scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours among health and social care workers in the UK: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadie Bell ◽  
Richard M Clarke ◽  
Sharif A Ismail ◽  
Oyinkansola Ojo-Aromokudu ◽  
Habib Naqvi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Black African ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk

AbstractBackgroundThe UK began delivering its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 December 2020, with health and social care workers (H&SCWs) given high priority for vaccination. Despite well- documented occupational exposure risks, however, there is evidence of lower uptake among some H&SCW groups.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach - involving an online cross-sectional survey and semi- structured interviews – to gain insight into COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours amongst H&SCWs in the UK by socio-demographic and employment variables. 1917 people were surveyed – 1658 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 261 social care workers (SCWs). Twenty participants were interviewed.FindingsWorkplace factors contributed to vaccination access and uptake. SCWs were more likely to not be offered COVID-19 vaccination than HCWs (OR:1.453, 95%CI: 1.244 – 1.696). SCWs specifically reported uncertainties around how to access COVID-19 vaccination. Participants who indicated stronger agreement with the statement ‘I would recommend my organisation as a place to work’ were more likely to have been offered COVID-19 vaccination (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.06 – 1.56). Those who agreed more strongly with the statement ‘I feel/felt under pressure from my employer to get a COVID-19 vaccine’ were more likely to have declined vaccination (OR:1.75, 95%CI: 1.27– 2.41). Interviewees that experienced employer pressure to get vaccinated felt this exacerbated their vaccine concerns and increased distrust.In comparison to White British and White Irish participants, Black African and Mixed Black African participants were more likely to not be offered (OR:2.011, 95%CI: 1.026 – 3.943) and more likely to have declined COVID-19 vaccination (OR:5.55, 95%CI: 2.29 – 13.43). Reasons for declining vaccination among Black African participants included distrust in COVID-19 vaccination, healthcare providers, and policymakers.ConclusionH&SCW employers are in a pivotal position to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination access, by ensuring staff are aware of how to get vaccinated and promoting a workplace environment in which vaccination decisions are informed and voluntary.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Mental Wellbeing, Coping and Quality of Working Life in Health and Social Care Workers in the UK at Two Time Points of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Epidemiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-242
Author(s):  
Paula McFadden ◽  
Ruth D. Neill ◽  
John Moriarty ◽  
Patricia Gillen ◽  
John Mallett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Of Working Life ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world, it is important to examine its effect on societies and individuals, including health and social care (HSC) professionals. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from HSC staff in the UK at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021). The HSC staff surveyed consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers from across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Multiple regressions were used to examine the effects of different coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on participants’ wellbeing and quality of working life to see how and if the predictors changed over time. An additional multiple regression was used to directly examine the effects of time (Phase 1 vs. Phase 2) on the outcome variables. Findings suggested that both wellbeing and quality of working life deteriorated from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The results have the potential to inform interventions for HSC staff during future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, other infectious outbreaks or even other circumstances putting long-term pressures on HSC systems.

scholarly journals The PROMISES study: a mixed methods approach to explore the acceptability of salivary progesterone testing for preterm birth risk among pregnant women and trained frontline healthcare workers in rural India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040268
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashworth ◽  
Pankhuri Sharma ◽  
Sergio A Silverio ◽  
Simi Khan ◽  
Nishtha Kathuria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thematic Framework

IntroductionIndia has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test.MethodsA pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India.ResultsBefore training, ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThis study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.

scholarly journals Experiences of preparing children for a death of an important adult during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e053099
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Rapa ◽  
Jeffrey R Hanna ◽  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Stephen Mason ◽  
Bettina Moltrecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Parental Belief ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to investigate how families prepared children for the death of a significant adult, and how health and social care professionals provided psychosocial support to families about a relative’s death during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/settingA mixed methods design; an observational survey with health and social care professionals and relatives bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, and in-depth interviews with bereaved relatives and professionals were conducted. Data were analysed thematically.ParticipantsA total of 623 participants completed the survey and interviews were conducted with 19 bereaved relatives and 16 professionals.ResultsMany children were not prepared for a death of an important adult during the pandemic. Obstacles to preparing children included families’ lack of understanding about their relative’s declining health; parental belief that not telling children was protecting them from becoming upset; and parents’ uncertainty about how best to prepare their children for the death. Only 10.2% (n=11) of relatives reported professionals asked them about their deceased relative’s relationships with children. This contrasts with 68.5% (n=72) of professionals who reported that the healthcare team asked about patient’s relationships with children. Professionals did not provide families with psychosocial support to facilitate preparation, and resources were less available or inappropriate for families during the pandemic. Three themes were identified: (1) obstacles to telling children a significant adult is going to die, (2) professionals’ role in helping families to prepare children for the death of a significant adult during the pandemic, and (3) how families prepare children for the death of a significant adult.ConclusionsProfessionals need to: provide clear and honest communication about a poor prognosis; start a conversation with families about the dying patient’s significant relationships with children; and reassure families that telling children someone close to them is dying is beneficial for their longer term psychological adjustment.

