scholarly journals Trends in Internet Safety Education by Healthcare Providers

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 273-276
Author(s):  
Gary King ◽  
Thuy Bui ◽  
Julian Dedeaux ◽  
Cari Schmidt ◽  
Kari Harris

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare provider training, comfort, and provision of internet safety counseling. Prior research has demonstrated increased parental concern regarding the pervasive access to the internet by children, including the potential impacts of risky internet behavior and adverse media exposure. Methods. A self-reported survey was provided to a convenience sample of 31 healthcare providers during a mental health training seminar. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Internet safety counseling, especially regarding risky online behavior, was not a focal point of provider-patient interaction in the sample population. This finding was reinforced with more than half of the respondents indicating that they infrequently or never provide internet safety counseling (n = 17, 56%). While research has placed an emphasis on the importance of discussing the risks of exposure to violence, drugs, and sexually explicit media online, this study found that the topics most often discussed were setting time limits (77%), limiting access to media devices (67%), and supervising internet use (50%). This may be due in part to the fact that most respondents (n = 17, 57%) reported never receiving training on internet safety counseling. Conclusions. Overall, significant deficits were identified in internet safety counseling training for professionals and provision of education for families. These finding were inconsistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations around media use counseling and a point of urgent concern given the increasing time spent on media devices, particularly during the COVID pandemic.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Susan Andrews

Background:  Recent reviews of published guidelines for conducting short-term medical missions (STMM) identify significant concerns about the lack of adherence and of formal regulations concurrent with the increasing number of individuals and organizations participating in STMM. Method: A descriptive survey methodology was used. A 44-item survey that identifies current practices utilized by healthcare providers (HCP) who have participated in STMM was used based on the literature and prior research, and distributed electronically to HCP participating in STTM to identify current best practices and compare findings with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. A focus on current operational practices was surveyed and analyzed to develop operational recommendations for the ethical and safe care provided during STMM. Results: Eighty-seven surveys were included in the final analysis, with 33% (N=29) serving as coordinators for the trip. The majority of the respondents were female (67%) and the primary roles represented were: MD (N=17; 20%), nurse practitioner (N=20; 23%), and registered nurse (N=18; 21%). A majority (N=48; 67%) traveled to South America or Latin America, with 38% (N=33) having participated in four or more STMM. Language proficiency was reported as deficient (N=35; 40%) along with little or no knowledge of the basic culture (N=39; 45%). Additional data were collected on trip preparation, clinic operations, and outcomes follow up. Conclusions: Using a convenience sample, the results of the survey provide information on the current best practices utilized by HCP who have participated in STMM and compare the findings to assess for adherence with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. There was variation in the degree to which HCP were knowledgeable about specific aspects related to knowledge of local culture, language proficiency, and adherence to recommended practices for STMM. Additional research on STMM is needed, along with further exploration of how evidence based practices for STMM can be implemented to improve access and safety to the care provided while in the host country.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Imtiaz Rahman ◽  
Farina Aziz ◽  
Sumaiya Huque ◽  
Sadia Afruz Ether

