scholarly journals How effective are governmental and university campaigns for increasing meningitis vaccine uptake?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayushi Ramjee ◽  
Chloe Ogilvie ◽  
Africa Couto ◽  
Teresa Matini ◽  
Claudia Anaele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
E Mail

ObjectivesUniversity student cohorts have a potential for significant impacts on public health policies. Health impacts arise from wide geographic catchment areas and behavioural patterns that enhance infectious disease spread and occasional cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, measles and mumps. Universities and the Department of Health and Social Care have tackled these serious problems through advertising campaigns and by offering free MenACWY and MMR vaccines to university students. Our study aimed to assess the engagement of universities with these vaccine campaigns and student awareness of this information. Study DesignInformation was accrued by a combination of e-mail and telephone interactions with welfare officers at universities. Student perceptions of meningitis vaccine campaigns were studied through use of questionnaires with University of Leicester students. ResultsInformation provided by 17 universities indicated that all universities run meningitis awareness campaigns whereas on campus meningitis campaigns were infrequent and of variable penetration into student cohorts. Assessment of 272 students from a 2019-2020 cohort found that 17.5% and 58% of students did not know or had not had the MMR and MenACWY vaccines. Only 37% of students were aware that these vaccines were free and available from a university-linked GP practice with lack of this knowledge being significantly associated with uncertainty or perceived absence of immunisation. This latter group were significantly associated with a preference for on campus immunisation. DiscussionThis information is important for understanding how to target a critical cohort with effective campaigns for uptake of meningitis, MMR and COVID-19 vaccines.

scholarly journals Introducing the Care Certificate Evaluation: Innovative practice

Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 512-517
Author(s):  
Elaine Argyle ◽  
Louise Thomson ◽  
Antony Arthur ◽  
Jill Maben ◽  
Justine Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Health And Social Care

Although investment in staff development is a prerequisite for high-quality and innovative care, the training needs of front line care staff involved in direct care have often been neglected, particularly within dementia care provision. The Care Certificate, which was fully launched in England in April 2015, has aimed to redress this neglect by providing a consistent and transferable approach to the training of the front line health and social care workforce. This article describes the early stages of an 18-month evaluation of the Care Certificate and its implementation funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Programme.

A Faculty Approach to Implementing Advanced, E-Learning Dependent, Formative and Summative Assessment Practices

2009 ◽  
pp. 76-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul White ◽  
Greg Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Summative Assessment ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Audience Response System ◽  
Audience Response ◽  
Response System ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
E Learning

This chapter describes innovative approaches to E-Learning and related assessment, driven by a Faculty Teaching and Learning Technologies Committee within the Faculty of Pharmacy, Monash University, Australia. Using this group as a driver, we have caused institutional change in a Faculty that was previously quite traditional in its approach to teaching and assessment. The authors implemented a strategy for the pilot testing and broad adoption of innovative technologies, using a purpose-driven approach. They have used a range of technologies to increase the level of formative assessment that occurs during lectures to large student cohorts. They have used an audience response system to allow students to test and improve a range of cognitive skills in an “active” lecture environment; they will present an evaluation of this tool. The authors found that student perceptions of the level of feedback rose with the use of the audience response system, as did their perceived use of critical thinking skills. They further discuss the benefits and limitations of the use of audience response systems within the chapter and discuss our use of E-Learning technologies for summative assessment purposes.

scholarly journals Remembering people with dementia during the COVID-19 crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamon O'Shea
Keyword(s):  
Family Carers ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
New Public ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Shared Humanity

This letter argues that we need to pay particular attention to people with dementia during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing rules and cocooning for people aged 70 years and over are now in place in Ireland to slow down the rate of infection and protect vulnerable older people.  This letter argues that we need, more than ever, to assert the personhood of people with dementia at this difficult time. That means more person-centred care and practical support structures for family carers to allow them to continue to care at home in a safe and life-enhancing way. New public broadcasting initiatives could create information and communication channels for people with dementia and their carers, as well as demonstrating empathy and solidarity with their predicament. Government, the Department of Health, the HSE and the voluntary sector have risen to the challenge of COVID-19 in all sectors of society. So too have ordinary citizens. Now we need to unite even more to create an unyielding commitment and adherence to the principles of  decency, justice  and equity in the allocation of scarce  health and social care resources. By doing this, we will demonstrate our caring potential and capacity in a way that reflects our shared humanity, not only in the current crisis, but into the future.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Education (CoVE) for Health and Care Workers to Facilitate Global Promotion of the COVID-19 Vaccines

