scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on the access to hearing health care services for children with cochlear implants: a survey of parents

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ayas ◽  
Ahmad Mohd Haider Ali Al Amadi ◽  
Duaa Khaled ◽  
Ahmad Munzer Alwaa
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Speech Processor ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in an unprecedented manner. It has aggravated psychological distress in parents of children with cochlear implants. Continuous use of a speech sound processor is critical for auditory stimulation in children with cochlear implants. However, movement restrictions imposed have affected access to hearing healthcare services. The current study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hearing healthcare access for children with cochlear implants. Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of children with cochlear implants. Results: A total of 24 parents responded to the questionnaire. All the respondents reported that COVID-19 has a significant impact on access to hearing health services for their children. Speech processor breakdown and disconnection from the auditory mode of communication had a critical influence on behavioral changes in children. Conclusions: The current study highlights the hurdles faced by the parents in order to access hearing health services for their children. The use of innovative methods such as remote tele-audiology will be the way forward to tackle challenges faced by the parents.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 and Mitigation Plans on Essential Health Services: Institutional Experience of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firaol Dandena ◽  
Berhanetsehay Teklewold ◽  
Dagmawi Anteneh
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Treatment Centre ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundHealth systems around the world are being challenged by on-going COVID-19 pandemic .The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response can have a significant downstream effect on access to routine health care services, and indirectly cause morbidity and mortality from causes other than the disease itself ,especially in resource-poor countries such Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these service and measures taken to combat the effect.MethodsThe study was conducted at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college (SPHMMC). The study was conducted from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021 using comparative cross- sectional study design. We collected data on the number of clients getting different essential healthcare services from May to October 2019 (Pre COVID) and same period in 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic) from patient registry book. The analysis was done with SPSS version 24 software.ResultOverall, the essential services of SPHMMC were affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected service is inpatient admission that showed 73 % (2044 to 682) reduction from pre- COVID period and the least affected is maternal service, which only decrease by 13% (3671 to 3177). During the 6 months after COVID-19 pandemic, there is a progressive increment in number of clients getting essential health services.ConclusionThe establishment of a triple setup for fighting against COVID-19, which encompass; non COVID service, isolation centre and COVID-19 treatment centre played a vital role in preserving essential health services.

COVID’s Effect on India’s Health Services: A Commentary

Social Change ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-492
Author(s):  
Imrana Qadeer
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
The Public ◽  
State Authority ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Using a comprehensive framework (the state’s will to deliver, its institutional strength and its legitimacy), this article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public sector healthcare services in India. The power to deliver was explicit when the interventions were harsh, increasing the burden of death and disease on health services. But when it came to healthcare by the public sector we find a worsening of achievements of non-COVID ailments during the pandemic and an inability to tackle the second wave due to gaps in the nation's infrastructure, a centralised control undermining state authority; and visible results of a flawed policy that pushed further the agenda of making healthcare a profitable business.

scholarly journals How men who have sex with men experience HIV health services in Kampala, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e001901
Author(s):  
Rachel King ◽  
Zubayiri Sebyala ◽  
Moses Ogwal ◽  
George Aluzimbi ◽  
Rose Apondi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men

In sub-Saharan Africa, men who have sex with men (MSM) are socially, largely hidden and face disproportionate risk for HIV infection. Attention to HIV epidemics among MSM in Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa has been obscured by repressive governmental policies, criminalisation, stigma and the lack of basic epidemiological data describing these epidemics. In this paper, we aim to explore healthcare access, experiences with HIV prevention services and structural barriers to using healthcare services in order to inform the acceptability of a combination HIV prevention package of services for men who have sex with men in Uganda. We held focus group discussions (FGDs) with both MSM and healthcare providers in Kampala, Uganda, to explore access to services and to inform prevention and care. Participants were recruited through theoretical sampling with criteria based on ability to answer the research questions. Descriptive thematic coding was used to analyse the FGD data. We described MSM experiences, both negative and positive, as they engaged with health services. Our findings showed that socio-structural factors, mediated by psychological and relational factors impacted MSM engagement in care. The socio-structural factors such as stigma, homophobia and policy issues emerged strongly as did the mediating factors such as relations with specific health staff and a social support structure. A combination intervention addressing structural, social and psychological barriers could have an impact even in the precarious policy environment where this study was conducted.

