scholarly journals Perceptions about the implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey of Australian physiotherapists

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e024991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy David Noblet ◽  
John F Marriott ◽  
Taryn Jones ◽  
Catherine Dean ◽  
Alison B Rushton
Keyword(s):  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Descriptive Survey

ObjectivesTo explore: (1) the views of Australian physiotherapists regarding potential implementation of non-medical prescribing in Australia, (2) how the geographical location and health sector in which a clinician works may influence their perceptions and (3) the perceptions of Australian physiotherapists about how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the profession can provide.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive survey using open and closed questions.SettingParticipants completed an online questionnaire.Participants883 Australian Health Professionals Registration Authority (AHPRA)-registered physiotherapists, working across all states and territories.Outcome measuresAn online questionnaire was developed by a panel of subject experts and pretested (n=10) for internal consistency. A hyperlink to the questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. A reminder email was sent 4 weeks later. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, with use of absolute risk reductions (ARRs) and 95% CIs to determine the likelihood that health sector or geographical location were associated with specific views. Thematic analysis enabled synthesis of the qualitative data.Results79.0% participants felt that physiotherapist prescribing should be introduced in Australia, with 71.2% wanting to train as prescribers. Clinical governance, risk management, regulation of clinicians and the development of an education framework were identified as priorities for implementation. Participants working in the private sector were significantly more likely to train as prescribers than those in the public sector (ARR 9.9%; 95% CI 3.5 to 16.4) or educational/research institutions (ARR 23.3%; 95% CI 12.8 to 33.8), with city dwellers significantly more likely to train compared with physiotherapists in remote regions (ARR 19.8%; 95% CI 0.8 to 39.2). Physiotherapist prescribing was predicted to improve efficiency of healthcare delivery, access to medicines and reductions in healthcare costs.ConclusionsAHPRA-registered physiotherapists perceive that the introduction of autonomous physiotherapist prescribing would be beneficial for the Australian population and should be introduced. Decision makers should consider the results of this survey in conjunction with cost–benefit and risk analysis when planning the introduction of physiotherapist prescribing.

Experiences of living with a sexually transmitted disease: A cross-sectional descriptive survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Toni Haapa ◽  
Tarja Suominen ◽  
Anna-Maija Koivisto ◽  
Jari Kylmä
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Disease ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Responsible Attitude ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Some dimensions such as stigmatization have been identified in the previous literature regarding experiences of living with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, relatively little is known about the generic experiences of those infected. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of living with an STD, as evaluated by those infected. Data ( n = 213) were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using statistical methods. The experiences of living with an STD varied overall. The immutability of everyday life, a thirst for knowledge, a responsible attitude towards treatment of an STD and the dilemma of disclosing the STD were considered to best describe the experiences of living with an STD. The most recently diagnosed STD and its phase were most often statistically significantly associated with the experiences. We conclude that the diversity of these experiences should be recognized in healthcare, and used in the prevention of STDs.

scholarly journals Response of Saudi Population to Strict Preventive Measures against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13424
Author(s):  
Amro Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Khalid Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Randa Nouh
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
General Level ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The Saudi ministry of health (MOH) started the preventive measures very early on before having a single case of COVID-19. There were very few studies regarding the awareness and adherence to the preventive measures against COVID-19 among the Saudi population in the literature. Objectives: The study aims to examine the awareness and commitment to the strict Saudi government preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeted Saudi and non-Saudi populations aged 18+ in March–April 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to explore the participant’s sociodemographic data, washing hygiene habits, the general level of awareness regarding COVID-19, and the extent to which they adhere to the government’s strict instructions. Results: Out of the 2958 participants in the survey, 23% washed their hands for between 20 and 30 s, 59.6% washed their hands after shaking hands with other people, 67.9% washed their hands after use of other’s utilities, 65.9% had appropriately followed the MOH recommended guidelines for home quarantine and social distancing. People in different age groups differed significantly on their practiced hygienic practices score p < 0.001. Respondents’ educational level had converged considerably and positively on their clean proper prevention practices score, f(2838.3) = 15.70. Conclusion: The majority of the participants adhere to the strict government instructions regarding COVID-19 as they have to obey the law. Health sector employees measured significantly greater hygienic preventive measures and precautions in comparison to other sectors. More public health efforts should increase hygienic best practice scores to achieve the best outcome.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING ETHICAL AND MEDICOLEGAL ISSUES IN HANDLING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG RESIDENT DOCTORS AT ZAINOEL ABIDIN HOSPITAL, ACEH, INDONESIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (38) ◽  
pp. 62-84
Author(s):  
Taufik SURYADI ◽  
Hijra Novia SUARDI ◽  
Hanifah ZAIN ◽  
Zinatul HAYATI ◽  
Budi YANTI
Keyword(s):  
Health Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Medicolegal Issues

