scholarly journals Oncology Health Care Providers’ Perceptions of the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Oncology Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melody Nichole Chavez ◽  
Victoria K. Marshall ◽  
Dinorah Martinez Tyson ◽  
Tina M. Mason ◽  
Kaitlyn Rechenberg
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Living With Cancer

Abstract Purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation measures have had a profound impact on the psychological and mental well-being of people living with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore oncology health care professionals’ (OHCP) perceptions of psychological effects of COVID-19 among people in active cancer treatment. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of OHCP, who were actively participating and providing care to patients with cancer and undergoing treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Atlas.ti v8. Inductive applied thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify emergent themes.Results. A total of 30 OHCP participated in the study with the majority being registered nurses (70%), worked in the outpatient oncology clinic (56.7%) and worked in current position 1- 5 years (53.3%). The overarching themes included: (1) cancer care treatment disrupted due to patients fear of exposure to COVID-19; (2) social distancing restrictions had a negative impact on social support and supportive services exacerbating psychological and physical well-being among oncology patients; (3) pandemic-related stressors lead to overwhelmed coping skills among oncology patients; and (4) OHCP play vital roles in providing emotional support to comfort, reassure and connect oncology patients with their family/friends through technology.Conclusion. Our findings highlight increased psychological distress during the pandemic. Behavioral health interventions for oncology patients should focus within the scope of the “new world of Covid-19” of reduced face to face support and increased online support.

scholarly journals Risk Perception and Worries among Health Care Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from an Italian Survey

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Mariangela Valentina Puci ◽  
Guido Nosari ◽  
Federica Loi ◽  
Giulia Virginia Puci ◽  
Cristina Montomoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

The ongoing pandemic scenario, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has had a considerable impact on public health all over the world. Italy was one of the most affected countries, as the first European full-blown outbreak occurred there. The exposure of the Italian health care workers to COVID-19 may be an important risk factor for psychological distress. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe worries and risk perception of being infected among Italian Health Care Workers (HCWs) during the first wave of the pandemic. In total, 2078 HCWs participated in a web survey (78.8% were females). The highest percentage of respondents were physicians (40.75%) and nurses (32.15%), followed by medical (18.00%), health care support (4.50%) and administrative (4.60%) staff. In a score range between 0 (not worried) and 4 (very worried), our results showed that participants declared that they were worried about the Coronavirus infection with a median score of 3 (IQR 2-3) and for 59.19% the risk perception of being infected was very high. In addition, HCWs reported they suffered from sleep disturbances (63.43%). From the analysis of the psychological aspect, a possible divergence emerged between the perceived need for psychological support (83.85%) and the relative lack of this service among health care providers emerged (9.38%). Our findings highlight the importance of psychological and psychiatric support services not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) scenarios. These services may be useful for health authorities and policymakers to ensure the psychological well-being of health care professionals and to promote precautionary behaviors among them.

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.

“Stories Take Your Role Away From You”: Understanding the Impact on Health Care Professionals of Viewing Digital Stories of Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Oncology Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Laing ◽  
Nancy J. Moules ◽  
Andrew Estefan ◽  
Mike Lang
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Digital Stories ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this philosophical hermeneutic study was to understand the effects on health care providers (HCPs) of watching digital stories made by (past and present) pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) oncology patients. Twelve HCPs participated in a focus group where they watched digital stories made by pediatric/AYA oncology patients and participated in a discussion related to the impact the stories had on them personally and professionally. Findings from this research revealed that HCPs found digital stories to be powerful, therapeutic, and educational tools. Health care providers described uses for digital stories ranging from education of newly diagnosed families to training of new staff. Digital stories, we conclude, can be an efficient and effective way through which to understand the patient experience, implications from which can range from more efficient patient care delivery to decision making. Recommendations for incorporating digital storytelling into healthcare delivery are offered.

scholarly journals The Health of Health Care Professionals

2020 ◽  
pp. 155982762097706
Author(s):  
Lauren Holtzclaw ◽  
Katherine R. Arlinghaus ◽  
Craig A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Medical Work ◽  
Personal Level

Health care professionals represent a population at high risk for poor health. Although this may be counterintuitive given their expertise in health, the high stress and long hours of many medical work environments present challenges for health care professionals to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. This is extremely problematic for the health and well-being of both health care professionals and the patients they treat. Medical settings are encouraged to implement interventions that intervene at both the enviornmental and personal level to help faciliate behavior change among health care providers.

