The response of health care workers to AIDS patients' requests for euthanasia

1999 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger S. Magnusson ◽  
Peter H. Ballis
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Care Workers

This paper reports on research into the practice of euthanasia amongst Australian health care professionals specialising in HIV/AIDS. It draws on data from thirty-nine semi-structured interviews carried out in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra with physicians, general practitioners, hospital and community nurses, therapists and community workers. Using a qualitative methodology, the study seeks to identify how (illegal) euthanasia is currently practised, the degrees of involvement, the various forms that involvement takes, and the social relations which provide the context for involvement. In this paper we outline three categories of 'doers' to illustrate the range of attitudes and practices concerning euthanasia. This 'typology' carries a number of implications for recent policy debates over the legalisation of euthanasia. In particular it illustrates, at least within the context of AIDS care, the fragmentation of consensus over euthanasia amongst health care workers, the reality of current illegal euthanasia practices, and the limitations of a prohibitionist policy. While the legalisation of euthanasia within a regulatory framework is sometimes portrayed as an extreme or 'radical' response to terminal illness, the data presented in this paper suggest that prohibitionism is also radical in its failure to control euthanasia practice.

scholarly journals The psychosocial effects of being quarantined following exposure to COVID-19: A qualitative study of Lebanese health care workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirna Fawaz ◽  
Ali Samaha
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
Care Workers

Background: Since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), health care professionals in Lebanon have been diligently serving as the frontline of defense. In the light of challenging economic and political circumstances, putting their community wellbeing as a priority, and abiding by quarantine and strict infection control measures, health care professionals risk both their physical and mental wellbeing. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the psychosocial effects of being quarantined following exposure to COVID-19 among Lebanese health care professionals. Method: An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, where semi-structured interviews were carried out involving a sample of 13 Lebanese health care providers working at various COVID-19 units. Results: The qualitative analysis has revealed four themes namely ‘Fears of contracting and spreading the virus’, ‘Conflict between professional duty and family obligation’, ‘Stigma of being infected’, and ‘Inadequate or inaccurate information’. Conclusion: COVID-19 quarantine has been posing intense psychological challenges among Lebanese health care workers which are worsened at times by the economic instability; thus, health care policymakers are urged to take proper action nationwide to alleviate longlisting implications and support the health care providers in fulfilling their mission.

scholarly journals I don't leave my people; They need me: Qualitative research of local health care professionals' working motivations in Syria

2022 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agneta Kallström ◽  
Orwa Al-Abdulla ◽  
Jan Parkki ◽  
Mikko Häkkinen ◽  
Hannu Juusola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
World War Ii ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Local Health Care ◽  
Threatening Condition

Abstract Background The Syrian conflict has endured for a decade, causing one of the most significant humanitarian crises since World War II. The conflict has inflicted massive damage to civil infrastructure, and not even the health care sector has been spared. On the contrary, health care has been targeted, and as a result, many health professionals have left the country. Despite the life-threatening condition, many health professionals continued to work inside Syria even in the middle of the acute crisis. This qualitative study aims to determine the factors that have motivated Syrian health professionals to work in a conflict-affected country. Methods The research is based on 20 semi-structured interviews of Syrian health care workers. Interviews were conducted in 2016–2017 in Gaziantep, Turkey. A thematic inductive content analysis examined the motivational factors Syrian health care workers expressed for their work in the conflict area. Results Motivating factors for health care workers were intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic reasons included humanitarian principles and medical ethics. Also, different ideological reasons, patriotic, political and religious, were mentioned. Economic and professional reasons were named as extrinsic reasons for continuing work in the war-torn country. Conclusions The study adds information on the effects of the Syrian crisis on health care—from healthcare workers' perspective. It provides a unique insight on motivations why health care workers are continuing their work in Syria. This research underlines that the health care system would collapse totally without local professionals and leave the population without adequate health care.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of Health Care Professionals in Greece before the Outbreak Period

