Vaccinate-or-mask: Ethical duties and rights of health care providers in obtaining or refusing the influenza vaccination

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Richardson ◽  
Kathryn Weaver

There is much controversy over the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination; yet, globally, many health institutions are implementing policies that require health providers to either receive the influenza vaccination or wear a surgical mask. This vaccinate-or-mask policy has caused great hullabaloo among health care providers and the institutions wherein they work. In light of the limitations to best practice evidence, we conducted an analysis of the policy and its implications based first on the bioethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficience, respect for autonomy, and justice and then on the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. The most important ethical issue was threat to patient safety and welfare in the event of receiving care from a health provider who chose to forego the influenza vaccination and surgical mask requirement. We concluded that policies requiring health care providers to receive the influenza vaccination or wear a surgical mask are only partially supported by the bioethical principle approach; however, they are clearly justified from a deontological standpoint. That is, Kant would argue the rightness of the policy as a moral imperative for health care providers to not impose a health risk to those they serve and for health care institutions to ensure professional care giver vaccination. In further considering the vaccinate-or-mask policy in terms of the utilitarian “greatest good for the greatest number”, we determined that Mill would argue that this type of policy is ethically right and just, but also that policies solely requiring immunization would be ethical as public well-being is promoted.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20722-e20722
Author(s):  
Harpreet Sidhu ◽  
Mir Asif Alikhan ◽  
Michael Glasser

e20722 Background: Due to the nature of the disease, caregivers of patients with cancer encounter high levels of burden and distress. Very little research has examined the needs of cancer caregivers and ways to address these needs. Health providers might overlook the emotional aspects of a disease and diagnosis, being occupied and busy with other aspects of patient care. Methods: Questionnaires with a focus on personal physical health, emotional health, care received, and medical care in general were handed out to patients and family members. Health providers were given similar questionnaires. Results: There were 45 participants in total: 18 health providers, 10 patients, and 17 family members. Similarities or differences between the attitudes of family members, health providers, and patients were found. Providers more negatively assessed the effect of a patient’s cancer on the well-being of family members than did patients/family members. Family member physical health was more negatively rated [P < 0.001] by providers, as was family member emotional health [P< 0.001]. Providers were also more likely to check distresses on the NCCN distress thermometer than were patients/family members. Responses were similar between urban and rural participants. Conclusions: Family members did not feel that the cancer diagnosis had affected their overall well-being in an overtly negative way. Health care providers believed that the cancer diagnosis had more of a negative effect on family member well-being. Future studies should look at attitudes of doctors/physicians versus other health providers to family member well-being after a patient’s cancer diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Kharroubi ◽  
I Cherif ◽  
L Bouabid ◽  
A Gharbi ◽  
A Boukthir ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination coverage among elderly remains unsatisfactory even in developed countries. Since attitudes are predictors of behavior, understanding factors influencing the intention to receive influenza vaccine (IV) among elderly may orientate interventions to increase vaccination rate. The aim of the current study was to identify factors associated to willingness to receive IV next season among Tunisian elderly. Methods During 2018 -2019 flu season a cross-sectional study was conducted among older persons aged 60 years and over with chronic disease attending primary and secondary health care facilities. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza was measured by means of a face to face questionnaire. Factors that affect willingness to receive IV were identified using a multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 1191 older persons included, 19.4% [17.1-21.9] participants received IV in 2018-2019 flu season, 64.7% [61.9-67.3] expressed willingness to be vaccinated next season. Willingness to receive IV was more likely among persons with chronic pulmonary disease (ORa=2.6), those suffering from diabetes (ORa=1.6), those who received IV in 2018-2019 flu season (ORa=16.5), those who feel that they get enough information about vaccines and their safety (ORa=2.9) and persons who trust the advice of their health care providers (ORa=4.5). Conclusions Vaccination status was the most determinant factor associated to willingness to receive the vaccine. Therefore, sustainable efforts to promote IV may lead to cumulative increase of influenza vaccination coverage year by year. Doctors should be involved more in advocating IV and providing elderly with the necessary information about IV, but that could not be effective without a climate of trust between patients and health care providers. Key messages Positive self-experience of older persons with IV may change their perception about it and encourage them to adhere to the vaccine in the future. Elderly should be provided with the necessary information about IV in terms of effectiveness and safety.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 910-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie Lee ◽  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Mary T. Kelly ◽  
Olivier Ferlatte