Stress management for headaches in children and adolescents: A review and practical recommendations for health promotion programs and well-being

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Bougea ◽  
Nikolaos Spantideas ◽  
George P Chrousos
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Headache Management

Stress is considered to be the most common factor reported to trigger headaches in children and adolescents. Although tension-type headache and migraine are the two most common types of headache in children and adolescents, they are often untreated, ignoring their stressful background. We provide a narrative review of the available evidence for health-care professionals involved in stress-related headache management and health promotion programs. An integrative plan is delivered through lifestyle improvement and biopsychosocial modifying stress response techniques. Healthy dietary choices, sleep hygiene, and regular exercise, although limited, are effective for young sufferers. Biopsychosocial therapies such as relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture focus at stress physiological and behavioral relief. Our purpose is to suggest a stress-related headache management to empower children to make healthy choices in order to improve their lifelong well-being and quality of life. We aim to authorize relationship between nurses and other health-care providers with background knowledge around stress management for pediatric headache populations.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Life Experiences of Essential Workers Attending a Dental Testing Facility

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-39
Author(s):  
M. Fontana ◽  
L. McCauley ◽  
M. Fitzgerald ◽  
G.J. Eckert ◽  
E. Yanca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Dental Health Care ◽  
Dental Setting ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 poses a threat to health and well-being. Objectives: 1) To compare the impact of COVID-19 on the life experiences of essential workers attending a COVID-19 antibody testing clinic at a dental school. 2) To compare responses of dental, non–dental health care, and non–health care essential workers. 3) To assess acceptability/satisfaction of testing done in a dental setting. Method: A total of 984 participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Over 90% were healthy (i.e., not in a high-risk health-related group for COVID-19), did not have COVID-19 symptoms within 30 d, and always/frequently engaged in preventive measures. Fifty-eight percent thought that they had a 0% to 25% chance of having immunity/antibodies to COVID-19. Non–dental health care workers thought that their chance was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than others. Over 70% were sometimes, frequently, or always worried about their friends and loved ones getting COVID-19 and of resulting financial problems. Dental workers were significantly less afraid than non–dental health care and non–health care providers. For all groups, more than half of the respondents stated that the pandemic had a negative (somewhat worse or worse) impact on daily life (59%), interactions with others (65%), stress levels (66%), and enjoyment of life (56%). There were significant differences among all 3 groups regarding the percentage of individuals with a negative impact on job security (dental, 47%; non–dental health care, 34%; non–health care, 31%). However, more than half of the respondents stated that the pandemic had a positive impact (same, somewhat better, or much better) on caring about one another, self-care, and exercise. Knowing the results of an antibody test would decrease the level of stress and anxiety in 67% of respondents. Over 80% found a COVID-19 test received in a dental setting acceptable, were “definitely” satisfied, and would “definitely” recommend it to a friend, family, or coworker. Conclusions: These findings support that dental workers are as vulnerable as other essential workers to threats and psychological impacts of COVID-19. They also support the acceptability and satisfaction of testing for a pandemic done in a dental setting. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study highlight the impact that pandemics such as COVID-19 can have on life experiences of essential workers, including dentists. It also highlights a role that dentistry can play within the broader health care system, during and beyond the current pandemic, to help with surveillance efforts of community health. Testing may also help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with these pandemics.

scholarly journals Illness perceptions of leprosy-cured individuals in Surinam with residual disfigurements – “I am cured, but still I am ill”

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark AC van Haaren ◽  
Melinda Reyme ◽  
Maggie Lawrence ◽  
Jack Menke ◽  
Ad A Kaptein
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Substantial Impact

