scholarly journals British Thoracic Society survey of rehabilitation to support recovery of the post-COVID-19 population

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e040213
Author(s):  
Sally J Singh ◽  
Amy C Barradell ◽  
Neil J Greening ◽  
Charlotte Bolton ◽  
Gisli Jenkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Development ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Discharge Process ◽  
Psychological Disturbances ◽  
Comprehensive Service ◽  
Continued Learning ◽  
Long Term Impact

ObjectiveA proportion of those recovering from COVID-19 are likely to have significant and ongoing symptoms, functional impairment and psychological disturbances. There is an immediate need to develop a safe and efficient discharge process and recovery programme. Established rehabilitation programmes are well placed to deliver a programme for this group but will most likely need to be adapted for the post-COVID-19 population. The purpose of this survey was to rapidly identify the components of a post-COVID-19 rehabilitation assessment and elements of a successful rehabilitation programme that would be required to deliver a comprehensive service for those post-COVID-19 to inform service delivery.DesignA survey comprising a series of closed questions and a free-text comment box allowing for a qualitative analysis.SettingOnline survey.ParticipantsMultiprofessional clinicians across specialties were invited to take part.Results1031 participants responded from a broad range of specialties. There was overwhelming support for an early posthospital discharge recovery programme to advise patients about the management of fatigue (95% agreed/strongly agreed), breathlessness (94%) and mood disturbances (including symptoms of anxiety and depression, 92%). At the time point of 6–8 weeks, an assessment was considered important, focusing on a broad range of possible symptoms and supporting a return to work. Recommendations for the intervention described a holistic programme focusing on symptom management, return of function and return to employment. The free-text comments added depth to the survey and the need ‘not to reinvent the wheel’ but rather adapt well-established rehabilitation services to individually tailor needs-based care with continued learning for service development.ConclusionThe responses indicate a huge interest and the urgent need to establish a programme to support and mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 by optimising and individualising existing rehabilitation programmes.

scholarly journals Experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000987
Author(s):  
Nicola J Roberts ◽  
Carol A Kelly ◽  
Kate A Lippiett ◽  
Emma Ray ◽  
Lindsay Welch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundNurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, involved in extensive coordination of services, screening, vaccination and front-line work in respiratory, emergency and intensive care environments. The nature of this work is often intense and stress-provoking with an inevitable psychological impact on nurses and all healthcare workers. This study focused on nurses working in respiratory areas with the aim of identifying and characterising the self-reported issues that exacerbated or alleviated their concerns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was developed consisting of 90 questions using a mixture of open-ended and closed questions. Participant demographic data were also collected (age, gender, ethnicity, number of years qualified, details of long-term health conditions, geographical location, nursing background/role and home life). The online survey was disseminated via social media and professional respiratory societies (British Thoracic Society, Primary Care Respiratory Society, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists) over a 3-week period in May 2020 and the survey closed on 1 June 2020.ResultsThe study highlights the experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. Concerns were expressed over the working environment, the supply and availability of adequate protective personal equipment, the quality of care individuals were able to deliver, and the impact on mental health to nurses and their families. A high number provided free-text comments around their worries and concerns about the impact on their household; these included bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children. Although both formal and informal support were available, there were inconsistencies in provision, highlighting the importance of nursing leadership and management in ensuring equity of access to services.ConclusionsSupport for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised. It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.

scholarly journals Researchers’ perceptions of malaria eradication: findings from a mixed-methods analysis of a large online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Brew ◽  
Menno Pradhan ◽  
Jacqueline Broerse ◽  
Quique Bassat
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Specific Investments ◽  
Uncertain Outcome ◽  
Malaria Eradication ◽  
Global Eradication

