The acceptability and feasibility of a low-cost device for gestational age assessment in a low resources setting: A qualitative assessment (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Koech ◽  
Peris Muoga Musitia ◽  
Grace Mkanjala Mwashigadi ◽  
Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella ◽  
Marianne M Vidler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Workers

BACKGROUND Ultrasound for gestational age (GA) assessment is not routinely available in resource-constrained settings, particularly in rural and remote locations. The TraCer device combines a handheld wireless ultrasound probe and a tablet with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled software that obtains GA from videos of the fetal head by automated measurements of the fetal trans-cerebellar diameter and head circumference. OBJECTIVE In this study we assess perceptions of pregnant women, their families and health care workers regarding feasibility and acceptability of this device in an appropriate setting. METHODS A descriptive study using qualitative methods was conducted in two public health facilities in Kilifi county in coastal Kenya prior to introduction of the new technology. Study participants were shown a video role-play of the use of TraCer at a typical antenatal clinic visit. Data were collected through 6 focus group discussions (n=52) and 18 in-depth interviews. RESULTS Overall, TraCer was found to be highly acceptable to women, their families and health care workers, and its implementation at health care facilities was considered to be feasible. Its introduction was predicted to reduce anxiety regarding fetal well-being, increase antenatal care attendance, increase confidence by women in their care providers as well as save time and cost by reducing unnecessary referrals. It was felt to increase the self-image of health care workers and reduce time spent providing antenatal care. Some participants expressed hesitancy towards the new technology indicating the need to test its performance over time before full acceptance by some users. The preferred cadre of healthcare professional to use the device were antenatal clinic nurses. Important implementation considerations included adequate staff training and the need to ensure sustainability and consistency of the service. Misconceptions were common with a tendency to over-estimate the diagnostic capability and expectations that it would provide complete reassurance of fetal and maternal well-being and not primarily a GA. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a positive attitude towards TraCer and highlights the potential role of this innovation that uses AI-enabled automation to assess GA. Clarity of messaging about the tool and its role in pregnancy is essential to address misconceptions and prevent misuse.

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 Evaluating Safe Patient Handling Systems: Is There a Better Way?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Heidi Elizabeth Borner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Workplace Culture ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Safe Patient Handling ◽  
Care Workers

<p>The literature presented here shows that injuries suffered by staff and patients due to patient handling are preventable but patient handling injuries to health care workers and patients remain a costly problem to health care  organizations in many countries. "No Lifting" patient handling policies have been adopted yet health care organizations currently sit amongst the top three worst performing industries in terms of disabling injuries to their employees. A factor that contributes to this situation is the lack of tools for evaluating patient handling systems including workplace culture and climate. This observational study analyzes the responses of 38 nurses from two similar units that use different patient handling systems to test the reliability and validity of the Safe Patient Handling Survey (TM) SPH Survey(TM), a perception survey and improvement tool for employees and employers. The survey contains 55 questions divided into 6 clusters, staff and patient injury and violence questions, and picture questions depicting unsafe techniques. The data were analyzed to see how the SPH Survey(TM) scores correlate with incidents, and its ability to detect differences between the two units. The results of the Pearson and Cronbach(TM) alpha tests show strong reliability, validity and consistency of the SPH Survey(TM). ANOVA comparison of means and Spearman(TM) rho tests shows that higher (better) scores on the SPH Survey(TM) clusters correlate with lower numbers of patient injuries, lower reports of verbal and physical violence episodes, and lower staff injuries. Differences were detected between the units with Unit 2 scoring higher than Unit 1 in all SPH Survey(TM) clusters and scoring lower in staff and patient injuries and violence incidents. Although the analysis was limited by the small sample size, the study has created a sound basis for further investigation. Health care organizations, unions, government bodies, insurers, educational institutions, and researchers must continue to reduce patient handling risk for both health care workers and for patients. The SPH Survey(TM) is shown to be an easy way to reliably evaluate patient handling systems and workplace culture, target improvement initiatives, and continually monitor the level of patient handling risk in the workplace. Low-risk patient handling gives health care providers the means to focus on delivering high quality patient care, without endangering their own health and well-being.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluating Safe Patient Handling Systems: Is There a Better Way?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Heidi Elizabeth Borner
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Workplace Culture ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Safe Patient Handling ◽  
Care Workers