Objectives: Medication understanding is critical for patients who suffer from multiple chronic conditions in order to reduce medication error and is often associated with poor health outcomesand low adherence. This study aims to identify the gap of medication knowledge among multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh, in order to aid physicians and other healthcare providers in improving health literacy.Methods: Individual interviews of a convenience sample of multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh were heldwhere they were asked a number of questions for assessing medication related literacy.Results: More than 26% patients failed to cite the brand name of all their prescribed medications while the rate of patients not knowing the generic names was far worse (88.1%). Nearly 1 out of every 4 patients did not know the purpose of all their medications and more than half of the participants (55%) did not know the strengths of their drugs. While knowledge about medication routes and regimen was satisfactory, awareness regarding risk factors of medicine was lowest of all. Only 1 out of every 4 patients had a habit of reading drug information leaflet. Patient’s ability to correctly state the purpose of their medication seemed to be positively associated with age (p=0.004) and negatively associated with number of medicines taken (p=0.03).Conclusions: Many patients demonstrated poor health literacy regarding medication. Routine review of medications from physician or health provider can significantly improve their health literacy, leading to better treatment outcome and medication adherence.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey B. Bills ◽  
Peter Acker ◽  
Tina McGovern ◽  
Rebecca Walker ◽  
Htoo Ohn ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Currently, Myanmar does not have a nationalized emergency care or emergency medical services (EMS) system. The provision of emergency medicine (EM) education to physicians without such training is essential to address this unmet need for high quality emergency care. We queried a group of healthcare providers in Myanmar about their experience, understanding and perceptions regarding the current and future needs for EM training in their country. Methods A 34-question survey was administered to a convenience sample of healthcare workers from two primary metropolitan areas in Myanmar to assess exposure to and understanding of emergency and pre-hospital care in the country. Results 236 of 290 (81% response rate) individuals attending one of two full-day symposia on emergency medicine completed the survey. The majority of respondents were female (n=138, 59%), physicians (n=171, 74%), and working in private practice (n=148, 64%). A majority of respondents (n=133, 57%) spent some to all of their clinical time providing acute and emergency care however 83.5% (n=192) of all surveyed reported little or no past training in emergency care; and those who have received prior emergency medicine training were more likely to care for emergencies (>2 weeks training; p=.052). 81% (n= 184) thought the development of emergency and acute care services should be a public health priority. Conclusions Although this subset of surveyed health practitioners commonly provides acute care, providers in Myanmar may not have adequate training in emergency medicine. Continued efforts to train Myanmar’s existing healthcare workforce in emergency and acute care should be emphasized.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybil Zachariah ◽  
Ashish Sharma ◽  
Corey B Bills ◽  
Htoo Ma (Tony) Ohn ◽  
Rebecca Walker

Abstract Background: Myanmar is a source country for men, women, and children who are subject to human trafficking and forced labor. Given that human trafficking and forced labor victims frequently experience physical and mental health concerns, healthcare practitioners have a unique opportunity to identify and assist victims. This study aims to understand the attitudes, perspectives, and levels of comfort for healthcare providers in caring for victims of human trafficking. It also seeks to understand the types of additional educational resources that could better equip medical personnel to improve care for survivors of human trafficking.Methods: A 20-question survey collected data anonymously from a convenience sample of healthcare providers that attended a one-day emergency care conference in Yangon, Myanmar.Results: While a significant number (70%) of medical professionals surveyed reported that they feel the problem of abuses for labor or sex in the community was "serious" or "very serious", a majority of them felt neutral or uncomfortable about identifying patients that are currently being abused in some way. Only 2% of respondents felt comfortable identifying victims of abuse. Over half of the healthcare workers surveyed indicated they would be interested in attending conferences, symposia, or lectures specific to human trafficking and receiving training in identifying victims and assisting victims of exploitation.Conclusions: Health care providers in Myanmar consider labor and sex trafficking as a significant problem in their community, but do not feel adequately trained to identify and help victims of exploitation. Given that even brief educational interventions can increase providers knowledge and self-reported recognition of human trafficking victims, there is a window of opportunity in Myanmar to provide training to currently practicing health providers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilia Kamoun ◽  
Diane Spatz

