Perceptions of Rheumatologists on Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis in China

ObjectiveHigh prevalence of undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and prolonged diagnostic delay are key troubles in the appropriate management of PsA. To analyze the possible causes for this phenomenon, a web-based nationwide survey was conducted to investigate rheumatologists’ perceptions on PsA diagnosis in China.MethodsThe electronic questionnaire consisting of 38 questions were designed by an expert panel and distributed with the online survey tool Sojump, which is a professional online survey platform. The completed questionnaires by real-name rheumatologists were collected.ResultsA total of 1594 valid questionnaires were included. More than half of Chinese rheumatologists reported it was challenging to make a diagnosis of PsA. The four major challenges were “Difficulties in identification of atypical or hidden psoriasis”, “Absence of diagnostic biomarkers”, “No active self-report of history or family history of psoriasis” and “Various musculoskeletal manifestations”. In diagnosing PsA, minor participants had incorrect knowledge of inflammatory arthropathy (13.7%), acute phase reactant (23.8%), and rheumatoid factor (28.7%). There were no significant differences in the knowledge of PsA and practice habits in diagnosing PsA between modern western medicine (WM)- and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-rheumatologists. The part-time rheumatologists were not as good as full-time rheumatologists in diagnosing PsA.ConclusionsAbout three quarters of Chinese rheumatologists are familiar with the elements in PsA diagnosis and have good practice habits in diagnosing PsA. Four main challenges in making PsA diagnosis are revealed. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of PsA between WM- and TCM-rheumatologists.

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Use of Rapid Online Data Collection during a Large Community Enteric Outbreak in Toronto, Canada

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics ◽

10.5210/ojphi.v10i1.9125 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anne Arthur ◽

Effie Gournis ◽

Kaitlin Bradley

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Data Collection ◽

Media Coverage ◽

Online Survey ◽

Foodborne Illness ◽

Self Report ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Large Community ◽

Exposed Population ◽

Stomach Pain

ObjectiveTo describe the use of an online survey tool to rapidly collect data from a large community outbreak of enteric illness in Toronto, Canada.IntroductionIn the early morning of Friday January 20, 2017, Toronto Public Health (TPH) was notified of several reports of acute vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain/cramps among students living in residence at a post-secondary institution in Toronto, Canada. A public health investigation was initiated and it was quickly determined that a large number of students and visitors to the campus were affected. Following considerable media coverage, TPH began receiving an overwhelmingly high volume of reports from ill individuals who lived, visited, or worked at the college campus and had experienced gastrointestinal illness.MethodsGastroBusters – an established online foodborne illness reporting tool was quickly adapted to support the outbreak investigation. GastroBusters was rapidly updated to include a screening question allowing ill individuals connected with the outbreak location to self-identify and report their symptoms, onset dates and times, and food histories to TPH securely online. The necessary updates were developed, tested, and implemented in less than one hour. Ill individuals were directed to the GastroBusters website – tph.to/gastrobusters - by college administrators and through media messaging. Those who were ill and reported to TPH through other methods (e.g., by phone) were interviewed by TPH investigators to collect comparable data, which were entered by staff into an online survey that mirrored the structure of the GastroBusters questions. These two data sets were merged and descriptive analyses were conducted using MS Excel and SAS v9.2.ResultsIn total, 354 reports associated with the outbreak were received by TPH - 232 who self-reported through GastroBusters, and 122 reported through other methods who were interviewed by TPH. Use of GastroBusters allowed ill individuals to report at a time convenient to them - 204 (88%) reports were submitted outside of TPH's business hours. As well, by providing ill individuals a method to self-report, TPH was able to rapidly collect, analyze and interpret data over the weekend while minimizing use of TPH staff resources. A summary report was available on Monday January 23, 2017 by 9:00 am, describing 236 confirmed and probable cases whose data were collected via both online surveys (GastroBusters and TPH data collection tool), between Friday and Sunday evenings. These data supported the hypothesis that the source of illness for the outbreak was likely norovirus; this was later confirmed through laboratory results.ConclusionsThis investigation provides a successful example of how an existing online reporting system for foodborne illness can be used for rapid data collection during a large-scale community enteric outbreak, where the exposed population could not be easily defined and the source of illness was unknown. Advantages of using this approach included: 1) rapid and robust data collection resulting in prompt analysis, and 2) efficient use of public health resources given the volume of reports otherwise processed by a public health investigator. Moreover, the investigation coincided with a weekend when there are fewer staff available and large amounts of overtime costs would have been accrued. TPH is currently developing standards for the use of similar tools in the future.References1. Toronto [Internet]. Toronto: City of Toronto; c1998-2017. GastroBusters; [cited October 2, 2017]. Available from: tph.to/gastrobusters