Gay men are a subgroup vulnerable to depression and suicidality. The prevalence of depression among gay men is three times higher than the general adult population. Because depression is a known risk factor for suicide, gay men are also at high risk for suicidality. Despite the high prevalence of depression and suicidality, health researchers and health care providers have tended to focus on sexual health issues, most often human immunodeficiency virus in gay men. Related to this, gay men’s health has often been defined by sexual practices, and poorly understood are the intersections of gay men’s physical and mental health with social determinants of health including ethnicity, locale, education level, and socioeconomic status. In the current article summated is literature addressing risk factors for depression and suicidality among gay men including family acceptance of their sexual identities, social cohesion and belonging, internalized stigma, and victimization. Barriers to gay men’s help seeking are also discussed in detailing how health care providers might advance the well-being of this underserved subgroup by effectively addressing depression and suicidality.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110654
Author(s):  
Kathryn West ◽  
Karen R. Jackson ◽  
Tobias L. Spears ◽  
Brian Callender

In this descriptive case series, we detail the theoretical basis, methodology, and impact of a small-scale pilot implementation of graphic medicine workshops as an innovative approach to well-being and resilience in the age of COVID-19 and increasing awareness of racial injustice. The data provided in this article are anecdotal and based on participation in the workshops. Images created during the workshops are also shared as examples of the types of reflection that graphic medicine can enable. The workshops themselves were designed collaboratively and are based on the theoretical principles of graphic medicine, narrative medicine, and racial and social justice. They were conducted as part of a larger wellness initiative and were offered to health care-focused faculty at our academic medical institution. Our findings suggest that this was a beneficial activity which helped participants to reflect and reconsider their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and surging awareness of racial injustice. Reflections also showed that drawings were correlated with ProQOL scores and may, in larger numbers, also help to mitigate or bring attention to issues of burnout in frontline providers. Drawings shared show the tremendous impact of COVID-19 and the simultaneous chaos and emptiness of practicing during dual pandemics. Our workshops engaged about 20 frontline health care providers and other health care faculty and highlight the utility of graphic medicine as a tool for building resilience and encouraging self-reflection. Further study is necessary, as is more rigorous analysis of the relationship between the graphics created and the ability to recognize and mitigate burnout.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Alvita Brilliana R. Arafah ◽  
Hari Basuki Notobroto

Breast cancer is cancer with the number of new cases and deaths highest in Indonesia. According to the Data Center and Information Ministry of a health Indonesia in the year 2013, the number of new cases of breast cancer of 819 and the number of deaths amounted to 217. In general, breast cancer known after stepping on an advanced stage. So the methods of early detection of breast cancer are focused on the detection of early stage tumors that are usually small with self-breast examination (SADARI). The purpose of this research is to predict the factors related to the behavior of self-breast examination (SADARI) the housewives aged 40–50 years. This research is an observational study with cross sectional approach. Sample research totaling 100 people  housewife in Kelurahan Sidotopo Wetan Kenjeran Subdistrict Surabaya. The measurement was done by providing a questionnaire to obtain information about the research variables. Variable independent research is k nowledge, attitudes, information accessibility, support health providers and descent with breast cancer. The results of this research showed the variables that are associated with the  SADARI behavior of the housewifes is attitude (p = 0.000), accessibility of information (p = 0.000), and health care providers support (p = 0.010). The majority of housewives in Kelurahan Sidotopo Wetan Kenjeran Sub-district Surabaya showed a good attitude and support toward SADARI. In the area surrounding the residence h ousewife get access information easily. There are no support for doing SADARI from health care providers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amita Tuteja ◽  
Elisha Riggs ◽  
Lena Sanci ◽  
Lester Mascarenhas ◽  
Di VanVliet ◽  
...  