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 4925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Papagiannis ◽  
Foteini Malli ◽  
Dimitrios G. Raptis ◽  
Ioanna V. Papathanasiou ◽  
Evangelos C. Fradelos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
High Level ◽  
Educational Campaigns ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Introduction: The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 pandemic has expanded globally. The aim of the current study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health care professionals in Greece towards SARS-CoV-2. Methods: From 10–25 February 2020, 500 health care workers were approached. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards SARS-CoV-2 were assessed via a personal interview questionnaire. For knowledge, each correct answer was given 1 point; attitudes, or concerns aimed at prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and practices, or behaviors towards performing preventive practices, were assigned 1 point each. Points were summed and a score for each category was calculated. Results: A total of 461 health care workers returned the questionnaire and were included in the analysis (mean age ± SD: 44.2 ± 10.78 years, 74% females). The majority were nurses (47.5%), followed by physicians (30.5%) and paramedics (19%). The majority of subjects (88.28%) had a good level of knowledge (knowledge score equal to 4, or more). The majority of participants (71%) agreed with the temporary traveling restrictions ban. The uptake of a future vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was estimated at 43%. Knowledge score was significantly associated with both attitudes score (p = 0.011) and practices score (p < 0.001), indicating that subjects with a high knowledge score demonstrated a more positive perception on preventive measures and would practice more preventive measures. Attitudes score was significantly associated with practices score (p = 0.009) indicating that subjects with a higher attitudes score are more likely to perform practices towards the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Conclusion: There is a high level of knowledge concerning SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among Greek health care workers and this is significantly associated with positive attitudes and practices towards preventive health measures. The high level of knowledge of health professionals about SARS-CoV-2 may have contributed considerably to the successful management of the pandemic in Greece. Tailored educational campaigns aiming to increase the proportion of health care workers willing to accept a potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could be of paramount importance in future proactive vaccine educational campaigns.

scholarly journals Clinical evaluation of mark induced dermatitis on health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 413
Author(s):  
Sushma I. ◽  
Nivin Simon ◽  
A. J. S. Pravin ◽  
M. K. Padmaprasad ◽  
M. Vijayabharathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Evaluation ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Mask induced dermatitis is common among health care workers now because of the obligatory use of facemask for a longer period during COVID-19, the clinical features vary. Very few studies could be conducted due to the COVID induced constraints. Studies regarding reactions to face masks in health workers published to date are limited and hence we decided to do this study. The objective of this study was to find out the clinical presentations of mask induced dermatitis due to long term use of facemask on healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross sectional study was conducted among 40 healthcare workers attend our OPD with face mask for 6 months. After getting informed written consent clinical evaluation was made by history and dermatologic examination.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 40 health care professionals between the age group of 21-50 years (17 females and 23 males) came to our OPD with complaints of itching and dryness with signs of erythema, scaling, papules for 6 months duration. Out of them, 15 (37.5%) patients had exacerbation of pre-existing dermatoses like atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, acne. 10 patients (25%) had irritant contact dermatitis 7 patients (17.5%) had sweat-induced dermatitis, 4 patients (10%) had dermatitis due to sponge strip at the nasal bridge, 4 patients (10%) had dermatitis due to vehement use of ear loop involving retroauricular region.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study showed that wearing face masks results in the development and aggravation of other skin diseases due to various causes. Itch can induce scratching and thus lead to inappropriate use of face masks, which could compromise their function.</p>

scholarly journals Awareness among health care professionals regarding nosocomial pathogens and role of fomites in their transmission.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 1032-1037
Author(s):  
Khadija Mumtaz ◽  
Nadia Aslam ◽  
Naima Mehdi ◽  
Nazma Kiran ◽  
Sadaf Farzand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Nosocomial Infections ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Nosocomial Pathogens ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Associated Infections ◽  
Tract Infections

Objectives: This study was performed to access the knowledge of health care professionals regarding health care associated infections, nosocomial pathogens, fomites and their role in transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Study Design: Descriptive, questionnaire based, cross-sectional study. Setting: Tertiary care hospital of Lahore, Punjab. Period: From October 2017 to January 2018. Material & Methods: Questionnaires were carefully formulated to access basic knowledge of physicians, surgeons and nurses. Responses given were analyzed and recorded as frequency and percentage. Results: Regarding health care associated infections, respiratory tract infections were identified by 72% surgeons, 65% physicians and 59% nurses. Surgical wound infections were identified by 76% of surgeons and 81% nurses. 45.7% physician identified bacteraemia as nosocomial infection. Rate of identification for rest of nosocomial infections was sub optimum (<50%) by health care workers. Regarding identification of nosocomial pathogens, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus was marked by 65% of physicians, 83.8% of nurses, 76% of surgeons. Pseudomonas nosocomial pathogen was identified by 40%, 46% and 64% of physicians, nurses and surgeons respectively. The rate of identification for rest of the nosocomial organisms was again sub optimum (<40%) by health care workers. Regarding fomites, mattresses and pillows, thermometer, stethoscopes were identified by 75.7%, 59.2 and 50% of Health care professionals respectively. Conclusion: This survey identified positive attitude among Health care workers towards infection control but low level of knowledge regarding health care associated infections and nosocomial pathogens. Therefore, to prevent nosocomial infections, there is strong need to develop strategies for improving knowledge of Health care professionals.