Abstract Background The value of malaria eradication, the permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of malaria infection caused by human malaria parasites, would be enormous. However, the expected value of an investment in an intended, but uncertain, outcome hinges on the probability of, and time until, its fulfilment. Though the long-term benefits of global malaria eradication promise to be large, the upfront costs and uncertainty regarding feasibility and timeframe make it difficult for policymakers and researchers to forecast the return on investment. Methods A large online survey of 844 peer-reviewed malaria researchers of different scientific backgrounds administered in order to estimate the probability and time frame of eradication. Adjustments were made for potential selection bias, and thematic analysis of free text comments was carried out. Results The average perceived likelihood of global eradication among malaria researchers approximates the number of years into the future: approximately 10% of researchers believe that eradication will occur in the next 10 years, 30% believe it will occur in the next 30 years, and half believe eradication will require 50 years or more. Researchers who gave free form comments highlighted systemic challenges and the need for innovation as chief among obstacles to achieving global malaria eradication. Conclusions The findings highlight the difficulty and complexity of malaria eradication, and can be used in prospective cost–benefit analyses to inform stakeholders regarding the likely return on eradication-specific investments.

scholarly journals Development and evaluation of a national gentamicin and vancomycin quality improvement programme

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1998-2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Semple ◽  
Marion Bennie ◽  
Jacqueline Sneddon ◽  
Alison Cockburn ◽  
R Andrew Seaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Guideline Implementation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Point Prevalence Study ◽  
National Guidance ◽  
Improvement Programme ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract Background Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) recommendations to reduce broad-spectrum antimicrobial use led to an increase in gentamicin and vancomycin prescribing. In 2009, SAPG introduced national guidance to standardize dosage regimens, reduce calculation errors and improve the monitoring of these antibiotics. Studies conducted in 2010 and 2011 identified limitations in guideline implementation. Objectives To develop, implement and assess the long-term impact of quality improvement (QI) resources to support gentamicin and vancomycin prescribing, administration and monitoring. Methods New resources, comprising revised guidelines, online and mobile app dose calculators, educational material and specialized prescribing and monitoring charts were developed in collaboration with antimicrobial specialists and implemented throughout Scotland during 2013–16. An online survey in 2017 evaluated the use of these resources and a before (2011) and after (2018) point prevalence study assessed their impact. Results All 12 boards who responded to the survey (80%) were using the guidance, electronic calculators and gentamicin prescription chart; 8 used a vancomycin chart. The percentage of patients who received the recommended gentamicin dose increased from 44% to 89% (OR 10.99, 95% CI = 6.37–18.95) between 2011 and 2018. For vancomycin, the correct loading dose increased from 50% to 85% (OR = 5.69, CI = 2.76–11.71) and the correct maintenance dose from 55% to 90% (OR = 7.17, CI = 3.01–17.07). Conclusions This study demonstrated improvements in the national prescribing of gentamicin and vancomycin through the development and coordinated implementation of a range of QI resources and engagement with local and national multidisciplinary teams.

scholarly journals 19 “Love The Day Job Still;” ”More Job Satisfaction;” “I Will Never Give Up My GeriGP Job;” - Results of the BGS GeriGP Workforce Survey 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i1-i8
Author(s):  
K Davies ◽  
E Kalmus ◽  
M Keeble ◽  
L Lawn
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Care Community ◽  
Employment Conditions

