scholarly journals Healthcare workers’ perception of gender and work roles during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e056434
Author(s):  
Bria Scriven Mele ◽  
Jayna M Holroyd-Leduc ◽  
Patricia Harasym ◽  
Sandra M Dumanski ◽  
Kirsten Fiest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Universal Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Universal Healthcare System

ObjectivesA high functioning healthcare workforce is a key priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to determine how work and mental health for healthcare workers changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in a universal healthcare system, stratified by gender factors.DesignA mixed-methods study was employed. Phase 1 was an anonymous, internet-based survey (7 May–15 July 2020). Phase 2 was semistructured interviews offered to all respondents upon survey completion to describe how experiences may have differed by gender identity, roles and relations.SettingNational universal healthcare system (Canada).Participants2058 Canadian healthcare worker survey respondents (87% women, 11% men, 1% transgender or Two-Spirit), including 783 health professionals, 673 allied health professionals, 557 health support staff. Of the 63 unique healthcare worker types reported, registered nurses (11.5%), physicians (9.9%) and pharmacists (4.5%) were most common. Forty-six healthcare workers were interviewed.Main outcome measuresReported pandemic-induced changes to occupational leadership roles and responsibilities, household and caregiving responsibilities, and anxiety levels by gender identity.ResultsMen (19.8%) were more likely to hold pandemic leadership roles compared with women (13.4%). Women (57.5%) were more likely to report increased domestic responsibilities than men (45%). Women and those with dependents under the age of 10 years reported the greatest levels of anxiety during the pandemic. Interviews with healthcare workers further revealed a perceived imbalance in leadership opportunities based on gender identity, a lack of workplace supports disproportionately affecting women and an increase in domestic responsibilities influenced by gender roles.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic response has important gendered effects on the healthcare workforce. Healthcare workers are central to effective pandemic control, highlighting an urgent need for a gender-transformative pandemic response strategy.

A baseline mixed-methods study on postpartum care among health professionals in Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunice Pallangyo ◽  
Columba Mbekenga ◽  
Pia Olsson ◽  
Carina Källestål
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Postpartum Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Study

scholarly journals Views on Precision Medicine among Health Professionals in Korea: A Mixed Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Ha Na Cho ◽  
Soo-Yong Shin ◽  
Bin Hwangbo ◽  
Yoon Jung Chang ◽  
Juhee Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Precision Medicine ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study

scholarly journals The knowledge and learning needs of health professionals in providing support for parents of premature babies at home: A mixed-methods study

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 277-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Petty ◽  
Lisa Whiting ◽  
Alison Mosenthal ◽  
Cathrine Fowler ◽  
Doug Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Premature Babies ◽  
At Home

scholarly journals Facing the Unknown: Healthcare Workers’ Concerns, Experiences, and Burnout during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Mixed-Methods Study in an Israeli Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9021
Author(s):  
Keren Dopelt ◽  
Osnat Bashkin ◽  
Nadav Davidovitch ◽  
Noam Asna
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Depth Interviews

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of healthcare workers during the first wave of the coronavirus crisis. In a mixed-methods study, data were collected through an online survey completed by 263 hospital staff members, as well as 10 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with physicians, nurses, and medical technologists working on coronavirus wards. Respondents expressed extremely high levels of concern for family members, but they were less apprehensive about their own health and safety. Nurses displayed more apprehension and burnout compared to healthcare workers in other professional roles. The in-depth interviews reinforced and supplemented the survey findings and deepened our understanding of the experience of healthcare workers directly involved in the first wave of coronavirus patient care. The findings of this study illuminate the main concerns of hospital staff during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and deepen our understanding of issues that require systemic attention in order to strengthen mental resilience among hospital staff. The steps required to continue fighting the virus include the development of a mental and emotional support network for healthcare workers to safeguard them and their health, as they care for patients, and to provide ongoing psychosocial support. As later waves of COVID-19 continued, these recommendations are even more pertinent.

