scholarly journals How to lead health care workers during unprecedented crises: A qualitative study of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, USA

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257423
Author(s):  
Oluwatosin O. Adeyemo ◽  
Stephanie Tu ◽  
Danya Keene
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Respiratory Therapists ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Employee Scheduling ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
Gift Card

Health Care Leaders (HCLs) faced unprecedented challenges during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders played an important role in shaping the experiences of Health Care Workers (HCWs) during this time. However, research is needed on how HCWs experienced and characterized HCLs’ response and support. The aim of our study was to examine HCWs’ experiences with leadership and to identify aspects of HCLs’ response that were effective in supporting HCWs in their roles during the early phases of the pandemic. This was a qualitative study based on open-ended semi-structured interviews conducted (June 1- July 18, 2020) with frontline HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, USA. Participants (N = 45) included physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and patient care assistants who worked in inpatient and outpatient settings in various specialties, roles and 3 health systems across Connecticut, USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were offered a $25 gift card as an incentive for participation. We used inductive techniques derived from grounded theory to develop themes. We identified 6 main themes related to leadership response and support of HCWs during the pandemic namely: 1) Effective communication and transparency; 2) Prioritizing their health and safety; 3) Employee scheduling considerations: autonomy, assignment support and respite; 4) Appreciation- financial and nonfinancial; 5) Showing up and listening and 6) Stepping up with resources. Our findings can inform leadership responses to future pandemics and other unanticipated crises leading to strengthening of the health care system as a whole.

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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Secure Health Care Workers’ Health and Safety Methodically During COVID-19 Epidemic in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 485-488
Author(s):  
Huang-Chi Chen ◽  
Mei-Hsing Chen ◽  
Chun-Wei Shen ◽  
Meng-Hsuan Hsieh ◽  
Lin-Kun Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Care Workers

scholarly journals Results of a Pilot Intervention to Improve Health and Safety for Health Care Workers

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (12) ◽  
pp. 1449-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Eicher Caspi ◽  
Jack T. Dennerlein ◽  
Christopher Kenwood ◽  
Anne M. Stoddard ◽  
Karen Hopcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Pilot Intervention ◽  
Improve Health

scholarly journals Barriers in Adult Vitamin D Service Provision by Health Care Workers: a Qualitative Study in Three Ecologies of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubegzier Mekonnen ◽  
Yeweyenhareg Feleke ◽  
Wubetsh Asnake ◽  
Jemal Haidar ◽  
Biruk Lambisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Service Training

Abstract Background: Adult vitamin D deficiency, a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on minerals counseling on the benefits of vitamin D and its sources is not witnessed since their knowledge is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Thematic analysis is presented using themes and sub-themes.Result: The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, health facilities, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the inadequacy of laboratory investigation and limited in-service training are barriers related to health facilities while the absence of studies and the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D are barriers related to the education system. Conclusion: Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.

scholarly journals The Experiences of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: a Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ju-Yeon Lee ◽  
Ji-yeon Lee ◽  
So Hee Lee ◽  
Jangrae Kim ◽  
Hye Yoon Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Workers

scholarly journals Stigmatization, psychological and emotional trauma among frontline health care workers treated for COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
AYI VANDI KWAGHE ◽  
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi ◽  
Peter Okpeh Amede ◽  
James Olatunde Okediran ◽  
Rowland Utulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global health and economic crisis. We investigated the experiences of frontline health care workers recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos State Nigeria. Methods We conducted a qualitative study among frontline health workers recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria. We interviewed 12 respondents based on data saturation. We used a checklist of questions to guide the interview according to the phenomenon under study. Data obtained was analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results The study was summarized under five themes: knowledge of COVID-19, exposure, reactions, challenges and recommendations. The respondents were quite knowledgeable on COVID-19, their reactions when informed of their status were denial, anxiety, distress, disorientation, crying for fear of stigmatization, while some were psychologically prepared. Reactions from colleagues, family and friends were encouraging and provided solace for them with a few colleagues and families that had negative reactions. Challenges include anosmia, movement restriction, loneliness, worries about the state of their families, nondisclosure of status to family members, non-conducive isolation centre with limited space, insomnia, stigmatization by health workers at the isolation centre, extended duration of stay, delay in the release of test results and use of ambulance for evacuation to the isolation centres. Coping strategies were watching movies, phone calls, use of social media, listening to music, attending webinars, working on projects and reading spiritual books. Recommendations were early laboratory testing of samples and conveying of results, increase testing capacity, the need of health care workers to be more compassionate, better method of evacuation of people that tested positive to COVID-19, aside the use of ambulance that increases the likelihood of stigmatization and standard guideline for the case management of people recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos state. Conclusions Respondents felt stigmatized and psychologically and morally traumatized. Isolation is a difficult experience and some negative emotions as expressed by previous studies were experienced by the respondents. There is need for increased testing capacity, timely results, early evacuation and creation of more isolation centres in Lagos State due to the rising number of cases and shortage of bed space.

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