<p>The literature presented here shows that injuries suffered by staff and patients due to patient handling are preventable but patient handling injuries to health care workers and patients remain a costly problem to health care  organizations in many countries. "No Lifting" patient handling policies have been adopted yet health care organizations currently sit amongst the top three worst performing industries in terms of disabling injuries to their employees. A factor that contributes to this situation is the lack of tools for evaluating patient handling systems including workplace culture and climate. This observational study analyzes the responses of 38 nurses from two similar units that use different patient handling systems to test the reliability and validity of the Safe Patient Handling Survey (TM) SPH Survey(TM), a perception survey and improvement tool for employees and employers. The survey contains 55 questions divided into 6 clusters, staff and patient injury and violence questions, and picture questions depicting unsafe techniques. The data were analyzed to see how the SPH Survey(TM) scores correlate with incidents, and its ability to detect differences between the two units. The results of the Pearson and Cronbach(TM) alpha tests show strong reliability, validity and consistency of the SPH Survey(TM). ANOVA comparison of means and Spearman(TM) rho tests shows that higher (better) scores on the SPH Survey(TM) clusters correlate with lower numbers of patient injuries, lower reports of verbal and physical violence episodes, and lower staff injuries. Differences were detected between the units with Unit 2 scoring higher than Unit 1 in all SPH Survey(TM) clusters and scoring lower in staff and patient injuries and violence incidents. Although the analysis was limited by the small sample size, the study has created a sound basis for further investigation. Health care organizations, unions, government bodies, insurers, educational institutions, and researchers must continue to reduce patient handling risk for both health care workers and for patients. The SPH Survey(TM) is shown to be an easy way to reliably evaluate patient handling systems and workplace culture, target improvement initiatives, and continually monitor the level of patient handling risk in the workplace. Low-risk patient handling gives health care providers the means to focus on delivering high quality patient care, without endangering their own health and well-being.</p>

scholarly journals Beneficence or Bucks: Focus on Bioethics

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-176
Author(s):  
Rajiv Ahluwalia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Global Institutions ◽  
Ethical Approach ◽  
Care Workers

Bioethics is the most appropriate and moral way of dealing with sensitive situations that arise in the field of medicine. This is more so in contemporary times with the advent of technology. Beneficence demands that health care providers develop and maintain skills and knowledge, continually update training, consider individual circumstances of all patients, and strive for patients’ well-being and benefit. Problems arising from unethical approach have now reached global proportions and this has prompted global institutions to work on this and create awareness amongst health care workers toward ethical approach. A pleasing appearance in today’s world has become a necessity, the smile being a prime asset to an individual’s appearance. Feeling attractive is directly related to elevated self-esteem. However, the objectives of cosmetic dentistry need to be met with unscrupulous treatment, keeping in mind dental ethics and adhering to the principles.

scholarly journals Comparison of Lassa fever prevention practices between public and private primary health care facilities in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
JC Daboer ◽  
OY Sodipo ◽  
L Okoro ◽  
IC Maimagani ◽  
JM Dogo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Lassa Fever ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Primary Health Care Facilities

Background: Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria and health care workers are at a high risk of contracting and transmitting the infection. This study compares Lassa fever prevention practices among health care providers in public and private Primary Health Care facilities in Jos.Methods: The study used a comparative cross-sectional design to study health care workers in 29 Primary Health Care facilities selected using a two-stage sampling technique. All health care workers who attended to patients were interviewed using a semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and a p-value of ≤ 0.5 was considered statistically significant.Results: Majority of the respondents had neither received on-the-job training on Lassa fever prevention (91.9%) nor Universal Standard Precautions (88.7%). Private Primary Health Care facilities had better supplies and equipment for Lassa fever prevention compared to their public counterparts. Majority (65.8%) of respondents had poor Lassa fever prevention practices and this was worse in the private (75.4%) than the public (55.6%) facilities. No facility met all the requirements for Lassa fever prevention. Training had a statistically significant association with good practice among public Primary Health Care facilities. Conclusion: Noncompliance with Lassa fever prevention practice is still common in Primary Health Care facilities. This is worse in private facilities. Continuous training and improved supplies of materials and equipment are necessary for effective Lassa fever prevention among these health care providers.

scholarly journals The mental health of health care workers in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402093959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdallah Badahdah ◽  
Faryal Khamis ◽  
Nawal Al Mahyijari ◽  
Marwa Al Balushi ◽  
Hashil Al Hatmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Care Workers

Background: COVID-19 disease is one of the most destructive events that humanity has witnessed in the 21st century. It has impacted all aspects of life and all segments of populations, including already vulnerable health care providers. Aims: This study sought to detect the prevalence of mental health issues in sample of physicians and nurses working in several health facilities in Oman. Method: We gauged the mental health conditions of 509 physicians (38.1%) and nurses (61.9 %) using the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of stress, anxiety and poor psychological well-being, especially among females, young health care workers and those who interacted with known or suspected COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study support the handful of studies published during this global health crisis that have found that the mental health of health care workers has been harshly affected and predicted that it will continue, to various degrees, to be affected in the foreseeable future. The results of this study highlight the urgency of providing administrative and psychological support as well as current and accurate information on COVID-19 to health care workers.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccinationfor Health Care Workers: A Duty of Care

2000 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 225-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Orr
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Care Facilities

The medical literature has amply documented the transmission of influenza from patients to health care workers (HCWs) (1,2), from HCWs to patients (3) and between HCWs (4-9). The consequences of influenza transmission within the health care environment include morbidity and mortality among patients, most of who are at high risk for the complications of infection, and illness and absenteeism among health care providers. When outbreaks occur in health care facilities, absenteeism among HCWs may approach 30% to 40%, resulting in severe staff shortages, increased employment costs and the potential endangerment of health care delivery due to the scarcity of replacement workers (10-13).

