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>

Impact of California Safe Patient Handling Legislation: Health Care Workers’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-133
Author(s):  
Soo-Jeong Lee ◽  
Laura Stock ◽  
Victoria Michalchuk ◽  
Kelsie Adesoye ◽  
Kathleen Mullen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Safe Patient Handling ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Safe Practices

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling are significant problems among health care workers. In California, legislation requiring hospitals to implement safe patient handling (SPH) programs was enacted in 2011. This qualitative study explored workers’ experiences and perceptions about the law, their hospital’s SPH policies and programs, patient handling practices, and work environment. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 21 participants (19 nurses and 2 patient handling specialists) recruited from 12 hospitals located in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Multiple themes emerged from diverse experiences and perceptions. Positive perceptions included empowerment to advocate for safety, increased awareness of SPH policies and programs, increased provision of patient handling equipment and training, increased lift use, and improvement in safety culture. Perceived concerns included continuing barriers to safe practices and lift use such as difficulty securing assistance, limited availability of lift teams, understaffing, limited nursing employee input in the safety committee, blaming of individuals for injury, increased workload, and continuing injury concerns. Participants indicated the need for effective training, sufficient staffing, and management support for injured workers. Conclusions/Application to Practice: This study identified improvements in hospitals’ SPH programs and practices since the passage of California’s SPH law, as well as continuing challenges and barriers to safe practices and injury prevention. The findings provide useful information to understanding the positive impacts of the SPH law but also notes the potential limitations of this legislation in the view of health care workers.

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.

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 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 Attacks on Health Care Workers in Historical Pandemics and COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett van Stekelenburg ◽  
Harald De Cauwer ◽  
Dennis Barten ◽  
Luc Mortelmans
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
American President ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

Previous pandemics have been used/misused for (geo)political reasons, in wars/genocides and for terrorism. COVID-19 has been no exception with the former American president challenging the relations with China calling it the ‘Chinese virus’, and Russia and China setting up cyberterrorist actions against health care organizations in the United States and Europe. Aside from state-driven factors, both left and right-wing activists and anti-vaxxers adhering conspiracy theories are a threat for health care organizations and patients. Socioeconomic and religious/cultural factors also play a role in why health caregivers are a possible target. Fear of viral pathogens, fear of losing jobs by lockdown measures, anger because of quarantine and proper burials of the beloved being denied, are amongst the reasons people revolt against health care providers. We provide a review of the impact of violence against health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier pandemics and suggest preventative strategies.

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.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document