scholarly journals Indicators to assess the quality of programs to prevent occupational risk for tuberculosis: are they feasible?

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talita Raquel dos Santos ◽  
Maria Clara Padoveze ◽  
Lúcia Yasuko Izumi Nichiata ◽  
Renata Ferreira Takahashi ◽  
Suely Itsuko Ciosak ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: to analyze the feasibility of quality indicators for evaluation of hospital programs for preventing occupational tuberculosis. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study. We tested indicators for evaluating occupational tuberculosis prevention programs in six hospitals. The criterion to define feasibility was the time spent to calculate the indicators. Results: time spent to evaluate the indicators ranged from 2h 52min to 15h11min 24sec. The indicator for structure evaluation required less time; the longest time was spent on process indicators, including the observation of healthcare workers' practices in relation to the use of N95 masks. There was an hindrance to test one of the indicators for tuberculosis outcomes in five situations, due to the lack of use of tuberculin skin test in these facilities. The time requires to calculate indicators in regarding to the outcomes for occupational tuberculosis largely depends upon the level of organizational administrative structure for gathering data. Conclusions: indicators to evaluate the structure for occupational tuberculosis prevention are highly feasible. Nevertheless, the feasibility of indicators for process and outcome is limited due to relevant variations in administrative issues at healthcare facilities.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e027296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nóra Kovács ◽  
Orsolya Varga ◽  
Attila Nagy ◽  
Anita Pálinkás ◽  
Valéria Sipos ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe objectives of our study were (1) to investigate the association between gender of the general practitioner (GP) and the quality of primary care in Hungary with respect to process indicators for GP performance and (2) to assess the size of the gender impact.Study designA nation-wide cross-sectional study was performed in 2016.Setting and participantsThe study covered all general medical practices in Hungary (n=4575) responsible for the provision of primary healthcare (PHC) for adults. All GPs in their private practices are solo practitioners.Main outcome measuresMultilevel logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between GP gender and process indicators of PHC, and attributable proportion (AP) was calculated.Results48% of the GPs (n=2213) were women in the study. The crude rates of care provided by female GPs were significantly higher for seven out of eight evaluated indicators than those provided by male GPs. Adjusted for practice, physician and patient factors, GP gender was associated with the haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement: OR=1.18, 95% CI (1.14 to 1.23); serum creatinine measurement: OR=1.14, 95% CI (1.12 to 1.17); lipid measurement: OR=1.14, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.16); eye examination: OR=1.06, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.08); mammography screening: OR=1.05, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.08); management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR=1.05, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.09) and the composite indicator: OR=1.08, 95% CI (1.07 to 1.1), which summarises the number of care events and size of target populations of each indicator. The AP at the specific indicators varied from 0.97% (95% CI 0.49% to 1.44%) of influenza immunisation to 8.04% (95% CI 7.4% to 8.67%) of eye examinations.ConclusionFemale GP gender was an independent predictor of receiving higher quality of care. The actual size of the gender effect on the quality of services seemed to be notable. Factors behind the gender effect should receive more attention in quality improvement particularly in countries where the primary care is organised around solo practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Obiri Asante ◽  
Meng Jie Li ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Yi Xiang Huang ◽  
Yuan Tao Hao

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are often exposed to stressful working conditions at work which affect their quality of life. The study investigated the relationship between psychosocial risk factors, stress, burnout, and quality of life among primary healthcare workers in general medical practice in Qingyuan and Chaozhou cities in Guangdong province. Method The cross-sectional study was conducted in 108 primary health facilities including 36 community health centers (CHCs) across two developing cities in Guangdong province. A total of 873 healthcare workers completed the questionnaires. Quality of life was evaluated using The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and psychological risk factors were evaluated by the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). General quality of life and the quality of life domains were transformed into a score range from minimum 0 to 100 maximum. Higher scores indicated better quality of life and vice versa. Significant associations were verified using multiple regression analysis. Results Poor quality of life was observed in 74.6% of healthcare workers surveyed. General poor quality of life was significantly higher among workers who reported higher burnout (Beta = − 0.331, p < 0.001). In addition, workers with high levels of burnout, unmarried workers and female workers had a higher possibility of physical health. A greater risk of poor psychological health was observed among workers with high burnout, poor sense of community and those with lower educational levels. Workers who lacked social support, those with fewer possibilities for development had increased probability of poor quality of life in the social domain. Poor quality of life in the environmental domain was observed among workers who were dissatisfied with their jobs and workers with low salaries. Conclusions Primary healthcare workers in developing cities in China have a highly demanding and strained working environment and poor quality of life. Reducing job stress and improving work conditions may ultimately improve the well-being of primary healthcare workers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 Pandemic) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a global health issue that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. A new variant, Omicron variant, has just been detected in Southern Africa. Most countries are jittery and unsure what the impact of this new variant will be. This study, undertaken in 2021, investigated the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: We used an online questionnaire to collect data using the Google Forms link in this cross-sectional study. The participants included healthcare workers currently working in UAE healthcare facilities using snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained information on demographic variables and COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP.Results: Among the participants, the majority (90.7%) knew that the absence of fever did not mean there was no chance of transmission from an infected person. Further, 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical face masks helps prevent one from contracting COVID-19 Pandemic. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic, while 54.2% indicated they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half the participants noted that they avoided patients who had symptoms of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Conclusion: Overall, the COVID-19 Pandemic-related KAP for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the virus. We recommend providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services to help increase their confidence in treating patients with the COVID-19 Pandemic.