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Burnout and Peritraumatic Distress of Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-135151/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yeonhhon Jang ◽

Myoungsoon You ◽

Heeyoung Lee ◽

Minjung lee ◽

Yeji Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Emotional Exhaustion ◽

Organizational Support ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Current Status ◽

Full Time ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Peritraumatic Distress

Abstract Background To evaluate the current status of emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify factors associated with their mental health status. Methods An online survey involving 1,068 HCWs that included nurses, physicians, and public health officers was conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the collected data. Results Although no significant difference in peritraumatic distress was observed among the surveyed HCWs, the workers’ experience of emotional exhaustion varied according to work characteristics. Respondents who were female, older, living with a spouse, and/or full-time workers reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion. Public health officers and other medical personnel who did not have direct contact with confirmed patients and full-time workers had a higher level of peritraumatic distress. Forced involvement in work related to COVID-19, worry about stigma, worry about becoming infected, and perceived sufficiency of organizational support negatively predict emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress. Conclusions Job-related and emotional stress of HCWs should not be neglected. Evidence-based interventions and supports are required to protect HCWs from mental illness and to promote mental health of those involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Work-related Mobile Instant Messaging Use After Work Hours During Covid-19 Pandemic

SHS Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/shsconf/202112404006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 124 ◽

pp. 04006

Author(s):

Ah-Kiaw Phan ◽

Sharmila Sethu

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Job Performance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Instant Messaging ◽

Good Practice ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Work Hours ◽

Full Time ◽

Uses And Gratification Theory ◽

Work Related

The Covid-19 pandemic has a far-reaching impact on workplace practices with billions of employees worldwide have to alter work patterns. Most employees fully embraced digital technologies, including mobile instant messaging (MIM) apps, to fulfil their work obligations under new normal. However, the work-related MIM use does not translate into good practice. Its use has extended beyond the contracted schedule, worsening work-life balance, job satisfaction and job performance among employees. Despite the gradual easing of lockdown measures, work-related MIM use after work hours will likely continue to an undetermined period as herd immunity is yet to achieve. Therefore, this captures the urgency to understand the mechanism on how work-related MIM use after work hours can be beneficial to employees during the pandemic, which is under-represented. The study elicited data through an online survey from 368 full-time employees in Malaysia. The evidence suggested employees who obtained information sharing gratification, mobile convenience gratification and self-presentation gratification enjoyed better WLB, subsequently formed higher job satisfaction and ultimately enhance their job performance, based on the postulation of the Uses and Gratification theory and Job Demands-Resources theory. Thus, work-related MIM use after work hours should not be interpreted negatively. Both researchers and practitioners should work jointly on how to implement practices concerning healthy yet sustainable MIM use after work hours to be more resilient for future pandemics.