Abstract Background In 2017, two GPs decided to form the GeriGP group, for BGS GP members with a particular interest in the care of older people. GPs are increasingly using their holistic approach and expertise in new models of care within the community and the acute setting ("GeriGP" roles), and many no longer work in traditional General Practice. Introduction By late 2018, the group had around 100 members. The committee recognised the vital role GeriGPs could play in the development and delivery of innovative models of care for older people, as recommended in the NHS Long Term Plan1 and 2019 GP Contract2. There was no data available about GeriGP roles, which appeared to have arisen in an ad hoc fashion. An online survey was undertaken with the aim of using the results to engage with national policy makers and to identify pathways into these roles to improve recruitment and retention of the GP workforce.3 Methods We are grateful to the BGS who collated 58 questions for the online questionnaire, which was sent to all GeriGP members between October and December 2018. There were five main categories: role and venue; employment conditions; indemnity; appraisal; qualifications and training. Most questions had space for free-text comments. Results 47/100 GeriGP members responded; 68% respondents held GeriGP roles of whom 62% were practising GPs. 60% of all respondents were over 45 years old. 30 job descriptions covered community frailty hubs, intermediate care, community hospitals, care homes, acute front door, visiting services and memory clinics. 60% were community based. Rates of pay and types of contract varied dramatically. GP appraisal was often difficult due to patients having frailty or dementia, with contradictory advice common. 45% had difficulty accessing training and two-thirds of jobs were gained by word-of-mouth. 87% in GeriGP roles were more likely to continue practicing medicine because of this role, yet career development barriers existed at all levels. Many comments concurred with a plea for a ``primary care geriatrics specialty'', and repeatedly the joy of having time for patient-centred care was the driving force behind experienced GPs opting to continue in GeriGP roles. Conclusions The enthusiasm for GeriGP roles should be seized upon to improve healthcare of older people and bolster the GP workforce. GeriGPs plan to use these results to influence policy makers nationally. References 1. NHS Long Term Plan (https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/online-version/overview-and-summary). 2. 2019 GP Contract (https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gp-contract-2019.pdf). 3. GeriGPs. (https://www.bgs.org.uk/gerigps).

scholarly journals The British Thoracic Society survey of rehabilitation to support recovery of the Post Covid-19 population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
SJ Singh ◽  
A Barradell ◽  
N Greening ◽  
CE Bolton ◽  
G Jenkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Free Text ◽  
List Type ◽  
Discharge Process ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Competing Interests ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractObjectivesThose discharged from hospital after treatment for Covid-19 are likely to have significant and ongoing symptoms, functional impairment and psychological disturbances. There is an immediate need to develop a safe and efficient discharge process and recovery programme. Pulmonary rehabilitation is well placed to deliver a rehabilitation programme for this group but will most likely need to be adapted for the post Covid-19 population. The purpose of this survey was to rapidly identify the components of a post-Covid-19 rehabilitation assessment and elements of a successful rehabilitation programme that would be required to deliver a comprehensive service for those post Covid-19 to inform service delivery.DesignA survey comprising a series of closed questions and a free text comments box allowing for a qualitative analysis.SettingOnline survey.ParticipantsBritish Thoracic Society members and multi-professional clinicians, across specialities were invited to take part.Results1031 participants responded from a broad range of specialities over 6 days. There was overwhelming support for early post discharge from hospital phase of the recovery programme to advise patients about the management of fatigue (95% agreed/ strongly agreed), breathlessness (94%), and mood disturbances (including symptoms of anxiety and depression) 92%. At the 6-8-week time point an assessment was considered important, focusing on the assessment of a broad range of possible symptoms and the need to potentially return to work. Recommendations for the intervention described a holistic programme focusing on symptom management, return of function and return to employment. The free text comments added depth to the survey and the need ‘not to reinvent the wheel’ rather adapt well established (pulmonary rehabilitation) services to accommodate the needs of the post Covid-19 population.ConclusionThe responses indicate the huge interest and the urgent need establish a programme to support and mitigate the long term impact of Covid-19.Strengths and limitationsLarge and comprehensive survey conducted to guide the provision of post Covid-19 rehabilitation.The survey provides clear recommendations for the provision of advice and support immediately upon discharge, and recommendations for a programme of holistic rehabilitation 6-8 weeks post discharge based upon the existing pulmonary rehabilitation model.The survey engaged a wide range of specialities and experiences managing Covid-19The opinions of patients and carers be sought in an additional surveyFunding statementThis research received no specific grant funding from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.Competing interestsAll authors have completed the Unified Competing Interests Form at http://www.icmie.org.coi_disclosure.pdfDr. Singh reports grants from Actegy, grants from Pfizer, outside the submitted work.Dr. Jenkins reports grants from Astra Zeneca, grants from Biogen, personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, personal fees from Daewoong, personal fees from Galapagos, grants from Galecto, grants from GlaxoSmithKline, personal fees from Heptares, non-financial support from NuMedii, grants and personal fees from Pliant, personal fees from Promedior, non-financial support from Redx, personal fees from Roche, other from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, outside the submitted work.Data sharing statementNo additional data are available.

