Anesthesia departments’ readiness for the COVID-19 pandemic; a nationwide cross-sectional study in Israel

Abstract Background The Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) brings anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians to the mainstay of clinical workload and healthcare managements’ focus. There are approximately 900 anesthesiologists in Israel, working in non-private hospitals. This nationwide cross-sectional study evaluated the readiness and involvement of anesthesia departments in Israel in management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on anesthesiologists’ health, workload, and clinical practices were also evaluated. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to all of anesthesia department chairs in Israel on April 14th. Each response was identifiable on the hospital level only. Informed consent was waived since no patient data were collected. Results Response rate was 100%. A decrease of at least 40% in operating-room activity was reported by two-thirds of the departments. Anesthesiologists are leading the treatment of COVID-19 patients in 19/28 (68%) Israeli hospitals. Israel Society of Anesthesiologists’ recommendations regarding intubation of COVID-19 patients were strictly followed (intubations performed by the most experienced available physician, by rapid-sequence induction utilizing video-laryngoscopy, while minimizing the number of people in the room - about 90% compliance for each). Anesthesiologists in most departments use standard personal protective equipment when caring for COVID-19 patients, including N95 masks, face shields, and water-proof gowns. Only one anesthesiologist across Israel was diagnosed with COVID-19 (unknown source of transmission). All department chairs reported emerging opportunities that advance the anesthesia profession: implementation of new technologies and improvement in caregivers’ clinical capabilities (68% each), purchase of new equipment (96%), and increase in research activity (36%). Conclusions This nationwide cross-sectional study had a complete response rate and therefore well-represents the anesthesia practice in Israel. We found that Israeli anesthesia departments are generally highly involved in the health system efforts to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anesthesia and airway management are performed in a remarkably comparable manner and with proper protection of caregivers. Ambulatory anesthesia activity has dramatically decreased, but many departments find opportunities for improvement even in these challenging times.

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Novice therapists in a developing context: Extending the reach of hand rehabilitation

Hand Therapy ◽

10.1177/1758998317720951 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 141-152

Author(s):

Kirsty van Stormbroek ◽

Helen Buchanan

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

First Year ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Hand Rehabilitation ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rehabilitation Needs ◽

The Impact

Introduction Hand rehabilitation needs in some parts of the world extend beyond the impact of specialised hand therapists. This study aimed to establish what hand rehabilitation services novice occupational therapists in South Africa were providing; the supports and barriers for such services; and, therapists’ perceptions of being equipped for hand rehabilitation. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and an online questionnaire was sent to all occupational therapists in their first year of practice (n = 240). Data were analysed with Stata 12 and IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21.0. Responses to open ended questions were post-coded. Results A 43.3% response rate was obtained. Participants (n = 104) treated an average of 20 clients requiring hand rehabilitation per month often without adequate equipment (73%). Central nervous system (91.3%), bone and joint (72.8%) and arthritic conditions (72.4%) were treated most frequently. Most participants felt confident (64%) and competent (79%) in hand rehabilitation. Conclusion Participants were undertaking hand rehabilitation that in other contexts is considered to require specialised skills. To ensure quality rehabilitation, supervision and mentoring of novice therapists and appropriate professional development opportunities are required.

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Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiac Rehabilitation Delivery around the World

10.1101/2020.11.11.20230045 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi ◽

Zhiming Xu ◽

Xia Liu ◽

Ana Mola ◽

Robyn Gallagher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

New Technologies ◽

Response Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

List Type ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

The World

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate impacts of COVID-19 on CR delivery around the globe, including effects on providers and patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was administered to CR programs globally via REDCap from April-June/2020. The 50 members of the ICCPR and personal contacts facilitated program identification.ResultsOverall, 1062(18.3% program response rate) responses were received from 70/111(63.1% country response rate) countries in the world with existent CR programs. Of these, 367(49.1%) programs reported they had stopped CR delivery, and 203(27.1%) stopped temporarily (mean=8.3±2.8weeks). Alternative models were delivered in 322(39.7%) programs, primarily through low-tech modes (n=226,19.3%). 353(30.2%) respondents were re-deployed, and 276 (37.3%) felt the need to work due to fear of losing their job, despite the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 (mean=30.0%±27.4/100). 266(22.5%) reported anxiety, 241(20.4%) were concerned about exposing their family, 113(9.7%) reported increased workload to transition to remote delivery, and 105(9.0%) were juggling caregiving responsibilities during business hours. Patients were often contacting staff regarding grocery shopping for heart-healthy foods (n=333,28.4%), how to use technology to interact with the program (n=329,27.9%), having to stop their exercise because they have no place to exercise (n=303,25.7%), and their risk of death from COVID-19 due to pre-existing cardiovascular disease (n=249,21.2%). Respondents perceived staff (n=488,41.3%) and patient (n=453,38.6%) personal protective equipment, as well as COVID-19 screening (n=414,35.2%) and testing (n=411,35.0%) as paramount to in-person service resumption.ConclusionApproximately 4400 programs ceased service delivery. Those that remain open are implementing new technologies to ensure their patients receive CR safely, despite the challenges.Highlights-COVID-19 has impacted cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery around the globe.-In this cross-sectional study, a survey was completed by 1062 (18.3%) CR programs from 70 (63.1%) countries.-The pandemic has resulted in cessation of ∼75% of CR programs, with others ceasing initiation of new patients, reducing components delivered, and/or changing of mode delivery with little opportunity for planning and training.-There is also significant psychosocial and economic impact on CR providers.-Alternative CR model (e.g. home-based, virtual) reimbursement advocacy is needed, to ensure safe, accessible secondary prevention delivery.