Promoting Integrated Mental Health Care Services in Disaster Response Programs: Lessons Learned After the Impact of Hurricane María in Puerto Rico

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138
Author(s):  
Julio C. Jiménez Chávez ◽  
Esteban Viruet Sánchez ◽  
Fernando J. Rosario Maldonado ◽  
Axel J. Ramos Lucca ◽  
Barbara Barros Cartagena
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTMeteorological and even human-made disasters are increasing every year in frequency and magnitude. The passage of a disaster affects a society without distinction, but groups with social vulnerability (low socioeconomic status, chronic medical, or psychological conditions, limited access to resources) face the most significant impact. As a result, psychological and behavioral symptoms (eg, depression and anxiety) can ensue, making the immediate response of mental health services crucial. Secondary data from a database of a temporary healthcare unit were analyzed. A total of 54 records were reviewed to collect information; univariate and bivariate analyses were done. The purpose of this article is to present our experience regarding the incorporation of a mental health services model, with its respective benefits and challenges, into a temporary healthcare unit, after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 and mitigation plans on essential health services: institutional experience of a hospital in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Firaol Dandena ◽  
Berhanetsehay Teklewold ◽  
Dagmawi Anteneh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Health systems around the world are being challenged by an on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response can have a significant downstream effect on access to routine health care services, and indirectly cause morbidity and mortality from causes other than the disease itself, especially in resource-poor countries such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these services and measures taken to combat the effect. Methods The study was conducted at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college (SPHMMC) from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021 using a comparative cross-sectional study design. We collected data on the number of clients getting different essential health care services from May to October 2019 (Pre COVID) and the same period in 2020 (during a COVID-19 pandemic) from the patient registry book. The analysis was done with SPSS version 24 software. Result Overall, the essential services of SPHMMC were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected service is inpatient admission, which showed a 73.3% (2044 to 682) reduction from the pre-COVID period and the least affected is maternal service, which only decreased by 13% (3671 to 3177). During the 6 months after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a progressive increment in the number of clients getting essential health services. Conclusion and recommendation The establishment of a triple setup for fighting against COVID-19, which encompasses non-COVID services, an isolation center and a COVID-19 treatment center, played a vital role in preserving essential health services.

scholarly journals Does Decentralization Improve Provision of Health Services? Evidence from Kisumu and Makueni Counties in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Racheal Omukhulu Makokha
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Published Data ◽  
County Governments ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
The Impact

The last five decades have seen uncountable debates on the impact of decentralization on provision of public services. While it has evidently improved public service delivery in some countries, it has worsened it in others. Kenya implemented devolution in 2013 in the hope of bringing public services nearer to the people. Health was one of the services identified. Yet, the local media has reported negative impact of devolution on provision of health services since 2013. This study sought to look at the actual effect of devolution on access to health care services by analysing secondary quantitative data from the government published data, official statistics, international development agencies’ surveys and reports. Two county governments; Kisumu and Makueni were chosen to represent the urban and rural populations respectively. Contrary to the wider literature on health decentralization, this study found out that devolution did not worsen access to health care services in Kenya. The study attributed this to the nature of devolution adopted in the country where the county governments have considerable authority, decision-making power and responsibility over their counties.

scholarly journals The impact of the Affordable Care Act on patient coverage and access to care: perspectives from FQHC administrators in Arizona, California and Texas

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Ercia
Keyword(s):  
Access To Care ◽  
Affordable Care Act ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
The Affordable Care Act ◽  
Insured Patients ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act (ACA) enabled millions of people to gain coverage that was expected to improve access to healthcare services. However, it is unclear the extent of the policy’s impact on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and the patients they served. This study sought to understand FQHC administrators’ views on the ACA’s impact on their patient population and organization. It specifically explores FQHC administrators’ perspective on 1) patients’ experience with gaining coverage 2) their ability to meet patients’ healthcare needs. Methods Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with administrators from FQHCs in urban counties in 2 Medicaid-expanded states (Arizona and California) and 1 non-expanded state (Texas). An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the interview data. Results All FQHC administrators reported uninsured patients were more likely to gain coverage from Medicaid than from private health insurance. Insured patients generally experienced an improvement in accessing healthcare services but depended on their plan’s covered services, FQHCs’ capacity to meet demand, and specialist providers’ willingness to accept their coverage type. Conclusion Gaining coverage helped improved newly insured patients’ access to care, but limitations remained. Additional policies are required to better address the gaps in the depth of covered services in Medicaid and the most affordable PHI plans and capacity of providers to meet demand to ensure beneficiaries can fully access the health care services they need.

