scholarly journals Improving the way healthcare professionals deliver different news to families during pregnancy or at birth: a qualitative study

Author(s):  
Esther Mugweni ◽  
Samantha Goodliffe ◽  
Sabrena Jaswal ◽  
Melita Walker ◽  
Angela Emrys-Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim: To explore the lived experience of delivering or receiving news about an unborn or newborn child having a condition associated with a learning disability in order to inform the development of a training intervention for healthcare professionals. We refer to this news as different news. Background: How healthcare professionals deliver different news to parents affects the way they adjust to the situation, the wellbeing of their child and their ongoing engagement with services. This is the first study that examined the lived experience of delivering and receiving different news, in order to inform the development of training for healthcare professionals using the Theoretical Domains Framework version 2. Method: We conducted qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 9 different parents with the lived experience of receiving different news and 12 healthcare professionals who delivered different news. It was through these descriptions of the lived experience that barriers and facilitators to effectively delivering different news were identified to inform the training programme. Data analysis was guided by Theoretical Domains Framework version 2 to identify these barriers and facilitators as well as the content of a training intervention. Findings: Receiving different news had a significant impact on parents’ emotional and mental wellbeing. They remembered how professionals described their child, the quality of care and emotional support they received. The process had a significant impact on the parent–child relationship and the relationship between the family and healthcare professionals. Delivering different news was challenging for some healthcare professionals due to lack of training. Future training informed by parents’ experiences should equip professionals to demonstrate empathy, compassion, provide a balanced description of conditions and make referrals for further care and support. This can minimise the negative psychological impact of the news, maximise psychological wellbeing of families and reduce the burden on primary care services.

BJR|Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 20210004
Author(s):  
Harriet Nalubega Kisembo ◽  
Ritah Nassanga ◽  
Faith Ameda Ameda ◽  
Moses Ocan ◽  
Alison A Kinengyere ◽  
...  

Objectives: To identify, categorize, and develop an aggregated synthesis of evidence using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) on barriers and facilitators that influence implementation of clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in diagnostic imaging Methods: The protocol will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2014. Methodology for JBI Mixed Methods Systematic Reviews and will adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA-P). Information source will include databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library), internet search (https://www.google.com/scholar), experts’ opinion, professional societies/organizations websites and government bodies strategies/recommendations, and reference lists of included studies. Articles of any study design published in English from 1990 to date, having investigated factors operating as barriers and/or facilitators to the implementation CIGs by HCPs will be eligible. Selecting, appraising, and extracting data from the included studies will be independently performed by at least two reviewers using validated tools and Rayyan – Systematic Review web application. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus and a third reviewer as a tie breaker. The aggregated studies will be synthesized using thematic analysis guided by TDF. Results: Identified barriers will be defined a priori and mapped into 7 TDF domains including knowledge, awareness, effectiveness, time, litigationand financial incentives Conclusion: The results will provide an insight into a theory-based approach to predict behavior-related determinants for implementing CIGs and develop strategies/interventions to target the elicited behaviors. Recommendations will be made if the level of evidence is sufficient Advances in knowledge: Resource-constrained settings that are in the process of adopting CIGs may opt for this strategy to predict in advance likely impediments to achieving the goal of CIG implementation and develop tailored interventions during the planning phase. Systematic review Registration: PROSPERO ID = CRD42020136372 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S126-S126
Author(s):  
Sophie Behrman ◽  
Aisling Higham ◽  
Haido Vlachos ◽  
Gerti Stegen