AIDS Dementia Complex: The Perception of Loss of Functional Ability

2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 509-514
Author(s):  
Kate Gregory ◽  
Deanna Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Aids Dementia Complex ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Aids Dementia ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
And Function

AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC) is a subcortical dementia often associated with HIV disease. Despite undergoing numerous assessments of cognition and function to determine their need for personal care assistance, there is limited information on how individuals with ADC view their functional and cognitive impairments and the subsequent effect on their lifestyle. This study investigated issues of concern to clients with ADC in order to provide a greater understanding of the psychological effect of the loss of functional ability. A qualitative design was used to explore individuals' experience of ADC and clarify their insight and perception regarding the loss of function. The participants were selected by the use of purposeful sampling techniques. Information was obtained through semi-structured interviews and analysed using an analytic induction method. Five main themes were identified as being important in relation to the perception of functional ability. Discrepancies emerged between the insights of individuals with ADC regarding their level of function and their need for assistance and support with activities of daily living, compared with those of the health care workers involved in their care. Health care workers need to have an awareness of the insight that individuals with ADC may have into their functional ability when addressing issues of supported accommodation and level of assistance required.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Health Care Workers Questionnaire

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Schaan ◽  
Myra Taylor ◽  
John Puvimanasinghe ◽  
Lesego Busang ◽  
Koona Keapoletswe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

scholarly journals Risk Perception and Worries among Health Care Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from an Italian Survey

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Mariangela Valentina Puci ◽  
Guido Nosari ◽  
Federica Loi ◽  
Giulia Virginia Puci ◽  
Cristina Montomoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

The ongoing pandemic scenario, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has had a considerable impact on public health all over the world. Italy was one of the most affected countries, as the first European full-blown outbreak occurred there. The exposure of the Italian health care workers to COVID-19 may be an important risk factor for psychological distress. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe worries and risk perception of being infected among Italian Health Care Workers (HCWs) during the first wave of the pandemic. In total, 2078 HCWs participated in a web survey (78.8% were females). The highest percentage of respondents were physicians (40.75%) and nurses (32.15%), followed by medical (18.00%), health care support (4.50%) and administrative (4.60%) staff. In a score range between 0 (not worried) and 4 (very worried), our results showed that participants declared that they were worried about the Coronavirus infection with a median score of 3 (IQR 2-3) and for 59.19% the risk perception of being infected was very high. In addition, HCWs reported they suffered from sleep disturbances (63.43%). From the analysis of the psychological aspect, a possible divergence emerged between the perceived need for psychological support (83.85%) and the relative lack of this service among health care providers emerged (9.38%). Our findings highlight the importance of psychological and psychiatric support services not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) scenarios. These services may be useful for health authorities and policymakers to ensure the psychological well-being of health care professionals and to promote precautionary behaviors among them.

When roles within interpreter-mediated psychiatric consultations speak louder than words

2020 ◽  
pp. 136346152093376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Kilian ◽  
Leslie Swartz ◽  
Xanthe Hunt ◽  
Ereshia Benjamin ◽  
Bonginkosi Chiliza
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Professional Interpreting

In South Africa, clinicians working in public psychiatric hospitals are mainly fluent in English and Afrikaans, while the majority of patients are not proficient in these languages. Due to a lack of professional interpreting services, informal, ad hoc interpreters are commonly employed in public psychiatric hospitals. We collected data on language practices in public psychiatric care in South Africa, and provide a detailed account of what happens when bilingual health care workers and cleaners haphazardly take on the additional role of interpreter. Data were collected during 2010 at a public psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. Thirteen interpreter-mediated psychiatric consultations were video-recorded, and 18 audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with the interpreters and clinicians who participated in the interpreter-mediated psychiatric consultations. Patients were proficient in isiXhosa (one of the 11 official languages of South Africa), the clinicians (all registrars) were first language English or Afrikaans speakers, while the health care workers (nurses and social workers) and cleaners were fluent in both the patients’ and clinician’s language. Our findings suggest that interpreters took on the following four roles during the interpreter-mediated psychiatric consultations: regulating turn-taking, cultural broker, gatekeeper and advocate. Our findings suggest that, despite interpreters and clinicians having the patient’s best interests at heart, it is the patient’s voice that becomes lost while the clinician and interpreter negotiate the roles played by each party.

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