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 653
Author(s):  
Holly Blake ◽  
Aaron Fecowycz ◽  
Hollie Starbuck ◽  
Wendy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Audience Engagement ◽  
Mixed Methods Evaluation ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Kirkpatrick Model

The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out globally. High and ongoing public uptake of the vaccine relies on health and social care professionals having the knowledge and confidence to actively and effectively advocate it. An internationally relevant, interactive multimedia training resource called COVID-19 Vaccine Education (CoVE) was developed using ASPIRE methodology. This rigorous six-step process included: (1) establishing the aims, (2) storyboarding and co-design, (3) populating and producing, (4) implementation, (5) release, and (6) mixed-methods evaluation aligned with the New World Kirkpatrick Model. Two synchronous consultations with members of the target audience identified the support need and established the key aim (Step 1: 2 groups: n = 48). Asynchronous storyboarding was used to co-construct the content, ordering, presentation, and interactive elements (Step 2: n = 14). Iterative two-stage peer review was undertaken of content and technical presentation (Step 3: n = 23). The final resource was released in June 2021 (Step 4: >3653 views). Evaluation with health and social care professionals from 26 countries (survey, n = 162; qualitative interviews, n = 15) established that CoVE has high satisfaction, usability, and relevance to the target audience. Engagement with CoVE increased participants’ knowledge and confidence relating to vaccine promotion and facilitated vaccine-promoting behaviours and vaccine uptake. The CoVE digital training package is open access and provides a valuable mechanism for supporting health and care professionals in promoting COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

scholarly journals Audit into post diagnostic support in newly diagnosed dementia patients

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S335-S335
Author(s):  
Madhumanti Mitra ◽  
Raghupathy Paranthaman
Keyword(s):  
Support Group ◽  
Random Number Generator ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Diagnosis Of Dementia ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Diagnostic Support

AimsThis audit aims to identify whether newly diagnosed dementia patients are offered post diagnostic support and potential factors influencing patient choice.BackgroundA diagnosis of dementia can be life changing and hence post-diagnostic support for dementia is key. Multiple guidelines suggest that post diagnostic support need to be offered to all patients diagnosed with dementia. The Department of Health and Social Care and other national/ local guidelines suggest that post diagnostic support is offered to all patients diagnosed with dementia.MethodData were collected for 40 patients diagnosed with dementia. Using random number generator, patient group was selected from pool of patients diagnosed with dementia between July’ 2017 - December’ 2017. Data included whether they had been offered support during the initial appointment and what post-diagnostic support was offered. Demographic details obtained to identify patterns of support accessed by patients.ResultAll patients were offered post-diagnostic support. Diagnosis was discussed in appointment in about 93% of patients. Medication was discussed in 82% patients. Driving was discussed in only 64% patients and LPA was discussed in only 63% patients. When given choice between Post diagnostic support group (PDSG) and Dementia adviser (DA), slightly more women tend to choose PDSG group. The only 2 ethnic minority patients chose DA. 21% more patients opted for PDSG group when they had a carer.ConclusionThe positive is that some post-diagnostic support is offered to all patients. Although discussion of diagnosis with patients was done well, discussion of medication, driving and LPA can be improved upon. Ethnicity and family structure/ carer may have a bearing on patient choice of post-diagnostic support.

scholarly journals Editorial

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-4
Author(s):  
Muzafer Mujic
Keyword(s):  
Specific Area ◽  
Associate Professor ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Great Pleasure ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Positive Score ◽  
E Mail ◽  
Young Researchers ◽  
Basic Medical