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world to become a pandemic, making the entire health sector overwhelmed. Hospitals as health service facilities continuously strive to provide optimal service to patients with the confirmed COVID-19 infection. Resident doctors usually handle COVID-19 patients at the Zainoel Abidin Hospital (ZAH). As the front liner in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, these resident doctors must have adequate knowledge and good attitudes in dealing with COVID-19 patients, especially regarding ethical and medicolegal. Aim: This study aims at finding out the level of knowledge and attitudes of resident doctors in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic at the ZAH, Aceh. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among resident doctors (n=80) in the ZAH during November-December 2020 with a self-administered online questionnaire. It had been tested for validity by experts with a Content Validity Ratio / CVR of 0.738 and reliability of 0.732. The data were analyzed using the frequency distribution test (univariate) and the Chi square correlation test (bivariate). Results and Discussion: The results show that the majority of respondents had inadequate knowledge of ethical and medicolegal issues in handling the COVID-19 pandemic (70.0%); however, they had a positive attitude in overcoming ethical and medicolegal issues, i.e.77.5%. The chi square statistical test result shows no correlation between knowledge and attitude with a p-value of 0.077 (p-value >0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that the theoretical knowledge of doctors was not sufficient to identify ethical and medicolegal issues, but the attitude in dealing with ethical and medicolegal issues was satisfactory. This result offers a new opportunity and challenge to increase the awareness of doctors in applying their knowledge and attitudes towards handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Commonly Utilized Natural Products during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4688
Author(s):  
Sina M. AlNajrany ◽  
Yousif Asiri ◽  
Ibrahim Sales ◽  
Yazed AlRuthia
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The utilization rate of herbal and dietary supplements among the Saudi population is reported to be high. However, the utilization rate and types of herbal and dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic are largely unknown. Methods: This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that used convenience sampling and social media platforms (Telegram®, Twitter®, and WhatsApp®) to disseminate a 12-item questionnaire across the Saudi general public aged 18 years and above. The questionnaire inquired about the sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education, geographical location), presence of chronic health conditions and the use of prescription medications, awareness of the viral nature of COVID-19 infection and its common symptoms, and the commonly utilized herbal and/or dietary supplements. Results: Sixty-four percent of the 1473 participants reported using herbal and/or dietary supplements for the purpose of boosting their immune system to prevent COVID-19 infection. In addition, 88.2% of the respondents were misinformed about the manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms. Most of the participants were Saudi (91.9%), aged 49 years and younger (83%), female (52%), and healthy (81%). Honey (46%), lemon (45%), ginger (36%), vitamin C (32%), black seed (26%), garlic (26%), and turmeric (19%) were the most commonly used herbal and/or dietary supplements by the participants. Saudi nationals (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.6, p = 0.02), older adults (OR = 1.30, 95% CI:1.10 to 1.55, p = 0.002), and those taking prescription medications had higher odds of using dietary and/or herbal supplements (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.61 to 4.18, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The utilization rate of herbal and dietary supplements among the Saudi public during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Future studies should examine the impact of different public awareness campaigns aimed at improving the public knowledge of the risk and benefits associated with the use of different commonly utilized herbal and dietary products identified in this study.

scholarly journals Physiotherapists’ perceptions of and willingness to use telerehabilitation in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Ibraheem Albahrouh ◽  
Ali Jasem Buabbas
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Delivery System ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Willingness To Use