Background: Little is known regarding the influence of religion on breastfeeding in African American communities. In particular, whether Islamic traditions influence breastfeeding beliefs and practices among African American Muslims has not been studied. Research aim: This study sought to gain understanding of breastfeeding attitudes, rates, and education among African American Muslims in West Philadelphia and to examine if engaging Islamic teachings in breastfeeding education can positively influence breastfeeding attitudes. Methods: Open-ended, in-person, digitally recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 community leaders and analyzed by conventional content analysis. A study tool distributed to a convenience sample of 44 community members and 11 leaders was used to gather information about education received from community leaders, breastfeeding attitudes and practices, and the potential for Islamic teachings to positively affect breastfeeding attitudes and practices. To obtain further data on this last topic, preliminary data analysis guided the creation of an education pamphlet, about which feedback was gathered through another study tool. Results: Education surrounding Islamic perspectives on breastfeeding was not prevalent. African American Muslims in West Philadelphia view breastfeeding favorably and have higher rates of breastfeeding than African Americans as a whole. Community education about breastfeeding that engaged Islamic teachings improved respondents’ breastfeeding attitudes. Conclusion: Increasing education among providers and African American Muslims about Islamic perspectives on breastfeeding may improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Healthcare providers who care for Muslim women should be aware of Islam’s tradition of positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and partner with Muslim leaders to improve breastfeeding rates and duration among such women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S166-S167
Author(s):  
Katherine Dunham ◽  
Jessica McDonald ◽  
Anna Yousaf ◽  
Joshua A Barocas ◽  
Marguerite A Neill ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) counseling guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not recommend that HCV-infected-patients notify their partners or encourage them to get tested. Because there is a small but present risk of HCV acquisition through sex, sexual partners should be encouraged to receive HCV counseling and testing. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of and attitudes toward current counseling and testing recommendations for HCV-infected patients. Methods A 15-question, anonymous survey was designed and distributed to a convenience sample of healthcare providers (MDs, NPs, PAs) who work with Brown University or Boston University-affiliated hospitals. Questionnaires included demographic information as well as questions regarding providers’ current counseling practices and knowledge of current recommendations for HCV counseling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data. Results Of the 55 respondents (a 20% response rate), 73% believed that current CDC HCV testing guidelines already recommend partners of HCV-infected patients be tested for HCV infection. Furthermore, 80% of respondents believed recommendations should be revisited to explicitly include that HCV-infected patients encourage their partners to get tested. When counseling patients with HCV, 44% of respondents reported they always ask whether the patient’s partners have been tested for HCV and 42% reported they sometimes do. Similarly, 42% reported they always suggest that the HCV-infected patient’s partners be tested for HCV. If sufficient resources were available, 75% of respondents reported that they would support active partner notification for HCV during an HCV outbreak situation and 72% said they would support active partner notification in a non-outbreak situation where there is still high HCV incidence. Conclusion Our survey shows that healthcare providers believe that current HCV-counseling and testing recommendations could be revisited, with specific attention given to the promotion of HCV testing for partners of HCV-infected patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e034029
Author(s):  
Rachel Umoren ◽  
Veronica Chinyere Ezeaka ◽  
Ireti B Fajolu ◽  
Beatrice N Ezenwa ◽  
Patricia Akintan ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore the access to, and perceived utility of, various simulation modalities by in-service healthcare providers in a resource-scarce setting.SettingPaediatric training workshops at a national paediatric conference in Nigeria.ParticipantsAll 200 healthcare workers who attended the workshop sessions were eligible to participate. A total of 161 surveys were completed (response rate 81%).Primary and secondary outcome measuresA paper-based 25-item cross-sectional survey on simulation-based training (SBT) was administered to a convenience sample of healthcare workers from secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.ResultsRespondents were mostly 31–40 years of age (79, 49%) and women (127, 79%). Consultant physicians (26, 16%) and nurses (56, 35%) were in both general (98, 61%) and subspecialty (56, 35%) practice. Most had 5–10 years of experience (62, 37%) in a tertiary care setting (72, 43%). Exposure to SBT varied by profession with physicians more likely to be exposed to manikin-based (29, 30% physicians vs 12, 19% nurses, p<0.001) or online training (7, 7% physician vs 3, 5% nurses, p<0.05). Despite perceived barriers to SBT, respondents thought that SBT should be expanded for continuing education (84, 88% physician vs 39, 63% nurses, p<0.001), teaching (73, 76% physicians vs 16, 26% nurses, p<0.001) and research (65, 68% physicians vs 14, 23% nurses, p<0.001). If facilities were available, nearly all respondents (92, 98% physicians; 52, 96% nurses) would recommend the use of online simulation for their centre.ConclusionsThe access of healthcare workers to SBT is limited in resource-scarce settings. While acknowledging the challenges, respondents identified many areas in which SBT may be useful, including skills acquisition, skills practice and communication training. Healthcare workers were open to the use of online SBT and expressed the need to expand SBT beyond the current scope for health professional training in Nigeria.


Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy H. Yeung ◽  
Danielle R. Horyniak ◽  
Alyce M. Vella ◽  
Margaret E. Hellard ◽  
Megan S. C. Lim

Background ‘Sexting’ is the exchange of sexually explicit material via communication technologies. Despite significant media attention, there has been little examination of sexting in the Australian setting. This study aimed to provide insight into sexting behaviours and attitudes among young Australians. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of people aged 16–29 years attending a music festival (n = 1372). Correlates of lifetime sexting were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Attitudes towards and perceived consequences of sexting were explored in focus group discussions (FGDs) with 39 young people. Results: Forty percent of survey participants reported that they had ever sent or received a sext (48% of males, 36% of females), most commonly with a regular partner. Lower levels of education, greater recreational spending, greater number of sexual partners, inconsistent condom use with a regular partner, identifying as being nonheterosexual and risky alcohol consumption were all independent correlates of sexting. FGD participants made a clear distinction between consensual creating, sending and possessing of sexts, and nonconsensual sharing of sexts. Positive outcomes of consensual sexting included flirting and sexual experimentation, with sexting perceived as a normalised aspect of sexual interaction. Conclusions: Sexting is a common and normalised practice among young Australians. Our findings highlight the distinction in young people’s minds between consensual sexting and the nonconsensual sharing or circulation of sexts, which is not currently well recognised in sexuality education, the media or the law.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaowen Wang ◽  
Hongbing Luo ◽  
Enlong Yao ◽  
Renhai Tang ◽  
Wenbing Dong ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D are two widely used generic index score measures. We compared the discriminative validity, agreement and sensitivity of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utility scores in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among PLWHIV aged more than 18 years old in 9 municipalities in Yunnan Province, China. A convenience sample was enrolled. We administered the SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L to measure health-related quality of life (QALY). The utility index of the SF-6D was derived from the SF-12. The covariate data included demographic components, clinical components and social-psychology components. To evaluate the homogeneity of the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), scatter plots and Bland-Altman plots were computed and drawn. To evaluate the capacity to discriminate between different categories of clinical components, social support and anxiety and depression status, mean and median scores were calculated and compared using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. The effect size was defined as the difference of each of the characteristics and was computed using Z/N. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to compare the discriminative properties and sensitivity of the econometric index.ResultsA total of 1,797 respondents, with a mean age of 45.6±11.7 years (range 18 to 80), was interviewed. The distribution of EQ-5D-5L scores skewed towards full health with a skewness of -3.316. The distribution of SF-6D scores was almost centered around its mean, and the skewness was 0.084. The effect size was smaller for the EQ-5D-5L than for the SF-6D across the social support, anxiety and depression subgroups. The overall correlation between EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores was 0.46 (P<0.001). An ICC of 0.59 between the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D meant a moderate correlation and indicated general agreement. The Bland-Altman plot displayed the same results as the scatter plot. The ROC curve showed that the AUC for the SF-6D was 0.776 (95% CI: 0.757, 0.796) and that for the EQ-5D-5L was 0.732 (95% CI: 0.712, 0.752) by the PCS-12, and it was 0.782 (95% CI: 0.763, 0.802) for the SF-6D and 0.690 (95% CI: 0.669, 0.711) for the EQ-5D-5L by the MCS-12.DiscussionOur study demonstrated evidence of the performance of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores to measure health utility in people living with HIV/AIDS. Both have shown discriminative capacity and validity in measuring health status. However, there were significant differences in their performance. Users need to pay more attention to the characteristics of the target population. HIV/AIDS has transformed from being a terminal illness to being a chronic disease. We preferred to apply the SF-6D to measure the health utility of PLWHIV during the cART period.Conclusion our study has demonstrated evidence for instrument choice and preference measurements in PLWHIV under cART. The differences between the measures could generate different health utilities for the same sample population, which is critical for cost-utility analyses that guide resource allocation and decision making.


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