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Breastfeeding Frequency of Primary Healthcare Professionals and Effective Factors

10.22541/au.161806215.56989905/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

EZGİ AGADAYI ◽

Sanem Nemmezi Karaca ◽

Gamze Ersen ◽

Duygu AYHAN BASER ◽

Hatice Küçükceran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Health ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Self Report ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Effective Factors ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Background: To determine the frequency of breastfeeding of mothers working in primary care, the differences between different employment groups, and the effective factors. Methods: This descriptive research study was conducted with a self-report online survey design. The snowball sampling method was used for the sample selection, and 151 family physicians and 126 family health professionals were included in the study during the research period (June 2019-December 2019). A 35-item survey was used to collect data. The response rate was 44.9% (49.5% family physicians/40.3% family health professionals). Results: The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 3.9 ± 2.0 months, and the mean duration of total breastfeeding was 16.7 ± 8.5 months. There was no significant difference between the family physicians and family health professionals in terms of exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.580) and total breastfeeding (P = 0.325) durations. The most common reasons for weaning was reduced milk supply (25.6%) and not being able to use breastfeeding leave (23.1%) due to problems at work. Of the sample, 41.3% had problems with their co-workers and 41.9% had problems related to patient care when taking breastfeeding leave. Working in a baby-friendly center (P = 0.010), prolonged exclusive breastfeeding (P < 0.001), and increased hours of breastfeeding leave taken (P = 0.001) had a positive effect on breastfeeding for ≥24 months while experiencing problems with co-workers in taking breastfeeding leave (P = 0.023) had a negative effect on this variable. Conclusions: All of the factors that were determined to affect the continuation of breastfeeding for ≥24 months are modifiable. It is very important for relevant authorities to undertake necessary action to improve the conditions of working mothers based on these results. Health professional that can maintain the balance between family and work will work more efficiently.

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SAT0412 ACCURACY OF AN INSTRUMENT FOR SCREENING PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AMONG PSORIATIC PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE MULTICENTRE ITALIAN STUDY HERACLES (SCREENING STRATEGIES FOR RHEUMATOLOGICAL REFERRAL OF PSORIATIC SUBJECTS AIMED TO DISCLOSE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS)

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3697 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1158.2-1159

Author(s):

G. De Marco ◽

M. Manara ◽

P. Gisondi ◽

L. Idolazzi ◽

R. Ramonda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Roc Curve ◽

Diagnostic Delay ◽

Curve Analysis ◽

The Other ◽

Roc Curve Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Criteria ◽

Significant Difference

Background:Identifying psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among people with psoriasis is often challenging due to low specificity of symptoms at early PsA stage and/or delayed referral to the rheumatologist. Screening instruments -assisting the dermatologist to decide when rheumatological assessment is beneficial- have potential to reduce the diagnostic delay.Objectives:To evaluate the accuracy of a dermatologist-filled-out questionnaire designed for screening PsA among psoriatic patients under dermatology care.Methods:HERACLES is a multicentre, cross-sectional study running at 9 Italian dermatology and rheumatology tertiary centres. All participants were under dermatology care for skin psoriasis. Previous diagnosis of PsA precluded eligibility. Dermatologists at each site assessed consecutive psoriatic subjects, filled in the specifically-designed HERACLES questionnaire (HQ, Figure 1) and finally referred the participants to rheumatologists for clinical evaluation. All participants filled in the ToPAS, PASE, PEST and EARP questionnaires. Rheumatologists assessed the participants regardless of the questionnaires’ scores. The gold standard applied to assess the instruments’ accuracy was the diagnosis of PsA as established by the rheumatologists. ROC curve analysis evaluated the performance of the scores associated with the clinical criteria listed in the HQ, estimating the sensitivity and specificity of different cut-off levels. Further exploratory ROC curve analysis compared HQ performance to that of the other four questionnaires tested.Figure 1.Results:Out of 759 subjects enrolled, 524 (69%) attended rheumatology assessment. Rheumatologists diagnosed PsA in 73/524 patients (13.9%, Figure 2). Mean age was 53 (SD 16) years and 46% were female. Mean psoriasis duration was 20 (SD 19) years. The area under the ROC curve of HQ was 0.775. The HQ score cut-off value of 2 yielded a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 47%; a cut-off value of 3 yielded a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 75%. The comparison between the ROC curve of the HQ and those of the other four questionnaires evaluated did not show any significant difference (p=0.523 versus TOPAS; p=0.201 versus PASE; p=0.345 versus PEST and p=0.240 versus EARP).Figure 2.Conclusion:The HERACLES questionnaire, a tool designed for dermatologists, showed good sensitivity and specificity in identifying PsA cases among subjects with cutaneous psoriasis.Acknowledgments:The HERACLES project was supported by a research grant from FIRA and Pfizer Italia SRLDisclosure of Interests:Gabriele De Marco: None declared, Maria Manara Consultant of: Consultant and/or speaker for Eli-Lilly, MSD, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, Alfa Wasserman and Cellgene, Speakers bureau: Consultant and/or speaker for Eli-Lilly, MSD, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, Alfa Wasserman and Cellgene, Paolo Gisondi: None declared, Luca Idolazzi: None declared, Roberta Ramonda Speakers bureau: Novartis, Celgene, Janssen, Pfizer, Abbvie, Lilly, Stefano Piaserico: None declared, Alberto Cauli: None declared, Marco Amedeo Cimmino: None declared, Veronica Tomatis: None declared, Carlo Salvarani: None declared, Rosanna Scrivo: None declared, Anna Zanetti: None declared, Greta Carrara: None declared, Carlo Alberto Scirè: None declared, Angelo Cattaneo: None declared, Antonio Marchesoni Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, UCB, Novartis, Celgene, Eli Lilly

