliativos es limitado y, por lo tanto, los profesionales perciben dilemas al tratar con el personal, el paciente y la familia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramadhan Tosepu ◽  
Joko Gunawan ◽  
Devi Savitri Effendy ◽  
Muhammad Rustam HN ◽  
Febriana Muchtar ◽  
...  

Background: The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia continues to rise. The roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers are crucial in the battle of the COVID-19.Objective: This study aimed to explore the experience of healthcare workers in combatting COVID-19 in some parts of Indonesia.Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative study design. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted in April 2020 among thirteen participants who were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Eight themes emerged from data, including lack of personal protective equipment, lack of referral hospitals and limited facilities, dealing with patients with unknown status, feeling worried about getting infected or being a source of viral transmission, being creative, too long shift and fatigue, being surrender to God, and government issues.Conclusion: Findings of this study could be used as the input for the government, healthcare workers, and the general population in combatting COVID-19.


Sains Insani ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Zulkefli Aini ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Don ◽  
Ahmad Irdha Mokhtar ◽  
Nur Uswah Ahmad Fauzi

One of the factors that can affect a person's behavior is a communication message. In the context of the da`wah, preachers who involved actively in da`wah communication with the Orang Asli should be able to ensure that the message conveyed can be understood by the target group. In addition, the selection of the correct messages of da`wah based on the foremost priority simplify the process of sharing information between the preachers and the Orang Asli. Accordingly, this article aims to identify specific topics of Islamic faith (akidah) submitted by the Orang Asli in the process of da`wah communication and to identify verbal feedback given by the preachers to the Orang Asli of the topics. This qualitative study using case study design and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews involving nine preachers were active in da`wah activity to the Orang Asli community in Selangor. Data were analyzed thematically according to the specified objectives. The study found that the topics frequently raised by the Orang Asli is concerned about belief in Allah, belief in Malaikat, and belief in Qada' and Qadar. The topics may be found within the framework of worldview in their beliefs and practice of ancient traditions. Therefore, the preachers gave verbal feedback on these topics is based on a clear and precise sample corresponding to the level of their thinking. The emphasis on these topics is very important to strengthen and purify the faith of the community.Keywords: Communication; Message; Preacher; Indigenous community Abstrak: Elemen mesej dalam komunikasi merupakan salah satu faktor yang dapat memberi kesan terhadap perubahan tingkah laku seseorang. Dalam konteks dakwah, pendakwah yang terlibat dalam proses komunikasi dakwah dengan Orang Asli seharusnya berkebolehan memastikan kandungan mesej yang disampaikan boleh difahami oleh sasaran dakwahnya. Di samping itu, pemilihan mesej dakwah yang betul mengikut keutamaan memudahkan proses perkongsian maklumat antara pendakwah dengan Orang Asli. Sehubungan dengan itu, artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti topik-topik tertentu dalam mesej akidah yang dikemukakan oleh masyarakat Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dan mengenalpasti maklum balas lisan yang diberikan oleh pendakwah kepada Orang Asli terhadap topik tersebut. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pengumpulan data melalui temu bual separa struktur. Temu bual melibatkan sembilan orang pendakwah yang aktif dalam aktiviti dakwah masyarakat Orang Asli di Selangor. Data kajian dianalisis secara tematik mengikut objektif yang ditentukan. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa topik-topik yang sering dikemukan oleh Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dalam penyampaian mesej akidah ialah berkenaan tentang keimanan kepada Allah SWT, keimanan kepada malaikat, dan keimanan kepada qada’ dan qadar. Topik-topik berkenaan didapati berada dalam kerangka worldview kepercayaan dan amalan tradisi mereka. Sehubungan dengan itu, pendakwah memberikan maklum balas lisan terhadap topik-topik tersebut adalah berdasarkan keterangan yang jelas dan contoh yang tepat bersesuaian dengan tahap pemikiran mereka. Penekanan terhadap topik-topik tersebut merupakan perkara yang penting dalam rangka mengukuhkan dan memurnikan akidah masyarakat Orang Asli.Kata kunci: Komunikasi; Mesej; Pendakwah; Komuniti Orang Asli


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Sivananjiah Pradeep ◽  
Suman Gadicherla Raghu ◽  
Prathab A G ◽  
Banashankari G Rudresh ◽  
Radhika Kunnavil

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-447
Author(s):  
Henrik Taarsted Jørgensen ◽  
Sine Agergaard ◽  
Michalis Stylianou ◽  
Jens Troelsen