scholarly journals Physiotherapists perceived role in managing anxiety in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: a mixed-methods study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Lucas ◽  
Jack Parker
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Outpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physiotherapy Practice ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objectives: To explore how physiotherapists manage anxiety in patients with RRMS in community and outpatient settings. To identify further training and research to better develop physiotherapy practice. Design: A mixed-methods design, combining a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with UK-physiotherapists. Participants: Sixteen UK-registered physiotherapists: 11 in the survey, 5 in the interviews. Methods: To inform the qualitative study, a cross-sectional survey collected data from physiotherapists working in neurology to understand the impact and management of anxiety in people with MS (PwMS) during rehabilitation. Analysis used descriptive statistics and the findings formed the interview guide. Semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists explored barriers and facilitators to managing anxiety, physiotherapy training needs and offered suggestions to develop physiotherapy research and practice. Themes were derived inductively. Results: The survey suggested how PwMS present with anxiety, its impact during rehabilitation, physiotherapy management practices, and physiotherapist skills and training needs. Five semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists expanded on the survey findings and identified five main themes: Understanding the MS journey, modifying assessment and treatment, anxiety management toolbox, lagging behind Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, and gaining knowledge and skills. Conclusion: Physiotherapists encounter anxiety in PwMS in community and outpatient rehabilitation and perceive they have a role in managing it as it presents. Facilitators included communication, listening skills and opportunities to develop strong therapeutic relationships. Poor training and support, lack of clinical guidelines and limited research evidence were considered barriers. Clinically relevant learning opportunities, interprofessional working, and greater support through clinical supervision is recommended to better develop physiotherapy practice.

scholarly journals Transforming community nursing services in the UK; lessons from a participatory evaluation of the implementation of a new community nursing model in East London based on the principles of the Dutch Buurtzorg model

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirza Lalani ◽  
Jane Fernandes ◽  
Richard Fradgley ◽  
Caroline Ogunsola ◽  
Martin Marshall
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Professional Autonomy ◽  
Community Nursing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Buurtzorg, a model of community nursing conceived in the Netherlands, is widely cited as a promising and evidence-based approach to improving the delivery of integrated nursing and social care in community settings. The model is characterised by high levels of patient and staff satisfaction, professional autonomy exercised through self-managing nursing teams, client empowerment and holistic, patient centred care. This study aimed to examine the extent to which some of the principles of the Buurtzorg model could be adapted for community nursing in the United Kingdom. Methods A community nursing model based on the Buurtzorg approach was piloted from June 2017–August 2018 with a team of nurses co-located in a single general practice in the Borough of Tower Hamlets, East London, UK. The initiative was evaluated using a participatory methodology known as the Researcher-in-Residence model. Qualitative data were collected using participant observation of meetings and semi-structured interviews with nurse team members, senior managers, patients/carers and other local stakeholders such as General Practitioners (GP) and social workers. A thematic framework analysis of the data was carried out. Results Implementation of a community nursing model based on the Buurtzorg approach in East London had mixed success when assessed against its key principles. Patient experience of the service was positive because of the better access, improved continuity of care and longer appointment times in comparison with traditional community nursing provision. The model also provided important learning for developing service integration in community care, in particular, how to form effective collaborations across the care system with other health and social care professionals. However, some of the core features of the Buurtzorg model were difficult to put into practice in the National Health Service (NHS) because of significant cultural and regulatory differences between The Netherlands and the UK, especially the nurses’ ability to exercise professional autonomy. Conclusions Whilst many of the principles of the Buurtzorg model are applicable and transferable to the UK, in particular promoting independence among patients, improving patient experience and empowering frontline staff, the successful embedding of these aims as normalised ways of working will require a significant cultural shift at all levels of the NHS.