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Effects of Participatory Teaching Approach for Red Cross First Aid Trainers of China in 2019: A Before-and-After Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-611334/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaoqing Cheng ◽

Xiaohua Zhang ◽

Qinghui Ma ◽

Ying Wen ◽

Jianzhong Zhao

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

First Aid ◽

Teaching Approach ◽

Training Data ◽

Red Cross ◽

Good Effect ◽

Quality Of Data ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After

Abstract ObjectiveRed Cross Society of China has always attached importance to training of first aid trainers. Participatory teaching approach has good effect and great significance all over the world. Thus this methodology was introduced from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to China from 2019. This study aimed to investigate effects of participatory teaching approach in training first aid trainers from provincial branches of China.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study among first aid trainers from Red Cross provincial branches. Pretested electronic questionnaire was given before and after the training. Data was collected by online survey tool and logic check was set to ensure quality of data. Stata version 11.0 was used to analyze the data. Proportion were used to describe social-demographic characteristics of respondents and their satisfaction with different teaching modules. Paired two-tailed t-test was used to compare the confidence scores before and after training. Chi-square test was used to test confidence growth of different groups and among different developing level regions. Difference was statistically significant if P<0.05.Result772 first aid trainers participated in the survey with a response rate of 99.6%. The majority of respondents were satisfied with standard modules of this course using participatory teaching approach. Scores on 4 confidence related questions had all increased and the confidence growth was statistically significant (Question1:t=-32.66,P<0.001;Question2:t=-28.22,P<0.001;Question3:t=-27.41,P<0.001;Question4:t=-29.07,P<0.001). Different groups had different confidence growth and medium confidence group had the biggest increase in all 4 questions (Question1:2=166.49,P<0.001;Question2:2=166.48,P<0.001;Question3:2=195.40,P<0.001;Question4:2=129.61,P<0.001). No statistical significant difference was found among different developing level regions.ConclusionParticipatory teaching approach was well accepted among Red Cross first aid trainers from provincial branches all over China. No statistically significant was found among different developing level regions. This teaching approach could improve the confidence of participants. It is reasonable to promote this methodology among first aid trainers nationwide.