Interpreters work with health care professionals to overcome language challenges during sexual and reproductive (SRH) health discussions with people from refugee backgrounds. Disclosures of traumatic refugee journeys and sexual assault combined with refugees’ unfamiliarity with Western health concepts and service provision can increase the interpreting challenges. Published literature provides general guidance on working with interpreters in primary care but few studies focus on interpretation in refugee SRH consults. To address this, we explored the challenges faced by providers of refugee services (PRS) during interpreter mediated SRH consultations with Burma born refugees post settlement in Australia. We used qualitative methodology and interviewed 29 PRS involved with migrants from Burma including general practitioners, nurses, interpreters, bilingual social workers, and administrative staff. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis following independent coding by the members of the research team. Key themes were formulated after a consensus discussion. The theme of “interpretation related issues” was identified with six sub-themes including 1) privacy and confidentiality 2) influence of interpreter’s identity 3) gender matching of the interpreter 4) family member vs. professional interpreters 5) telephone vs. face-to-face interpreting 6) setting up the consultation room. When faced with these interpretation related challenges in providing SRH services to people from refugee backgrounds, health care providers combine best practice advice, experience-based knowledge and “mundane creativity” to adapt to the needs of the specific patients. The complexity of interpreted SRH consultations in refugee settings needs to be appreciated in making good judgments when choosing the best way to optimize communication. This paper identifies the critical elements which could be incorporated when making such a judgement. Future research should include the experiences of refugee patients to provide a more comprehensive perspective.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-145
Author(s):  
Tiffany Gwartney ◽  
Allyson Duffy

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon the health care landscape has prompted many organizations to revise policies in response to ever-changing guidelines and recommendations regarding safe breastfeeding practices. The application of these professional guidelines into clinical practice is fraught with barriers, inconsistencies, and often-minimal evidential support. Key concerns for health care providers and patients include antenatal versus postnatal transmission, milk transmission, and separation care versus rooming-in, including the subsequent impacts upon breastfeeding and bonding. While SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, the volume of literature to support best practice for couplet care continues to be developed at a rapid pace. The benefits of breastfeeding are steeped in evidence and outweigh the potential risk of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to newborn. Health care organizations must continue to seek guidance for policy revision within the ever-growing body of evidence for best practice and evaluate current practices for feasibility during and after hospitalization.


Author(s):  
Katarina Swahnberg ◽  
Anke Zbikowski ◽  
Kumudu Wijewardene ◽  
Agneta Josephson ◽  
Prembarsha Khadka ◽  
...  

Obstetric violence refers to the mistreatment of women in pregnancy and childbirth care by their health providers. It is linked to poor quality of care, lack of trust in health systems, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Evidence of interventions to reduce and prevent obstetric violence is limited. We developed a training intervention using a participatory theatre technique called Forum Play inspired by the Theatre of the Oppressed for health providers in Sri Lanka. This paper assesses the potential of the training method to increase staff awareness of obstetric violence and promote taking action to reduce or prevent it. We conducted four workshops with 20 physicians and 30 nurses working in three hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants completed a questionnaire before and three-to-four months after the intervention. At follow-up, participants more often reported that they had been involved in situations of obstetric violence, indicating new knowledge of the phenomenon and/or an increase in their ability to conceptualise it. The intervention appears promising for improving the abilities of health care providers to recognise obstetric violence, the first step in counteracting it. The study demonstrates the value of developing further studies to assess the longitudinal impacts of theatre-based training interventions to reduce obstetric violence and, ultimately, improve patient care.


Author(s):  
Chris Willott ◽  
Nick Boyd ◽  
Haja Wurie ◽  
Isaac Smalle ◽  
T B Kamara ◽  
...  

Abstract We examined the views of providers and users of the surgical system in Freetown, Sierra Leone on processes of care, job and service satisfaction and barriers to achieving quality and accessible care, focusing particularly on the main public tertiary hospital in Freetown and two secondary and six primary sites from which patients are referred to it. We conducted interviews with health care providers (N = 66), service users (n = 24) and people with a surgical condition who had chosen not to use the public surgical system (N = 13), plus two focus groups with health providers in primary care (N = 10 and N = 10). The overall purpose of the study was to understand perceptions on processes of and barriers to care from a variety of perspectives, to recommend interventions to improve access and quality of care as part of a larger study. Our research suggests that providers perceive their relationships with patients to be positive, while the majority of patients see the opposite: that many health workers are unapproachable and uncaring, particularly towards poorer patients who are unable or unwilling to pay staff extra in the form of informal payments for their care. Many health care providers note the importance of lack of recognition shown to them by their superiors and the health system in general. We suggest that this lack of recognition underlies poor morale, leading to poor care. Any intervention to improve the system should therefore consider staff–patient relations as a key element in its design and implementation, and ideally be led and supported by frontline healthcare workers.


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