COVID-19 booster vaccinations

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 480-481
Author(s):  
George Winter
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Do So

With the UK Health Security Agency announcement that those over 50 as well as health and social care workers are to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine boster, George Winter investigates whether research supports the necessity to do so

scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of the Views of Health and Social Care Decision-makers on the Role of Wellbeing in Resource Allocation Decisions in the UK

Economies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Tessa Peasgood ◽  
Jill Carlton ◽  
John Brazier
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Allocation Decisions ◽  
Resource Allocation Decisions

There has been growing international interest in the role that wellbeing measures could play within policy making in health and social care. This project explored the opinions of a sample of UK decision-makers on the relevance of wellbeing and subjective wellbeing (by which we mean good and bad feelings or overall evaluations of life, such as life satisfaction) for resource allocation decisions within health and social care. Through these discussions we draw out the perceived advantages and the potential concerns that decision-makers have about broadening out to wellbeing and subjective wellbeing rather than just measuring health. Three focus groups were conducted: with members of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Citizen’s Council, with a Health and Wellbeing Board at a Local Authority and with Public Health England. In addition, eleven semi-structured interviews were held with staff from NHS England and members of a range of NICE committees. We identified a range of opinions about the role of wellbeing and a broadly held view that there was a need for improved consideration of broader quality of life outcomes. We also identified considerable caution in relation to the use of subjective wellbeing.

scholarly journals P67 Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain amongst health and social care workers in the UK: results from the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania D'Angelo ◽  
Georgia Ntani ◽  
Holly Syddall ◽  
E C Harris ◽  
Cathy Linaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Site Pain

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main causes of sickness absence in the UK and their prevalence is likely to increase in workers, with the rise of state pension age. Previous research has shown that these conditions are common among health and social care workers. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among health and social care workers and to explore personal and occupational risk factors for pain at specific anatomical sites and for multi-site pain. Methods We used data from the second year of follow up of the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study, a cohort study of 8,134 adults aged 50-64, recruited through 24 English general practices. Health and social care workers, identified through the Standard Occupational Classification 2010, were the focus of this cross-sectional analysis. The outcome under investigation was self-reported pain lasting more than a day in the past month, at one or more of eight anatomical sites: neck, low back, mid-back, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, knee, foot/ankle. Socio-demographic variables, self-reported health measures, psychosocial work factors (job dissatisfaction, lack of appreciation, lack of support) and occupational activities (kneeling or squatting for more than 1 hr/day, standing for most of the day) were ascertained through postal questionnaire, and associations with pain at specific anatomical sites and multi-site (≥2 anatomical sites) pain were explored with logistic regression, firstly adjusted for age and sex and then adjusted for additional confounders. Results A total of 282 participants were working in health and social care at second year follow up. Mean age was 59 years and 90% of them were women. Of these workers, n = 199 (71%) reported pain in at least one site, while n = 147 (52%) reported multi-site pain. The most reported anatomical sites with pain were knee and low back, with a prevalence of 39% and 34% respectively. Significant risk factors for knee pain were poor self-rated health (OR = 4.2; 95%CI 2.1 to 8.2) and being exposed to kneeling for longer than an hour/day at work (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.2 to 3.4). Similar results were found for low back pain, while for multi-site pain mental exhaustion also appeared to have an effect. None of the socio-demographic variables or psychosocial work factors influenced the outcomes. Conclusion In a sample of health and social care workers in the UK, the prevalence of low back, neck and multi-site pain is high. The common risk factors were being exposed to kneeling at work and reporting poor/fair health. Disclosures S. D'Angelo: None. G. Ntani: None. H. Syddall: None. E.C. Harris: None. C. Linaker: None. M. Stevens: None. K. Walker-Bone: None.

scholarly journals Gender-based violence: a five-country, cross-sectional survey of health and social care students’ experience, knowledge and confidence in dealing with the issue

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Bradbury-Jones ◽  
Nutmeg Hallett ◽  
Dana Sammut ◽  
Helen Billings ◽  
Kelsey Hegarty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Health Care Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Gender Based

Health and social care professionals are well placed to identify and respond to those affected by gender-based violence; yet students across a range of health disciplines describe a lack of knowledge, preparation and confidence in dealing with the issue. Our study aimed to explore health and social care students’ perceptions of their own knowledge and confidence on the subject of gender-based violence, recollections of gender-based violence learning opportunities through university and clinical placements, and opinions about the content of future e-learning curricula on the subject. We designed and implemented a multinational, cross-sectional survey across six universities from five countries: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand and Scotland. Responses were obtained from 377 students across seven health and social care disciplines. Principally, the study found that students were underprepared in their professional programmes in terms of dealing with gender-based violence. Many students had witnessed or heard about cases of gender-based violence on clinical placement, but reported feeling generally unconfident in dealing with the issue. Regarding future e-learning, students indicated that content should be inclusive and relate directly to clinical practice. We argue that there is a universal need for health care education programmes to include the issue of gender-based violence in curricula.<br /><br />Key messages<ul><li>Future generations of health and social care professionals are being insufficiently prepared to deal with gender-based violence.</li><br /><li>Students indicated that they would like gender-based violence learning to be practice-focused, patient-focused, inclusive and intersectional.</li><br /><li>Higher education institutions globally need to embed the subject of gender-based violence in health and social care curricula so that future professionals are sufficiently prepared to address this pervasive issue.</li></ul>

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