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Underrepresentation of Phenotypic Variability of 16p13.11 Microduplication Syndrome Assessed With an Online Self-Phenotyping Tool (Phenotypr): Cohort Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/21023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. e21023

Author(s):

Jianqiao Li ◽

Margaret A Hojlo ◽

Sampath Chennuri ◽

Nitin Gujral ◽

Heather L Paterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Genetic Disorders ◽

Self Report ◽

Rare Disorders ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Affected Person ◽

Number Variation ◽

Survey Results ◽

Variable Presentation

Background 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome has a variable presentation and is characterized primarily by neurodevelopmental and physical phenotypes resulting from copy number variation at chromosome 16p13.11. Given its variability, there may be features that have not yet been reported. The goal of this study was to use a patient “self-phenotyping” survey to collect data directly from patients to further characterize the phenotypes of 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome. Objective This study aimed to (1) discover self-identified phenotypes in 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome that have been underrepresented in the scientific literature and (2) demonstrate that self-phenotyping tools are valuable sources of data for the medical and scientific communities. Methods As part of a large study to compare and evaluate patient self-phenotyping surveys, an online survey tool, Phenotypr, was developed for patients with rare disorders to self-report phenotypes. Participants with 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome were recruited through the Boston Children's Hospital 16p13.11 Registry. Either the caregiver, parent, or legal guardian of an affected child or the affected person (if aged 18 years or above) completed the survey. Results were securely transferred to a Research Electronic Data Capture database and aggregated for analysis. Results A total of 19 participants enrolled in the study. Notably, among the 19 participants, aggression and anxiety were mentioned by 3 (16%) and 4 (21%) participants, respectively, which is an increase over the numbers in previously published literature. Additionally, among the 19 participants, 3 (16%) had asthma and 2 (11%) had other immunological disorders, both of which have not been previously described in the syndrome. Conclusions Several phenotypes might be underrepresented in the previous 16p13.11 microduplication literature, and new possible phenotypes have been identified. Whenever possible, patients should continue to be referenced as a source of complete phenotyping data on their condition. Self-phenotyping may lead to a better understanding of the prevalence of phenotypes in genetic disorders and may identify previously unreported phenotypes.

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Investigating Dimensions of Stiffness in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis: The Australian Rheumatology Association Database Registry and OMERACT Collaboration

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.181251 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (11) ◽

pp. 1462-1469 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Premarani Sinnathurai ◽

Susan J. Bartlett ◽

Serena Halls ◽

Sarah Hewlett ◽

Ana-Maria Orbai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Physical Function ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Cognitive Debriefing ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Different Dimensions

Objective.It is not known how the experience of stiffness varies between diagnoses or how best to measure stiffness. The aims of our study were to (1) compare stiffness in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using patient-reported outcomes, (2) investigate how dimensions of stiffness are associated with each other and reflect the patient experience, and (3) analyze how different dimensions of stiffness are associated with physical function.Methods.An online survey was sent to Australian Rheumatology Association Database participants (158 PsA, and 158 age- and sex-matched RA), assessing stiffness severity, duration, impact, importance, coping, and physical function [modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ)]. Scores were compared between diagnoses and correlations among stiffness dimensions calculated. Multivariate regression was performed for stiffness severity, impact, and duration on mHAQ, adjusting for age, sex, disease duration, obesity, and pain. Cognitive debriefing was conducted through semistructured telephone interviews.Results.Overall, 240/316 (75.9%) responded [124/158 RA (78.5%) and 116/158 PsA (73.4%)], with no significant difference in stiffness ratings between diagnoses. Scores for all stiffness dimensions were strongly correlated (r = 0.52–0.89), and severity and impact were associated with mHAQ in both diagnoses. Stiffness duration was not associated with mHAQ in RA. In cognitive debriefing, participants described stiffness severity and impact by their effect on daily activities (10/16 and 14/16 participants, respectively).Conclusion.Stiffness ratings were similar between PsA and RA. Different dimensions of stiffness were strongly correlated. Stiffness severity and impact both independently predicted mHAQ. Stiffness was important to participants; however, measuring multiple dimensions of stiffness may have minimal additive value.