Was a global pandemic needed to adopt the use of telehealth in occupational therapy?

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Viktoria Hoel ◽  
Claudia von Zweck ◽  
Ritchard Ledgerd ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: An analysis of data from an international survey was undertaken to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth practice in occupational therapy worldwide, in addition to facilitators and barriers in utilising this form of service delivery. METHOD: The global online survey was circulated in the occupational therapy community by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) between April and July 2020, collecting responses to closed-ended questions, in addition to free-text comments. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between respondent characteristics and the utilisation of telehealth. Thematic statement analysis provided further insight regarding factors impacting telehealth use. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in the use of telehealth strategies with the onset of the pandemic among survey respondents, with many reported benefits. Bivariate analyses indicated telehealth users were more likely to score higher feelings of safety and positive work morale, as well as perceive employer expectations to be reasonable. Restricted access to technology, limitations of remote practice, funding issues and slow pace of change were identified as barriers for some respondents for use of telehealth. Facilitators included availability of supportive policy, guidelines and strategies, in addition to education and training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the understanding of the current scope of occupational therapy telehealth practice in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although results suggest long-term potential for telehealth use as an adjunct to traditional service provision, important considerations were identified regarding factors influencing integration of such strategies.

scholarly journals GP’s perspectives on laboratory test use for monitoring long-term conditions: an audit of current testing practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha M. C. Elwenspoek ◽  
Ed Mann ◽  
Katharine Alsop ◽  
Hannah Clark ◽  
Rita Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Patient Harm ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Current Testing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Robust Evidence

Abstract Background We have shown previously that current recommendations in UK guidelines for monitoring long-term conditions are largely based on expert opinion. Due to a lack of robust evidence on optimal monitoring strategies and testing intervals, the guidelines are unclear and incomplete. This uncertainty may underly variation in testing that has been observed across the UK between GP practices and regions. Methods Our objective was to audit current testing practices of GPs in the UK; in particular, perspectives on laboratory tests for monitoring long-term conditions, the workload, and how confident GPs are in ordering and interpreting these tests. We designed an online survey consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions that was promoted on social media and in newsletters targeting GPs practicing in UK. The survey was live between October–November 2019. The results were analysed using a mixed-methods approach. Results The survey was completed by 550 GPs, of whom 69% had more than 10 years of experience. The majority spent more than 30 min per day on testing (78%), but only half of the respondents felt confident in dealing with abnormal results (53%). There was a high level of disagreement for whether liver function tests and full blood counts should be done ‘routinely’, ‘sometimes’, or ‘never’ in patients with a certain long-term condition. The free text comments revealed three common themes: (1) pressures that promote over-testing, i.e. guidelines or protocols, workload from secondary care, fear of missing something, patient expectations; (2) negative consequences of over-testing, i.e. increased workload and patient harm; and (3) uncertainties due to lack of evidence and unclear guidelines. Conclusion These results confirm the variation that has been observed in test ordering data. The results also show that most GPs spent a significant part of their day ordering and interpreting monitoring tests. The lack of confidence in knowing how to act on abnormal test results underlines the urgent need for robust evidence on optimal testing and the development of clear and unambiguous testing recommendations. Uncertainties surrounding optimal testing has resulted in an over-use of tests, which leads to a waste of resources, increased GP workload and potential patient harm.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Evaluation of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Fellowships on Cancer Control