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The impact of the use of a footrest on the quality of chest compressions. A prospective, randomized, cross-sectional study

Postępy Nauk Medycznych ◽

10.25121/pnm.2018.31.3.133 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Jolanta Majer ◽

Sandra Pyda ◽

Jerzy Robert Ladny ◽

Antonio Rodriguez-Nunez ◽

Lukasz Szarpak

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Chest Compressions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

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Impact of Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene on Prevalence of Diarrheal Disease and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Selected Woredas of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Advances in Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/8237101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Agune Ashole Alto ◽

Wanzahun Godana ◽

Genet Gedamu

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Diarrheal Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Under Five ◽

Under Five Children ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

The Impact ◽

Gamo Gofa

Background. Diarrheal diseases are still one of the major causes of morbidity in under-five children in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, diarrhea is responsible for 9% of all deaths and is the major cause of under-five mortality. Objective. To assess the impact of community-led total sanitation and hygiene on the prevalence of diarrheal disease and factors associated among under-five children in Gamo Gofa Zone. Methods. Community-based comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the impact of community-led total sanitation and hygiene intervention on under-five diarrheal disease. Multistage sampling method was employed. The data were collected by using pretested structured questionnaires. Data quality was ensured by daily supervision completeness and consistency. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi Info version 7 and were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were carried out by using binary logistic regression. Significance was declared by using p value of <0.05 and AOR with 95% confidence intervals. Results. The response rate of this study was 93.3%. The overall diarrhea prevalence was 27.5% (CI = (24.06, 30.97)) which was 18.9% (CI = (14.94, 23.2)) in implemented and 36.2%. (CI = (30.41, 41.59)) in nonimplemented woredas. Children whose age was between 12 and 23 months (AOR = 1.6) and greater than 24 months (AOR = 5), availability of handwashing facilities (AOR = 4), disposal of waste in open field (AOR = 9.7), unimproved source of drinking water (AOR = 6.5), using only water for handwashing (AOR = 6), children who started complementary feeding less than 6 months (AOR = 5.6) and greater than 6 months (AOR = 5.2), and utensils used to feed children such as bottle (AOR = 3.9) were the factors positively associated with diarrhea. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of under-five diarrhea was 27.5%. The prevalence was low in CLTSH woredas as compared with non-CLTSH woredas. The study showed that handwashing facility, using only water for handwashing, open refuse disposal, and unimproved source of drinking water among under-five had a statistically significant association with diarrhea occurrence in CLTSH nonimplemented areas. Integrated efforts are needed from the Ministry of Health together with the WASH Project in improving drinking water, handwashing facilities, and solid waste disposal practices.

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The impact of health literacy on health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study

Physiotherapy ◽

10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 105 (3) ◽

pp. 346-353

Author(s):

Laura M. Mackey ◽

Catherine Blake ◽

Maire-Brid Casey ◽

Camillus K. Power ◽

Ray Victory ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on training and mental health of residents: a cross-sectional study

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02655-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eman Alshdaifat ◽

Amer Sindiani ◽

Wasim Khasawneh ◽

Omar Abu-Azzam ◽

Aref Qarqash ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Residency Training ◽

Training Programs ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Surgical Residents ◽

Tertiary Center ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Residency programs have been impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study we aim to investigate and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on residents as well as residency training programs. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including a survey of 43 questions prepared on Google forms and electronically distributed among a convenience sample of residents training at a tertiary center in North Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the period between October 30th and November 8th of 2020. The survey included questions that addressed the impact of the pandemic on residents’ health as well as training programs. The study participants included residents in training at KAUH in 2020 and were stratified according to the type of residency program (surgical residents (SRs) and non-surgical residents (NSRs)). Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, Mann Whitney U test, and Cramer’s V and r statistics as measures of effect sizes. Results Of all 430 residents, 255 (59%) responded to the survey. A total of 17 (7%) of residents reported being infected with COVID-19 and a significant difference was reported between SRs and NSRs (10% vs 4%, V = .124 “small effect” (95% CI; .017–.229), p = 0.048). Approximately, 106 (42%) reported a decrease in the number of staff working at the clinic and 164 (64%) reported limited access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic. On a 4-point Likert scale for the feeling of anxiety, the median was 2 (2–3 IQR) in the NSRs group, vs 2 (1–2 IQR) in the SRs groups, with the NSRs being more likely to feel anxious (r = 0.13 “small effect” (95% CI; 0.007–0.249), p = .044). Similarly, the proportion of residents who reported feeling anxious about an inadequacy of protective equipment in the work area was significantly greater in the NSRs group (90.3% vs 75.2%; V = .201 “small effect” (95% CI; .078–.313), p = .001), as well as the proportion of residents who reported feeling increased stress and anxiety between colleagues being also significantly higher in the NSRs group (88.1% vs 76%; V = .158 “small effect” (95% CI; .032–.279), p = .012). Conclusion The burden of the ongoing pandemic on the mental health status of residents is very alarming and so providing residents with psychological counseling and support is needed. Also, critical implications on the flow of residency training programs have been noticed. This necessitates adapting and adopting smart educational techniques to compensate for such limitations.