Abstract Background Telerehabilitation has been considered a suitable alternative healthcare delivery system during the COVID-19 outbreak, and many studies have promoted its feasibility in delivering physical care to patients who live with pain and disability. Physiotherapists’ perceptions and willingness are two key factors that influence the provision of remote physiotherapy. Aim To investigate physiotherapists’ perceptions of and willingness to use telerehabilitation in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the barriers that may hinder the use of telerehabilitation in this sector. Methods The following methods were used: (1) a cross-sectional survey and (2) face-to-face semi-structured interviews. In the cross-sectional survey, an electronic questionnaire was sent to 747 physiotherapists who were working in the governmental health sector. The questionnaire included four sections: perceptions of telerehabilitation, comfort with technology, willingness to use telerehabilitation, and barriers to using telerehabilitation. Six interviews were conducted with physiotherapy managers to explore the barriers and facilitators of telerehabilitation practice. Data analysis In this study, descriptive data analysis was conducted, and a cross-tabulation technique was used to find the associations between the variables, in which chi-square tests were used to identify the significance of the results, where p < 0.05. Thematic content analysis was used for the interviews. Results Only 273 completed questionnaires were received, giving a response rate of 36.5%. Most of the respondents (237; 86.8%) considered telerehabilitation a viable option to deliver healthcare to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the lack of information and communication technology (ICT) (156; 57.1%), 89% (243) of the respondents were willing to integrate telerehabilitation into their conventional practice, as cultural and social norms were not against the use of telerehabilitation systems. The results indicate that the more the physiotherapists used the internet and email in their work and the more comfortable they were with technology, the more willing they were to use telerehabilitation systems (p = 0.01). The physiotherapy managers reported that patients’ privacy and the confidentiality of their data were considered barriers. Conclusion In Kuwait, physiotherapists show overall positive perceptions towards and a willingness to use telerehabilitation to facilitate patients’ access to physiotherapy services. There are several barriers to employing telerehabilitation. Accordingly, recommendations are suggested.

scholarly journals Regulatory compliance among over-the-counter medicine sellers facilities within the Upper East Region of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong ◽  
Anthony Amalba ◽  
Nina Donkor ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
East Region ◽  
Upper East Region

Abstract Background Easy access to medicines provided by private medicine retailing facilities including that of over-the-counter medicine retailers, have gained prominence in sub-Saharan Africa. Although over-the-counter medicine-sellers (OTCMS) facilities play an indispensable role in healthcare delivery, there is inadequate information about their regulatory environment and whether their operations conform to regulatory provisions. Hence, this study sought to investigate the characteristics and predictors of regulatory practices among over-the-counter medicine sellers in Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving participants from 208 OTCMS facilities in eight (8) municipalities and districts (MDA’s) of the Upper East Region of Ghana. An initial census of facilities in the region was conducted between May and August 2016 and a follow-up conducted between December 2016 and March 2017. This ensured the identification and location of all OTCMS facilities within the selected MDA’s for study planning and data collection. The main outcome variable was regulatory compliance which is a composite of three indicators for regulatory practices (retention of medicine supplier’s invoices and receipts on-premises), licensing and registration requirements (appropriate signage), and equipment and material requirements (availability of reference material). Regulatory compliance was assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results In this survey, 21.5%, 38.2%, and 23.1% of the facilities surveyed had a good state of repair, had the owner of the facility available on the premises, and had received regulatory visit(s) in less than 12 months, respectively. Only 29.2% of facilities were regulatory compliant. After statistical adjustment, OTCMS facility location (compared with Rural: Urban, AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.74–10.17, p = 0.001) and staff trained in less than 1 year (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.02–7.62, p = 0.046) were significantly associated with regulatory compliance. Conclusions Regulatory compliance was low in the Upper East Region of Ghana, particularly across rural locations, where most of the facilities failed to meet the laid down provisions of the Pharmacy Council regarding practice, staff and premises requirements. This could be attributed to the fact that these areas are poorly resourced. Policymakers are been called on to put in place pragmatic measures in relation to OTCMS facility’s location and regulatory requirements to address the inequities in compliance.

scholarly journals Occupational exposure to Covid-19 in Latin American Healthcare Workers, May 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-213
Author(s):  
Leonardo Flavio Medina Guillén ◽  
Gustavo Jared Quintanilla Ferrufino ◽  
Irma Juárez Pérez ◽  
Javier Shafick Asfura
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive

Abstract Introduction. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, which not only poses a great challenge, but is setting a precedent for the medical community. In this situation, it is suggested that all personnel who are exposed to occupational risks - specifically biological risk - will use the necessary personal and collective protection equipment provided by the institution or company for which they work. Workers in areas and jobs at high risk of infection can be stigmatized and discriminated, leading to their exclusion from the community and their increased exposure to violence and harassment. Objective. Analyze the occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in health personnel in Latin America in May, 2020. Methods and materials. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out; a non-probabilistic sample of 713 volunteers participated. An online questionnaire of 30 closed questions was applied. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel 2019, using frequency analysis and central tendency measurements. The Helsinki bioethics recommendations were considered.  Results and discussion. Health workers from 13 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, from 7 professions in the health sector, participated. The personal and labor/institutional risk factors and repercussions on the personnel were detailed. Conclusions. The implementation and strengthening of policies and strategies is suggested to provide the necessary equipment to workers and improve the institutional response in order to avoid burnout in the staff, due to overload of work and extreme work hours, in order to mitigate the psychological impact that is being suffered.