AimsThe BMA's survey results (Caring for the Mental Health of the Medical Workforce, 2019) and HEE's NHS Staff and Learners’ Mental Wellbeing Commission report (2019) highlighted declining staff wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened focus on this and the effects of moral injury on healthcare professionals. Shielding, social distancing and redeployment led to many medical trainees being increasingly isolated at a time of heightened anxiety and adversity. Psychiatry trainees tend to have good access to reflective groups, but this is not customary in other training programmes.MethodIntervention“Trainees4trainees” was set up by trainees across specialties as a HEE-TV well-being project, led by the Deanery Trainee Improvement Fellow. Peer support groups are run on Zoom, facilitated by 2 trainees with special training in peer support. Psychiatry trainees have been involved in designing and facilitating groups and training facilitators from other specialties; facilitators have regular supervision from a consultant psychiatrist in medical psychotherapy. Trainees are supported to discuss challenging experiences and think about their emotional responses in a supportive and validating group.ResultFeedbackWe are in the process of formal data collection to assess the impact of the intervention. Informal feedback suggests the groups are a powerful support to individuals who otherwise have no avenue to think about the psychological impact of their experiences. The groups have supported trainees to feel less isolated and bolstered their resilience.ConclusionFuture plansWe have faced challenges in the practicalities of establishing and maintaining groups. We are working with Training Programme Directors to move towards running the groups in protected time within working hours and advocate that reflective groups, such as our peer support groups, are a key part of future medical and surgical Training Programmes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzannah Stuijfzand ◽  
Camille Deforges ◽  
Vania Sandoz ◽  
Consuela-Thais Consuela-Thais Sajin ◽  
Cécile Jaques ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Epidemics or pandemics, such as the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, pose unique challenges to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Caring for patients during an epidemic/pandemic may impact negatively on the mental health of HCPs. There is a lack of evidence-based advice on what would be effective in mitigating this impact. Objectives: This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on the psychological impact of pandemics/epidemics on the mental health of HCPs, what factors predict this impact, and the evidence of prevention/intervention strategies to reduce this impact. Method: According to rapid review guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in Embase.com, PubMed, APA PsycINFO-Ovid SP, and Web of Science (core collection). Searches were restricted to the years 2003 or later to ensure inclusion of the most recent epidemic/pandemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Papers written in French or English, published in peer-reviewed journals, and of quantitative design using validated measures of mental health outcomes were included. Of 1308 papers found, 50 were included. The full protocol for this rapid review was registered with Prospero ( reg.no. CRD42020175985). Results: Results show that exposed HCPs working with patients during an epidemic/pandemic are at heightened risk of mental health problems in the short and longer term, particularly: psychological distress, insomnia, alcohol/drug misuse, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, burnout, anger, and higher perceived stress. These mental health problems are predicted by organizational, social, personal, and psychological factors and may interfere with the quality of patient care. Few evidence-based early interventions exist so far. Discussion: HCPs need to be provided with psychosocial support to protect their mental wellbeing if they are to continue to provide high quality patient care. Several recommendations relevant during and after an epidemic/pandemic, such as COVID-19, and in preparation for a future outbreak, are proposed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 238-238
Author(s):  
Michael Donald Brundage ◽  
Margaret Hart ◽  
Jennifer O'Donnell ◽  
Sophie Foxcroft ◽  
Eric Gutierrez ◽  
...  

238 Background: Peer review (PR) in radiation oncology (RO) has been endorsed as an indicator of treatment quality in North America and internationally. The direct benefits of PR include quality assurance (QA) on individual treatment plans. The indirect benefits for radiation oncology departments or programs (ROPs) have been postulated but not systematically evaluated. We used a rigorous and comprehensive qualitative approach to explore the indirect benefits of PR across a jurisdiction of cancer care, and to identify factors that facilitate PR, barriers to implementation, and strategies for expansion of PR across centers. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with all RO heads and Radiation therapy Managers (or delegate) in all 14 Radiation Oncology Programs (ROPs) in Ontario, Canada. The interview questions were developed using a Knowledge Translation Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), guided by the results of a previous survey of Ontario cancer centers and by expert consensus. Interviews were audiotaped and abstracted for relevant themes by two independent analysts. Results: All interviewees endorsed numerous direct and indirect benefits of PR, and identified multiple facilitators and barriers to the implementation of PR. Thematic saturation was achieved. The structure-process-outcome model was used to categorize the results. Key findings included the identification of 34 independent benefits (structure n = 4, process n = 17, outcome n = 13), 40 key barriers (structure n = 9, process n = 26, outcome n = 5), and 22 facilitators (structure n = 4, process n = 15, outcome n = 3). Beyond QA, commonly endorsed benefits included enhanced knowledge sharing, efficiency, standardization, and education. Multiple potential strategies for the expansion of PR activities were revealed. Conclusions: The qualitative exploration of Ontario ROPs acknowledges that multiple barriers and facilitators to PR exist while clearly establishing the indirect benefit of PR on ROPs. Understanding reported barriers and facilitators and exploration of suggested strategies will inform continued implementation and expansion of PR activities, and seem generalizable to other jurisdictions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i20-i20
Author(s):  
T Lynch ◽  
C Ryan ◽  
C Cadogan