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Factors associated with emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals involved in the COVID-19 pandemic: an application of the job demands-resources model

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-021-01669-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Serena Barello ◽

Rosario Caruso ◽

Lorenzo Palamenghi ◽

Tiziana Nania ◽

Federica Dellafiore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emotional Exhaustion ◽

Patient Engagement ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Job Demands ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Personal Resources ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate the role of perceived COVID-19-related organizational demands and threats in predicting emotional exhaustion, and the role of organizational support in reducing the negative influence of perceived COVID-19 work-related stressors on burnout. Moreover, the present study aims to add to the understanding of the role of personal resources in the Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R) by examining whether personal resources—such as the professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement—may also strengthen the impact of job resources and mitigate the impact of job demands. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 532 healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. It adopted the Job-Demands-Resource Model to study the determinants of professional’s burnout. An integrative model describing how increasing job demands experienced by this specific population are related to burnout and in particular to emotional exhaustion symptoms was developed. Results The results of the logistic regression models provided strong support for the proposed model, as both Job Demands and Resources are significant predictors (OR = 2.359 and 0.563 respectively, with p < 0.001). Moreover, healthcare professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement appears as a significant moderator of this relationship, as it reduces Demands’ effect (OR = 1.188) and increases Resources’ effect (OR = 0.501). Conclusions These findings integrate previous findings on the JD-R Model and suggest the relevance of personal resources and of relational factors in affecting professionals’ experience of burnout.

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A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01097-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alzbeta Binkova ◽

Marion Uebelhart ◽

Patrick Dällenbach ◽

Michel Boulvain ◽

Angèle Gayet-Ageron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pelvic Floor ◽

Female Genital Mutilation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Background Information ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Genital Mutilation ◽

Pelvic Floor Symptoms ◽

The Impact ◽

Female Genital

Abstract Background Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants’ scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. Results 124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5), mostly with a normal BMI, and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature, the participants’ scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage, age at FGM/C of more than 10, a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months, and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms, independently of known risk factors such as age, weight, ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy. Conclusions Women with various types of FGM/C, without POP, can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life. Trial registration. The study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).

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Impact of COVID-19 Home Confinement in Children’s Refractive Errors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105347 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5347

Author(s):

Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina ◽

Clara Martinez-Perez ◽

Cesar Villa-Collar ◽

Cristina Andreu-Vázquez ◽

Alicia Ruiz-Pomeda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Population ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Digital Devices ◽

Visual Screening ◽

Near Work ◽

The Impact

Background: Myopia is a public health problem, with estimations that 50% of the world population will be myopic by 2050. Some environmental factors, such as time spent outdoors, doing near work, and using digital devices, influence the development of myopia in children. Home confinement in Spain has increased these risk factors, so this study aims to investigate the impact of home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak in the vision of school-aged children; Methods: A cross-sectional study in children between 5 and 7 years old that completed a visual screening and a questionnaire about their lifestyles at opticians in Spain in September and October of 2019 and 2020. Statistical analysis to compare lifestyles pre and post confinement, and vision in 2020 versus a similar cohort examined at the same opticians in 2019, was conducted; Results: Spanish children spent less time outdoors and more time doing near work in 2020 than in 2019 (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant decrease of the spherical equivalent (mean ± standard deviation; 0.66 ± 2.03 D in 2019 vs. 0.48 ± 1.81 D in 2020; p ≤ 0.001); Conclusions: Lifestyles of Spanish children changed during the home confinement at the beginning of 2020. Together with changes in their lifestyles, spherical equivalents have decreased, which implies higher figures of myopia for children aged between 5 and 7.

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A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impacts of Perceived Job Value, Job Maintenance, and Social Support on Burnout among Long-Term Care Staff in Hawaii

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 476

Author(s):

Bum Jung Kim ◽

Sun-young Lee

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Staff ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Term Care ◽

The Impact

Extensive research has demonstrated the factors that influence burnout among social service employees, yet few studies have explored burnout among long-term care staff in Hawaii. This study aimed to examine the impact of job value, job maintenance, and social support on burnout of staff in long-term care settings in Hawaii, USA. This cross-sectional study included 170 long-term care staff, aged 20 to 75 years, in Hawaii. Hierarchical regression was employed to explore the relationships between the key independent variables and burnout. The results indicate that staff with a higher level of perceived job value, those who expressed a willingness to continue working in the same job, and those with strong social support from supervisors or peers are less likely to experience burnout. Interventions aimed at decreasing the level of burnout among long-term care staff in Hawaii may be more effective through culturally tailored programs aimed to increase the levels of job value, job maintenance, and social support.

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