Covid-19 and its financial effects on the dental fraternity and health-care workers: A literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 628-631
Author(s):  
Devangi Agrawal ◽  
Namisha Khara ◽  
Bhushan Mundada ◽  
Nitin Bhola ◽  
Rajiv Borle
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Dental Practices ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
The Government ◽  
Set Up

In the wake of the current outbreak of novel Covid-19, which is now declared as a 'pandemic' by the WHO, people around the globe have been dealing with a lot of difficulties. This virus had come into light in December 2019 and since then has only grown exponentially. Amongst the most affected are the ones who have been working extremely hard to eradicate it, which includes the hospitals, dental fraternity and the health-care workers. These people are financially burdened due to limited practise. In the case of dentistry, to avoid the spread of the virus, only emergency treatments are being approved, and the rest of the standard procedures have been put on hold. In some cases, as the number of covid cases is rising, many countries are even trying to eliminate the emergency dental procedures to divert the finances towards the treatment of covid suffering patients. What we need to realise is that this is probably not the last time that we are facing such a situation. Instead of going down, we should set up guidelines with appropriate precautionary measures together with the use of standardised PPEs. The government should also establish specific policies to support dental practices and other health-care providers. Together, we can fight this pandemic and come out stronger.

scholarly journals COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Vanhaecht ◽  
Deborah Seys ◽  
Luk Bruyneel ◽  
Bianca Cox ◽  
Gorik Kaesemans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may aggravate workplace conditions that impact health-care workers’ mental health. However, it can also place other stresses on workers outside of their work. This study determines the effect of COVID-19 on symptoms of negative and positive mental health and the workforce’s experience with various sources of support. Effect modification by demographic variables was also studied. Methods A cross-sectional survey study, conducted between 2 April and 4 May 2020 (two waves), led to a convenience sample of 4509 health-care workers in Flanders (Belgium), including paramedics (40.6%), nurses (33.4%), doctors (13.4%) and management staff (12.2%). About three in four were employed in university and acute hospitals (29.6%), primary care practices (25.7%), residential care centers (21.3%) or care sites for disabled and mental health care. In each of the two waves, participants were asked how frequently (on a scale of 0–10) they experienced positive and negative mental health symptoms during normal circumstances and during last week, referred to as before and during COVID-19, respectively. These symptoms were stress, hypervigilance, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, unable to relax, fear, irregular lifestyle, flashback, difficulty concentrating, feeling unhappy and dejected, failing to recognize their own emotional response, doubting knowledge and skills and feeling uncomfortable within the team. Associations between COVID-19 and mental health symptoms were estimated by cumulative logit models and reported as odds ratios. The needed support was our secondary outcome and was reported as the degree to which health-care workers relied on sources of support and how they experienced them. Results All symptoms were significantly more pronounced during versus before COVID-19. For hypervigilance, there was a 12-fold odds (odds ratio 12.24, 95% confidence interval 11.11–13.49) during versus before COVID-19. Positive professional symptoms such as the feeling that one can make a difference were less frequently experienced. The association between COVID-19 and mental health was generally strongest for the age group 30–49 years, females, nurses and residential care centers. Health-care workers reported to rely on support from relatives and peers. A considerable proportion, respectively, 18 and 27%, reported the need for professional guidance from psychologists and more support from their leadership. Conclusions The toll of the crisis has been heavy on health-care workers. Those who carry leadership positions at an organizational or system level should take this opportunity to develop targeted strategies to mitigate key stressors of health-care workers’ mental well-being.

scholarly journals A mixed reception: perceptions of pregnant adolescents’ experiences with health care workers in Cape Town, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronel Sewpaul ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Natisha Dukhi ◽  
Derrick Sekgala ◽  
Priscilla Reddy
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Pregnant Adolescents ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Antenatal Clinics ◽  
Antenatal Services

Abstract Background Maternal mortality among adolescent mothers in South Africa is higher than many middle-income countries. This is largely attributable to conditions that can be prevented or managed by high quality antenatal care. The way in which pregnant adolescents are treated at antenatal clinics influences their timely utilization of antenatal services. This qualitative study reports on the experiences of pregnant adolescents with health care workers when accessing antenatal care. Methods Pregnant girls aged 13–19 (n = 19) who attended public health care facilities that provide Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) services in Cape Town, South Africa were recruited. Four face to face in-depth interviews and four mini focus group discussions were undertaken, facilitated by a topic guide. Thematic analyses were used to analyse the data. Results Experiences that reinforce antenatal attendance, such as respectful and supportive treatment, were outweighed by negative experiences, such as victimization; discrimination against being pregnant at a young age; experiencing disregard and exclusion; inadequate provision of information about pregnancy, health and childbirth; clinic attendance discouragement; and mental health turmoil. Conclusions There is evidence of a discordant relationship between the health care workers and the pregnant adolescents. Adolescents feel mistreated and discriminated against by the health care workers, which in turn discourages their attendance at antenatal clinics. Maternal health care workers need to receive support and regular training on the provision of youth friendly antenatal care and be regularly evaluated, to promote the provision of fair and high quality antenatal services for adolescent girls.

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