Attitudes, skill and use of evidence-based practice among US Western herbal medicine providers: a national survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Snow ◽  
Matthew J. Leach ◽  
Bevin A. Clare
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The United States ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Western Herbal Medicine

AbstractBackgroundEvidence-based practice (EBP) has been the focus of increasing attention in the teaching and delivery of both complementary and conventional healthcare. Western herbal medicine (WHM) is a system of complementary healthcare rooted in tradition. How WHM practitioners perceive, are prepared for, and use EBP, has to date been largely ignored. We therefore examined the use, opinion, skills, and training in EBP, and barriers and facilitators of EBP uptake, among herbal practitioners in the United States (US).MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive survey design. A sample of US clinical herbalists was invited to complete a validated online questionnaire, the Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization SurvEy (EBASE).ResultsSeventy-four US herbal practitioners completed the survey (response rate=35 %). Participants demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward EBP (median attitude subscore 31 [possible range=8–40]), a moderate to high level of self-assessed skill in EBP (median skill subscore 46 [13–65]) and a moderate level of EBP uptake (median use subscore 12 [0–24]). Apart from a lack of clinical evidence in herbal medicine, there were few perceived barriers to EBP uptake among herbal practitioners. Access to the Internet, online databases and full-text journal articles were considered most useful in facilitating the uptake of EBP in WHM practice.ConclusionsRespondents’ attitudes, skill level, and uptake of EBP were generally consistent with other complementary and alternative medicine providers. Educational initiatives, including those focused on the appraisal and application of evidence, may help to optimize the use of EBP among WHM practitioners.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Australian physiotherapy students about the potential implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e026327
Author(s):  
Timothy David Noblet ◽  
John F Marriott ◽  
Taryn Jones ◽  
Catherine Dean ◽  
Alison B Rushton
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Physiotherapy Programme ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Physiotherapy Students

ObjectivesTo explore the perceptions of Australian physiotherapy students about (1) the potential implementation and use of non-medical prescribing by physiotherapists in Australia and (2) how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the physiotherapy profession can provide in the future.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive survey of physiotherapy students across Australia was completed using an online questionnaire developed by subject-experts and pretested (n=10) for internal consistency. A hyperlink to the questionnaire was emailed to all students enrolled in any accredited, entry-level Australian university physiotherapy programme. A reminder email was sent 4 weeks later.SettingParticipants completed an online questionnaire.Participants526 physiotherapy students from universities across all states with entry-level programmes.Outcome measuresQuantitative data underwent primary descriptive analysis. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise qualitative data.Results87% of participants supported the introduction of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia. 91% of participants stated that they would train to prescribe following introduction. Participants identified improvements in clinical and cost effectiveness, timely access to appropriate prescription medicines and optimisation of quality healthcare as key drivers for the introduction.ConclusionsStudent physiotherapists support the introduction of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia, reporting potential benefits for patients, health services and the physiotherapy profession. Stakeholders should use the results of this study in conjunction with supporting literature to inform future decisions regarding physiotherapist prescribing in Australia.

scholarly journals Nursing Interns’ Perceptions of Telenursing: Implications for Nursing Education

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijayalakshmi Poreddi ◽  
Kathyayani Bidadi Veerabhadraiah ◽  
SaiNikhil Reddy ◽  
Manjunatha Narayana ◽  
NaveenKumar Channaveerachari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Background: Telemedicine is a fast-emerging health sector in India. While nurses play an important role in delivering healthcare services through telemedicine, little is known about whether nursing interns are prepared adequately. Aim: To evaluate nursing interns’ perceptions of telenursing and to find out their opinion on whether telenursing should be added to the curriculum. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out among conveniently selected nursing interns (N = 183) from renowned colleges in Bangalore, South India. The data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Results: In this study, a majority of the participants had smartphones (74.8%), were accessible to the internet (96.7%), and were using the internet for more than 3 h/day (73.3%). While a majority (65.6%) of the participants were able to correctly identify the definition of telenursing, only 33.9% of them rightly answered the definition of telemedicine. Most of the participants indicated that the inclusion of telenursing in undergraduate studies would be useful for future healthcare workers (92.4%), and telenursing can be practiced in all the medical specialties. Conclusion: The majority of the nursing interns hold positive perceptions of telenursing and acknowledge its usefulness in nursing practice. However, their knowledge of telenursing is limited. Hence, the findings strongly suggest the need to introduce concepts of telenursing in curricula to prepare future healthcare providers to be able to provide safe and competent care in a highly technical and digital environment.

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