Abstract Introduction Long-term use (>3 months) of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) persists in healthcare settings worldwide despite guidelines recommending short-term use (≤4 weeks). Potential harms of long-term BZRA use include dependence and withdrawal symptoms. A systematic review highlighted that brief interventions targeting long-term BZRA use lacked theoretical underpinning and were often poorly described (1). It is advocated that interventions should be systematically developed and reported, use an appropriate theory-base and involve key stakeholders in their development. Semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) can be used to identify patient-level barriers and facilitators that should be targeted by interventions (2). Aim The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of individuals who had previously used BZRAs on a long-term basis through semi-structured interviews and to identify key theoretical domains that acted as barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use. Methods A multi-strand convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants through community pharmacies, general practices and social media (e.g. Twitter, Instagram). Individuals who had successfully discontinued long-term BZRA use were eligible to participate if they were ≥18 years of age, community dwelling and resident in the Republic of Ireland. Individuals with a: cognitive impairment, history of epilepsy, serious mental illness (e.g. prescribed anti-psychotics) or receiving opioid substitution treatment were excluded. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a TDF-based topic guide (2). Questions covering each TDF domain were used to explore participants’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently checked for accuracy. Data were analysed using the framework method. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. Ethical approval was granted by the RCSI Research Ethics Committee. Results Thirteen patients were interviewed (seven female; median age: 43 years; median duration of use: six years). Key barriers to discontinuing BZRA use were identified under the ‘Emotions’ and ‘Reinforcement’ domains. These included participants’ first-hand experience of withdrawal symptoms and resultant fear towards discontinuation of the medication. ‘Intentions’ and ‘Social influences’ were identified as key theoretical domains that facilitated participants in discontinuing BZRA use. For example, participants described having strong intentions to discontinue BZRA use and discussed the positive influence of healthcare professionals such as community pharmacists in supporting them. Conclusion The study findings indicate that individuals who have successfully discontinued long-term BZRA use often have strong intentions to do so, as well as the support of healthcare professionals. However, challenges to discontinuing BZRA use include withdrawal symptoms and negative emotions towards the discontinuation process. The main strength of this study is that it used the TDF to examine barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term BZRA use. A notable limitation was that none of the participants were aged ≥65 years which limits the transferability of the findings. Future work will look to examine the views and experiences of current long-term BZRA users, integrate the findings with this study and map key domains to behaviour change techniques to inform the development of an intervention to reduce long-term BZRA use. References 1. Lynch T, Ryan C, Hughes CM, Presseau J, van Allen ZM, Bradley CP, et al. Brief interventions targeting long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction. 2020;115(9):1618–39. 2. Cane J, O’Connor D, Michie S. Validation of the theoretical domains framework for use in behaviour change and implementation research. Implementation Science. 2012;7(1):37.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. H. Voshaar ◽  
B. J. F. van den Bemt ◽  
M. A. F. J. van de Laar ◽  
A. M. van Dulmen ◽  
J. E. Vriezekolk