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 62s-62s
Author(s):  
S. Donaldson ◽  
M. Samson
Keyword(s):  
Professional Growth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Fellowship Program ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Cancer Society ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: UICC provides international fellowships to cancer professionals, with over 6000 to date, allowing them to learn new skills they can implement at home. It is crucial to monitor and evaluate the fellowship program so it remains in tune with the cancer community's needs and has a long term impact. Aim: To monitor and evaluate UICC fellowships to ensure they serve to reinforce the cancer care workforce worldwide. Methods: An online survey was performed in December 2017 as part of a larger mixed methods study to evaluate long term impact. 154 UICC fellows who had completed a fellowship between 2013 and 2016 were invited to take part. Participants were asked questions on their fellowship experience and more in depth interviews will be performed to further investigate impact. Results: The survey response rate was 75%, with 117 respondents. The vast majority of fellows work in hospitals, treatment centers and research institutes; 67% are academic cancer professionals and 35% clinicians, with most working in the fields of cancer detection, diagnosis and cancer treatment. Over 57% of respondents rated the training received as “extremely effective”, and 95% were still in contact with their host supervisors one year after their fellowship, with 28% copublishing with them. Over 80% estimated that their skills in cancer control had improved “a lot” or “a great deal” thanks to the fellowship training, with 12% saying “a moderate amount” and 1% “a little” or “none at all”. Initiatives taken by fellows upon returning home include the launching of a new cervical cancer screening program, the founding of a national cancer society and the organization of a conference with the host supervisor as an invited speaker. Challenges included the perceived short duration of one month to achieve all the objectives and the language barrier. 28% of respondents were able to apply the skills they learned on their fellowship “extremely effectively”, 44% “very effectively”, 28% “effectively” and 9% “slightly effectively”, with most giving a presentation to members of the home organization, or organizing a workshop or by personal demonstration. Over 43% were able to establish new collaborations in their country, 45% experienced professional growth and 27% increased their supervision of students “a great deal”. Over 90% of respondents would apply for another fellowship and would recommend it to their colleagues. Further results from in depth interviews with fellows will be presented. Conclusion: The majority of respondents were satisfied with their fellowship experience, and have been able to apply the knowledge gained and disseminated it to colleagues at their institutions. Fellowships have resulted in long term collaborations and have allowed fellows professional growth. Overall, the UICC fellowship program is successful in providing successful knowledge transfer to cancer professionals. Long term impact will be assessed in the next steps of the study.

scholarly journals Important Social and Academic Interactions in Supporting Gifted Youth in Non-Formal Education

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakari Tolppanen ◽  
Maija Aksela
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Formal Program ◽  
Youth Camp ◽  
Gifted Youth ◽  
Long Term Impact

This case study investigated how 16–19-year-old international gifted youth felt that a non-formal educational program in math, science and technology, called the Millennium Youth Camp, supported them and what kind of long-term impact did it have on their lives. In the first part of the research, 88 international students answered an open-ended questionnaire about their opinions on the non-formal program. According to content analysis, the two most important aspects of the non-formal educational program were (i) social interaction between each other and the experts and (ii) academic activity and support. The second part of the research was conducted a year after the camp by an online survey, in which the attendees wrote an essay on how the experience had affected their lives. The content analysis of the essays indicated that the experience had a long-term impact on how the students saw themselves and their future. Based on the findings, it is outlined what principles should be implemented into non-formal learning in order to support the gifted.  

Crisis Phones - Suicide Prevention Versus Suggestion/Contagion Effects

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Stack
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Contagion Effects ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract. Background: There has been no systematic work on the short- or long-term impact of the installation of crisis phones on suicides from bridges. The present study addresses this issue. Method: Data refer to 219 suicides from 1954 through 2013 on the Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. Six crisis phones with signs were installed in July 1999. Results: In the first decade after installation, the phones were used by 27 suicidal persons and credited with preventing 26 or 2.6 suicides a year. However, the net suicide count increased from 48 in the 13 years before installation of phones to 106 the following 13 years or by 4.5 additional suicides/year (t =3.512, p < .001). Conclusion: Although the phones prevented some suicides, there was a net increase after installation. The findings are interpreted with reference to suggestion/contagion effects including the emergence of a controversial bridge suicide blog.

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