Improving the efficacy of healthcare services for Aboriginal Australians

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kylie Gwynne ◽  
Thomas Jeffries Jr ◽  
Michelle Lincoln
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Aboriginal Australians ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
Care Services

Objective The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the enablers for effective health service delivery for Aboriginal Australians. Methods This systematic review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Papers were included if they had data related to health services for Australian Aboriginal people and were published between 2000 and 2015. The 21 papers that met the inclusion criteria were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Seven papers were subsequently excluded due to weak methodological approaches. Results There were two findings in the present study: (1) that Aboriginal people fare worse than non-Aboriginal people when accessing usual healthcare services; and (2) there are five enablers for effective health care services for Australian Aboriginal people: cultural competence, participation rates, organisational, clinical governance and compliance, and availability of services. Conclusions Health services for Australian Aboriginal people must be tailored and implementation of the five enablers is likely to affect the effectiveness of health services for Aboriginal people. The findings of the present study have significant implications in directing the future design, funding, delivery and evaluation of health care services for Aboriginal Australians. What is known about the topic? There is significant evidence about poor health outcomes and the 10-year gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, and limited evidence about improving health service efficacy. What does this paper add? This systematic review found that with usual health care delivery, Aboriginal people experience worse health outcomes. This paper identifies five strategies in the literature that improve the effectiveness of health care services intended for Aboriginal people. What are the implications for practitioners? Aboriginal people fare worse in both experience and outcomes when they access usual care services. Health services intended for Aboriginal people should be tailored using the five enablers to provide timely, culturally safe and high-quality care.

Assessing the Effects of Removing User Fees in Zambia and Niger

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mylene Lagarde ◽  
Helene Barroy ◽  
Natasha Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Policy Change ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Spillover Effects ◽  
User Fees ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
District Health ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Objectives This study aims to overcome some of the limitations of previous studies investigating the effects of fee removal, by looking at heterogeneity of effects within countries and over time, as well as the existence of spillover effects on groups not targeted by the policy change. Methods Using routine district health services data before and after recent abolitions of user charges in Zambia and Niger, we examine the effects of the policy change on the use of health services by different groups and over time, using an interrupted timeseries design. Results Removing user fees for primary health care services in rural districts in Zambia and for children over five years old in Niger increased use of services by the targeted groups. The impact of the policy change differed widely across districts, ranging from 112% and 1194% in Niger to 239% and 1108% in Zambia. Eighteen months after the policy change, some of these effects had been eroded. There was evidence that abolishing user fees can both have positive and negative spillover effects. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of paying attention to implementation challenges and monitoring the effects of policy reforms which are often more mixed and complicated that they appear. The comparison of these reforms in two countries also sheds light on the potentially different ways in which free care can be used as a tool to improve access.

scholarly journals Healthcare services utilization among international students in Ankara, Turkey: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abednego Nzyuko Masai ◽  
Bahar Güçiz-Doğan ◽  
Polet Njeri Ouma ◽  
Israel Nyaburi Nyadera ◽  
Victor Kipkoech Ruto
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Services Utilization

Abstract Background While international students form an increasing population of higher education students in Turkey, there is limited empirical evidence about their health services utilization. The study aim was to investigate healthcare access among a group of international students studying in Ankara city and identify potential barriers that affect full healthcare utilization. Method A total of 535 international students from 83 countries completed an online-based questionnaire. The survey was conducted from September until October 2020. Variables between groups within the study sample were compared using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (with Fisher’s exact test). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between variables related to access to health services. Results Of the study population, 80.6% accessed the general practitioner (GP), 40% accessed the student health centres, and 11.4% were admitted to the hospital at least once. About 80% of international students reported changing their views to access healthcare more because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Lack of awareness of healthcare support systems, perceived stigma associated with mental health services, and language barriers were the main barriers affecting healthcare access by international students. Implications Study findings indicate the need for education of international students on available healthcare, targeted health promotion, and training of health providers on effective communication.

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