In the context of implementing a physical activity policy as part of a national school reform in Denmark, the purpose of this study was to explore lower secondary teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of the physical activity policy with a focus on movement integration. In total, 14 teachers from four different schools were selected to take part in this qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, go-along observations and informal interviews. A thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and describe patterns of meaning within data. The findings showed substantial diversity among teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of movement integration, and consequently a lack of definitional clarity regarding movement integration and a possible misalignment between policy and practice. Teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of movement integration were influenced by other and more prioritised policies and discourses regarding academic achievement, as well as by intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors. The findings also suggested a lack of support and collaboration within the school and provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses associated with the autonomy afforded in the Danish school reform.


Author(s):  
Garima Sharma

This article explores the transition of youth from childcare institutions as young adults through the lens of youth identity and gender. The research revolves around rethinking the delicate boundaries of adolescence and adulthood for the ‘institutionalised’ youth that is already on the edge of the society. This research tries to understand and decode the experiences of youth, who have lived in the childcare institutions. The childcare institutions reinforce the gender roles through its practices and structure, enabling gaps and challenges for both male and female youth outside the childcare institutions. There is an absence of a strong mechanism, enabling the smooth transition of youth from childcare institutions to adulthood. This results in unprepared young adults for an unplanned transition, fostering several challenges on them as they exit the childcare system. This is a qualitative study. The research includes both male and female youth who have lived in childcare institutions situated in Delhi. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews with the youth. This study finds that youth leaving the childcare institutions are at higher risks of having negative adult outcomes in life. While there is an absolute absence of any body or mechanism to help the youth transit smoothly, childcare institutions reinforce the inferiority and exclusion on a child during the stay period, creating a foundation for youth to perceive the social factor outside the institutions.


BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine W. Buek ◽  
Dagoberto Cortez ◽  
Dorothy J. Mandell

Abstract Background Perinatal care nurses are well positioned to provide the education and support new fathers need to navigate the transition to fatherhood and to encourage positive father involvement from the earliest hours of a child’s life. To effectively serve fathers in perinatal settings, it is important to understand the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of healthcare providers that may encourage and engage them, or alternatively alienate and discourage them. Methods This qualitative study involved structured interviews with ten NICU and postpartum nurses from hospitals in two large Texas cities. The interview protocol was designed to elicit descriptive information about nurses’ attitudes and beliefs, sense of efficacy and intention for working with fathers, as well as their father-directed behaviors. Nurses were recruited for the study using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted by telephone and lasted approximately 25 to 35 min. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Overall, study participants held very positive subjective attitudes toward fathers and father involvement. Nevertheless, many of the nurses signaled normative beliefs based on race/ethnicity, gender, and culture that may moderate their intention to engage with fathers. Participants also indicated that their education as well as the culture of perinatal healthcare are focused almost entirely on the mother-baby dyad. In line with this focus on mothers, participants comments reflected a normative belief that fathers are secondary caregivers to their newborns, there to help when the mother is unavailable. Conclusions Nurse attitudes and practices that place mothers in the role of primary caregiver may be interpreted by fathers as excluding or disregarding them. Further research is needed to validate the results of this small-scale study, and to assess whether and how provider attitudes impact their practices in educating and engaging fathers in newborn care.


Author(s):  
Katharina Diehl ◽  
Tatiana Görig ◽  
Charlotte Jansen ◽  
Maike Carola Hruby ◽  
Annette B. Pfahlberg ◽  
...  

Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians play an important role in counselling customers regarding sunscreen use and sun protection measures. A potentially helpful tool that can be used during counselling is the ultraviolet index (UVI), which informs individuals when and what sun protection measures are needed at a specific place and time. Our aim in this qualitative study was to explore awareness, knowledge, and use of the UVI during counselling in pharmacies. We used semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians (n = 20) to answer our research questions. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. During the interviews pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians revealed a lot of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the UVI. Eight professionals were able to give a correct definition of UVI. Amongst others, the UVI was confused with sun protection factor. Overall, the UVI was hardly used during the counselling of customers. The UVI was developed to provide guidance when which type of sun protection is required to avoid detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation. For effective implementation, both the general population and health professionals (e.g., pharmacists) have to increase their knowledge about the UVI. This would strengthen its use during professional counselling in pharmacies and may help to reduce the incidence of skin cancer over the long term.


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