scholarly journals Health-seeking behaviours in a malaria endemic district in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: a mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e055350
Author(s):  
Ken Ing Cherng Ong ◽  
Phonepadith Khattignavong ◽  
Sengdeuane Keomalaphet ◽  
Moritoshi Iwagami ◽  
Paul Brey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Endemic District ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectivesThis mixed methods study was conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators for health-seeking behaviours in a malaria endemic district in Lao PDR.DesignA convergent mixed methods design.SettingTwo malaria endemic villages in Thapangthong district, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.ParticipantsVillagers and healthcare workers in the two villages in Thapangthong district.MethodsIn the quantitative part, a pretested questionnaire was used to identify the health-seeking behaviours of the villagers. In the qualitative part, focus group discussions were employed to explore health-seeking behaviours of the villagers and in-depth interviews were used to explore the perceptions of the healthcare workers. Descriptive statistics were computed and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with perceived severity and perceived susceptibility. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated in joint displays.ResultsIn the quantitative part, data were collected from 313 villagers from both villages. For malaria, 96.0% and 98.2% of villagers from villages A and B, respectively, would first seek treatment at public health facilities. Villagers who have not experienced malaria before were more likely to perceive that the consequences of malaria were serious compared with those who have experienced malaria before (adjusted OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.75). However, qualitative data showed that villagers faced problems such as lack of medicines and medical equipment. Healthcare workers also mentioned the lack of manpower and equipment in the in-depth interviews. Nevertheless, villagers still preferred to seek treatment at the health center as the National Health Insurance was introduced.ConclusionsPublic health facility usage was high but barriers existed. Effective policy and enabling environment such as the introduction of the National Health Insurance could help accelerate the progress towards the malaria elimination goal. Moreover, the benefits could go beyond the context of malaria.

scholarly journals Exploring the Barriers and Levers to Hand Hygiene of Nursing and Medical Staff in Emergency Departments: A Mixed Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lorraine Rees
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

<p>Background: Emergency Departments (ED) frequently host patients with undiagnosed infectious conditions and patients who are vulnerable to infection. Minimising the risk of exposure to infectious diseases is a priority in healthcare and is managed using a variety of strategies. Hand hygiene (HH) underpins these strategies, but ED have lagged behind improvement in HH compared to other units in New Zealand public hospitals. Given the consequences of healthcare associated infections (HAI), further investigation is warranted to identify barriers and levers to HH in the challenging environment of ED.  The aim of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to identify barriers and levers to HH practice in two ED in New Zealand.  Design: The mixed methods study was conducted in two phases. In Phase One, a questionnaire was used to survey nurses and doctors in the two ED sites. In Phase Two, follow-on focus groups were used to explore in-depth, specific aspects of the survey results.  Methods: In Phase One, doctors and nurses in the ED sites were surveyed to identify perceived barriers and levers of HH. A previously validated questionnaire from the United Kingdom was used. Following piloting, the questionnaire was circulated via email to all doctors and registered nurses. Results were analysed descriptively. Areas identified as strong barriers and levers to HH practice were identified, and used to inform development of a focus group interview guide.  In Phase Two, focus group participants were identified from a self-selected convenience sample of survey respondents. Focus groups were audio-recorded and data transcribed verbatim into NVivo Pro 11 before undergoing thematic analysis.  Results: The survey was distributed to doctors (n= 81) and nurses (n= 214). The response rate was low (11% for nurses, 12% for doctors). Two focus groups (n=6 & n=2) and one face to face interview (n=1) was held with nurses participating in each session. No medical staff participated in this phase of data collection. All respondents had worked in healthcare more than three years. Healthcare workers identified that professional role was the strongest lever for HH (93.1%, n=95), closely followed by knowledge and skills (84.3%, n=86). Healthcare workers demonstrated an awareness of benefits of HH including improving patient confidence and avoidance on infection for the patient and themselves (65.9%, n= 89). 45.6% (n=62) of responses identified a lack of encouragement or role modelling in this area of practice.  The physical environment in the ED was a major barrier (53.7%, n=73) although shorter stays in ED were not perceived as a barrier to HH (73.5%, n= 25). High patient turnover and acuity were also perceived as barriers to HH. HH initiatives were perceived to have a marginal effect (55.3%, n=57). Social influences and communication were further barriers to HH, with healthcare workers identifying discomfort when challenging others about HH.  Conclusion: Current barriers to HH including the environmental challenges, and social and cultural barriers to HH need to be addressed. Hand hygiene education that targets known challenges in, and misunderstandings about practice, need to be developed. Organisations must clearly articulate expectations of HH through policy and procedure, including a commitment to address non-compliance. Doctors and nurses should be supported in developing strategies to effectively communicate about, and challenge HH practices. With organisational support and a harnessing of the professional responsibilities that doctors and nurses hold, there is opportunity to strengthen barriers and mitigate barriers to HH.</p>

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