Author(s):  
Wajd R. Hammad ◽  
Rozaleen B. Abedrabbo ◽  
Diala Mazen Khoury ◽  
Nadia J. Sweis

This study demonstrates the determinants that affect the perception of quality of healthcare services in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to determine the perception of quality of healthcare services and relating variables including availability of health insurance and quality of health insurance. This study supports the findings of other studies that health insurance influences the perception of quality of healthcare services provided. However, it is also clear that Jordanians consider the availability of doctors, ability to obtain specialist care, accessibility to health services, and cooperation of healthcare workers as significant determinants when conceptualizing the quality of healthcare and its services. The amount of premium paid had a significant association, which could reflect on valuing the money they pay and expecting high-quality care in return. Being insured increases the likelihood of perceiving higher quality of healthcare.


Public Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 126 (7) ◽  
pp. 624-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Kheiraoui ◽  
M.R. Gualano ◽  
A. Mannocci ◽  
A. Boccia ◽  
G. La Torre

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Alemayehu Worku ◽  
Workeabeba Abebe ◽  
Muluken Gizaw ◽  
Wondwossen Amogne

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 and are at an increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus. Risk of infection can be minimized by use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study was to assess the availability and use of PPE, and satisfaction of HCPs with PPE in six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1134 HCPs in June 2020. A systematic random sampling and consecutive sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with satisfaction of healthcare workers. Results The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 30.26 ± 6.43 year and 52.6% were females. Nurses constituted about 40% of the overall sample, followed by physicians (22.2%), interns (10.8%), midwives (10.3%) and others (16.7%). The majority (77%) of the HCPs reported that their hospital did not have adequate PPE. A critical shortage of N95 respirators was particularly reported, it only increased from 13 to 24% before and during COVID-19, respectively. The use of N95 increased from 9 to 21% before and during COVID-19, respectively. Almost 72% of the respondents were dissatisfied with the availability and use of PPE in their hospital. The independent predictors of the respondents’ satisfaction level about PPE were healthcare workers who reported that PPE was adequately available in the hospital (adjusted OR = 7.65, 95% CI:5.09–11.51), and preparedness to provide care to COVID-19 cases (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI:1.42–3.03). Conclusions A critical shortage of appropriate PPE and high level of dissatisfaction with the availability and use of PPE were identified. Therefore, urgent efforts are needed to adequately supply the healthcare facilities with appropriate PPE to alleviate the challenges.


2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Erzsébet Kálmán ◽  
Amanda Rădulescu ◽  
Andreea Hăngănuţ ◽  
Vlad Bocăneţ ◽  
Cristina Borzan

"Hypothesis: While performing professional activities, the healthcare workers (HCW) can be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials from the patients they are taking care of. In order to minimize the risk of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, these accidental exposures should be reported and followed by post-exposure prophylaxis. If seroconversion of the injured person occurs, the healthcare unit intervenes by various methods to ensure that the infected HCW does not represent a source of infection for other patients [1]. Objective: Through this study we aimed to assess the perception of different categories of healthcare personnel about their testing for their carrying of HBV, HCV and HIV at the time of employment in a healthcare facility and their right to confidentiality regarding their health status. We also wanted to evaluate the opinion of the medical staff about the patient’s right to be informed about the risk of HBV, HCV and HIV transmission, if there is an infected person in the medical team. Method: A multicentric cross-sectional study was performed, by applying an original pre-tested questionnaire to different professional categories of medical staff from different categories of healthcare facilities. Results: Over 20% of respondents declared they were not tested at the time of employment, but almost 40% claimed that they were tested every year since employment. Only 20% of the participants considered they have the right to confidentiality regarding the state of viral carrying, but ⅓ consider that there is no discrimination if a healthcare facility refuses to hire a HBV, HCV, HIV carrier. Out of all participants questioned, ½ of the respondents agree that the medical staffs who are a carrier for a transmissible virus can be detached in a less dangerous healthcare department in order to avoid the transmission of the virus to patients. Almost equally, there were participants who believed that they could not be compelled to reveal their carrier status to the patient, and those who would have no hesitation in informing their patient about their status Keywords: Blood and other potentially infectious materials, exposure, healthcare workers, patient, confidentiality. "


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