Objective Leprosy has rarely been the subject of health psychology research despite its substantial impact. Our aim was to explore illness perceptions in patients and their health care providers in Surinam. The Common Sense Model (CSM) was the guiding theoretical model. Design Patients with biomedically cured leprosy and their health care providers completed the B-IPQ and took part in semi-structured interviews. The literature on illness perceptions in patients with leprosy was reviewed. Main outcome measures Patients’ B-IPQ scores were compared with samples of patients with other (chronic) illnesses, and with health care providers completing the questionnaire as if they were visibly disfigured patients. Quotations from the semi-structured interviews were used to contextualise the illness perceptions. Results Patients’ B-IPQ scores reflected the chronic nature of leprosy and were comparable with those with other chronic illnesses. Health care providers perceived leprosy to have a greater negative impact than did the patients. Perceived understanding of causes differed considerably between patients and health care providers. Conclusion Leprosy continues to be experienced as an illness with major psychological and social consequences such as stigmatisation, even after biomedical cure. Interventions that target patients, health care providers, and society at large may help reduce perceived shame and stigma. The CSM is a helpful theoretical model in studying this population.

Development of an Outcome Measure of Observable Signs of Health and Well-Being in Infants With Orofacial Clefts

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1266-1279
Author(s):  
Carrie L. Heike ◽  
Meredith Albert ◽  
Cassandra L. Aspinall ◽  
Suzel Bautista ◽  
Claudia Crilly Bellucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objective: To develop an outcomes instrument that assesses observations that can be reliably reported by caregivers and can be used to assess health of infants with a cleft lip or cleft lip and cleft palate (CL±P) and impacts of treatments. Design: Cross-sectional, mixed methods study. Setting: Caregivers and health-care providers were recruited from 3 academic craniofacial centers and national advertisements. Most interviews were conducted by telephone, and surveys were completed online. Participants: Caregivers had a child less than 3 years of age with CL±P and spoke either English or Spanish. Health-care providers were members of a cleft team. Caregivers (n = 492) and health-care professionals (n = 75) participated in at least one component of this study. Main Outcome Measure(s): Caregivers and health-care providers participated in tasks related to instrument development: concept elicitation for items within relevant health domains, prioritization of items, and item review. Results: We identified 295 observations of infant well-being across 9 health areas. Research staff and specialists evaluated items for clarity, specificity to CL±P, and responsiveness to treatment. Caregivers and health-care providers rated the resulting list of 104 observations and developed the final instrument of 65 items. Conclusions: In this phase of development of the Infant with Clefts Observation Outcomes (iCOO) instrument, items were developed to collect caregiver observations about indicators of children’s health and well-being across multiple domains allowing for psychometric testing, sensitivity to changes associated with treatment, and documentation of the effects of treatment.

Customization in medical tourism in the Philippines

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Rydback ◽  
Akmal S. Hyder
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Care Marketing

Purpose Focusing on customization, this paper aims to examine how service providers market health care in emerging markets through medical tourism. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative method, researchers conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with managers from five health-care providers and supporting organizations in the Philippines. For analysis, data from the service providers are compared. Findings Customization is found to play crucial role in offering health-care services. The customization takes place by adapting to emotional, social and cultural needs; alleviating knowledge asymmetry; and moderating the negative impact of the unfamiliar context experienced by international patients. Research/limitations implications The empirically grounded theoretical framework needs to be tested in different contexts for generalization. Practical implications The study focuses on understanding and responding to the needs of international patients, also demonstrating that health-care marketing must be developed through a joint effort by both the medical and business sides of health-care providers. Social implications The paper acknowledges the need for health-care marketing and the novel role of health-care providers. Originality/value Using a marketing lens, this study sheds light on the underexplored industry of medical tourism.

Spiritual Care in the Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 279-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Q. Ho ◽  
Christopher D. Nguyen ◽  
Richard Lopes ◽  
Stephen C. Ezeji-Okoye ◽  
Ware G. Kuschner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Care Providers

Spiritual care is an important component of high-quality health care, especially for critically ill patients and their families. Despite evidence of benefits from spiritual care, physicians and other health-care providers commonly fail to assess and address their patients’ spiritual care needs in the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition, it is common that spiritual care resources that can improve both patient outcomes and family member experiences are underutilized. In this review, we provide an overview of spiritual care and its role in the ICU. We review evidence demonstrating the benefits of, and persistent unmet needs for, spiritual care services, as well as the current state of spiritual care delivery in the ICU setting. Furthermore, we outline tools and strategies intensivists and other critical care medicine health-care professionals can employ to support the spiritual well-being of patients and families, with a special focus on chaplaincy services.

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