We inform our readers and collaborators that the interest for publication in Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences is growing continuously. Numerous letters and messages (e-mail) of support, in particular from our scientists working abroad, are sufficient confirmation. This exchange resulted in the idea (E. Kanlic, MD PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Orthopedic, Texas) that our scientists working in the USA edit one issue (preliminary deadline in April 2005) that would be dedicated to the latest understandings and achievements in a specific area that would be of interest for our experts. We are looking forward to successful cooperation with other colleagues engaged in fundamental science.It is with great pleasure that we inform you that, after anticipating a reply from the Department of Health and Human Services for some time, on the 6th July 2004 we received an information from Mr. Sheldon Kotzin, Executive Editor MEDLINE/Index Medicus stating that Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences has received a positive score (very good) upon reviewing and has been accepted for indexation in MEDLINE/Index MedicusWe are proud that our issues are mainly filled with papers by young researchers which agrees with our primary intention that the Journal grows into a vehicle for the exchange of knowledge among young researchers in the world. With this issue we complete the cycle for this year. We are convinced that, despite significant difficulties, we will find adequate support and ensure regular publication of research results from the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina.With sincere greetings and gratitude,Sarajevo, October 2004Editorial and Advisory BoardM.MujicThis Journal is Indexed in: CAB Abstract / Global Health databases and Index Medicus/MEDLINE.

scholarly journals Monitoring populations at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Pritchard ◽  
Joel Jones ◽  
Karina Vihta ◽  
Nicole Stoesser ◽  
Philippa C Matthews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Behavioural Surveillance ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Health And Social Care

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, with emerging variants and fluctuating control policies. Real-time population screening and identification of groups in whom positivity is highest could help monitor spread and inform public health messaging and strategy. Methods: To develop a real-time screening process, we included results from nose and throat swabs and questionnaires taken 19 July 2020-17 July 2021 in the UK's national COVID-19 Infection Survey. Fortnightly, associations between SARS-CoV-2 positivity and 60 demographic and behavioural characteristics were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, considering multiple testing, collinearity, and reverse causality. Findings: Of 4,091,537 RT-PCR results from 482,677 individuals, 29,903 (0.73%) were positive. As positivity rose September-November 2020, rates were independently higher in younger ages, and those living in Northern England, major urban conurbations, more deprived areas, and larger households. Rates were also higher in those returning from abroad, and working in healthcare or outside of home. When positivity peaked December 2020-January 2021 (Alpha), high positivity shifted to southern geographical regions. With national vaccine roll-out from December 2020, positivity reduced in vaccinated individuals. Associations attenuated as rates decreased between February-May 2021. Rising positivity rates in June-July 2021 (Delta) were independently higher in younger, male, and unvaccinated groups. Few factors were consistently associated with positivity. 25/45 (56%) confirmed associations would have been detected later using 28-day rather than 14-day periods. Interpretation: Population-level demographic and behavioural surveillance can be a valuable tool in identifying the varying characteristics driving current SARS-CoV-2 positivity, allowing monitoring to inform public health policy. Funding: Department of Health and Social Care (UK), Welsh Government, Department of Health (on behalf of the Northern Ireland Government), Scottish Government, National Institutes of Health Research.

scholarly journals The use of an invitational letter to increase the vaccine uptake of patients with coeliac disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Moneim ◽  
Hera Asad ◽  
Eman Butt ◽  
Jamil Shah Foridi ◽  
Yasmin Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coeliac Disease ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Total Uptake ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Green Book ◽  
Protection Against Infection ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aim: We sought to establish the impact on vaccine uptake of sending out a single appointment letter inviting patients to attend a vaccine clinic. Background: Coeliac disease is associated with splenic dysfunction and so patients with coeliac disease are at a higher risk of overwhelming infection. Additional vaccinations are recommended for these individuals to provide additional protection against infection. Methods: We retrospectively identified 54 patients with diagnosed coeliac disease, and all vaccines previously received by these patients. By comparing this to the Green Book [Department of Health (2013) Immunisation of individuals with underlying medical conditions: the green book, chapter 7, London: Department of Health. Retrieved 26 February 2019 from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566853/Green_Book_Chapter7.pdf], we determined the patients who were due vaccinations and the specific vaccines they were due. An invitation letter was then sent out to patients requiring further vaccinations and vaccine uptake for these patients was re-audited six months later. Findings: Our results show a mild increase in the total uptake of vaccines six months after the letter was sent out, from 38.6% to 49.2%.

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