Abstract Background Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, the full benefits of DMARDs are often not realized because many patients are sub-optimally adherent to their medication. In order to optimize adherence, it is essential that healthcare professionals (HCPs) understand patients’ barriers and facilitators for medication use. Insight in these barriers and facilitators may foster the dialogue about adequate medication use between HCPs and patients. What HCPs perceive as barriers and facilitators has, so far, scarcely been investigated. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of HCPs on patients’ barriers and facilitators that might influence their adherence. Methods This qualitative study was performed using semi structured in-depth interviews with HCPs. An interview guide was used, based on an adjusted version of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors that influence barriers and facilitators to DMARD use according to HCPs. Results Fifteen HCPs (5 rheumatologists, 5 nurses and 5 pharmacists) were interviewed. They mentioned a variety of factors that, according to their perceptions, influence DMARD adherence in patients with RA. Besides therapy-related factors, such as (onset of) medication effectiveness and side-effects, most variation was found within patient-related factors and reflected patients’ beliefs, ways of coping, and (self-management) skills toward medication and their condition. In addition, factors related to the condition (e.g., level of disease activity), healthcare team and system (e.g., trust in HCP), and social and economic context (e.g. support, work shifts) were reported. Conclusions This study provided insights in HCPs’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to DMARD use patients with RA. Most factors that were mentioned were patient-related and potentially modifiable. When physicians understand patients’ perceptions on medication use, adherence to DMARDs can probably be optimized in patients with RA leading to more effectiveness of treatment outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Gulliver ◽  
Alison L Calear ◽  
Matthew Sunderland ◽  
Frances Kay-Lambkin ◽  
Louise M Farrer ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Self-guided online mental health programs are effective in treating and preventing mental health problems. However, both the uptake and engagement with these programs in the community is suboptimal, and there is limited current evidence indicating how to increase the use of existing evidence-based programs. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to investigate the views of people with lived experience of depression and anxiety on the barriers and facilitators to using e-mental health interventions and to use these perspectives to help develop an engagement-facilitation intervention (EFI) to increase uptake and engagement with self-guided online mental health programs. METHODS A total of 24 community members (female = 21; male = 3) with lived experience of depression and/or anxiety participated in four focus groups that discussed: 1) barriers and facilitators to self-guided e-mental health programs, 2) specific details needed to help them decide to use an online program, and 3) the appearance, delivery mode, and functionality of content for the proposed EFI. A total of 14 of the focus group attendees participated in a subsequent follow-up survey to evaluate the resultant draft EFI. Data were thematically analysed using both inductive and deductive methods. RESULTS Participants suggested that the critical component of an EFI was information that would challenge personal barriers to engagement with psychosocial interventions. These were providing personalised feedback about symptoms, information about the content and effectiveness of the e-mental health program, normalisation of participation in e-mental health programs including testimonials, and brief information on data security. Reminders, rewards, feedback about their progress, and coaching were all mentioned as being useful in assisting people to continue to engage with a program once they had started. Feedback on the developed EFI was positive; with participants reporting satisfaction with the content of the EFI and that it would likely positively affect their use of an e-mental health program. CONCLUSIONS EFIs have the potential to improve the uptake of e-mental health programs in the community and should focus on providing information on the content and effectiveness of e-mental health programs, as well as normalising their use. There is strong value in involving people with a lived experience in the design and development of EFIs to maximise their effectiveness.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110068
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Baka ◽  
Kalliopi Chatira ◽  
Evangelos C. Karademas ◽  
Konstantinos G. Kafetsios

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that greatly impacts on patients’ physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Greece (N = 30), with regard to the way they coped with the diagnosis and the symptoms, the psychological implications of the disorder and the meaning they attributed to it. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and they were analyzed using grounded theory. The findings showed that despite the negative implications of the disorder and the difficulty in managing the diagnosis and the symptoms, half of the patients attributed positive meaning to the disorder. Taking care of oneself, re-evaluation of life and a sense of liberation were described as the positive outcomes of experiencing multiple sclerosis.


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