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Underrepresentation of Phenotypic Variability of 16p13.11 Microduplication Syndrome Assessed With an Online Self-Phenotyping Tool (Phenotypr): Cohort Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21023 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jianqiao Li ◽

Margaret A Hojlo ◽

Sampath Chennuri ◽

Nitin Gujral ◽

Heather L Paterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Genetic Disorders ◽

Self Report ◽

Rare Disorders ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Affected Person ◽

Number Variation ◽

Survey Results ◽

Variable Presentation

BACKGROUND 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome has a variable presentation and is characterized primarily by neurodevelopmental and physical phenotypes resulting from copy number variation at chromosome 16p13.11. Given its variability, there may be features that have not yet been reported. The goal of this study was to use a patient “self-phenotyping” survey to collect data directly from patients to further characterize the phenotypes of 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) discover self-identified phenotypes in 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome that have been underrepresented in the scientific literature and (2) demonstrate that self-phenotyping tools are valuable sources of data for the medical and scientific communities. METHODS As part of a large study to compare and evaluate patient self-phenotyping surveys, an online survey tool, Phenotypr, was developed for patients with rare disorders to self-report phenotypes. Participants with 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome were recruited through the Boston Children's Hospital 16p13.11 Registry. Either the caregiver, parent, or legal guardian of an affected child or the affected person (if aged 18 years or above) completed the survey. Results were securely transferred to a Research Electronic Data Capture database and aggregated for analysis. RESULTS A total of 19 participants enrolled in the study. Notably, among the 19 participants, aggression and anxiety were mentioned by 3 (16%) and 4 (21%) participants, respectively, which is an increase over the numbers in previously published literature. Additionally, among the 19 participants, 3 (16%) had asthma and 2 (11%) had other immunological disorders, both of which have not been previously described in the syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Several phenotypes might be underrepresented in the previous 16p13.11 microduplication literature, and new possible phenotypes have been identified. Whenever possible, patients should continue to be referenced as a source of complete phenotyping data on their condition. Self-phenotyping may lead to a better understanding of the prevalence of phenotypes in genetic disorders and may identify previously unreported phenotypes.

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Job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists and clinical pharmacy activities implemented at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245537 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. e0245537

Author(s):

Hai-Yen Nguyen-Thi ◽

Thuy-Tram Nguyen-Ngoc ◽

Minh-Thu Do-Tran ◽

Dung Van Do ◽

Luyen Dinh Pham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Clinical Pharmacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Ward Round ◽

High Rate ◽

Ho Chi Minh City ◽

Current Status ◽

Full Time ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Clinical Pharmacists

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam pioneered the practice of clinical pharmacy; however, hospitals in HCMC have faced numerous challenges that might influence the job satisfaction of clinical pharmacists (CPs). Additionally, there have been no official statistics about clinical pharmacy activities that have been reported so far. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the current status of the clinical pharmacy profession and to analyze the key factors affecting job satisfaction of CPs in HCMC. This was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all the CPs in all the 128 hospitals in HCMC via an online survey tool from May to June 2020. Only about 30% of the respondents were full-time CPs. The percentage of CPs participating in clinical wards was relatively low (52.79%). “Provide drug information for patients and medical employees” was the most common clinical pharmacy activity, with the percentage of CPs participating in it being nearly 90%. Overall, 74.1% of the 197 CPs surveyed were satisfied with their current job. The factors that they were satisfied with the most and the least were “Inter & Intra professional relationships” (95.9%) and “Income” (59.9%), respectively. The only demographic and work-related characteristic that had a statistically significant association with overall job satisfaction was “Ward round participation”. Most clinical pharmacy tasks noted a high rate of participation from the CPs. Nevertheless, hospitals in HCMC was found to be experiencing a shortage of CPs and low levels of participation of CPs in ward rounds, and most CPs were unable to completely focus on clinical pharmacy tasks. Regarding CPs’ job satisfaction-related aspects, income and ward round participation appear to be the two factors that should be increased, in order to enhance CPs’ job satisfaction.

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