scholarly journals Olfactory Dysfunction in Frontline Health Care Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Ferreira Sbrana ◽  
Marco Aurélio Fornazieri ◽  
Alexandre Bruni-Cardoso ◽  
Vivian I. Avelino-Silva ◽  
Deborah Schechtman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Cross Sectional

Upper respiratory viral infections can decrease the sense of smell either by inflammatory restriction of nasal airflow that carries the odorant molecules or through interference in olfactory sensory neuron function. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), worldwide reports of severe smell loss (anosmia/hyposmia) revealed a different type of olfactory dysfunction associated with respiratory virus infection. Since self-reported perception of smell is subjective and SARS-CoV-2 exposure is variable in the general population, we aimed to study a population that would be more homogeneously exposed to the virus. Here, we investigated the prevalence of olfactory loss in frontline health professionals diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil, one of the major epicenters of the disease. We also analyzed the rate of olfactory function recovery and the particular characteristics of olfactory deficit in this population. A widely disclosed cross-sectional online survey directed to health care workers was developed by a group of researchers to collect data concerning demographic information, general symptoms, otolaryngological symptoms, comorbidities, and COVID-19 test results. Of the 1,376 health professionals who completed the questionnaire, 795 (57.8%) were working directly with COVID-19 patients, either in intensive care units, emergency rooms, wards, outpatient clinics, or other areas. Five-hundred forty-one (39.3%) participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 509 (37%) were not tested. Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19-positive subjects was 83.9% (454 of 541) compared to 12.9% (42 of 326) of those who tested negative and to 14.9% (76 of 509) of those not tested. Olfactory dysfunction incidence was higher in those working in wards, emergency rooms, and intensive care units compared to professionals in outpatient clinics. In general, remission from olfactory symptoms was frequent by the time of responses. Taste disturbances were present in 74.1% of infected participants and were significantly associated with hyposmia. In conclusion, olfactory dysfunction is highly correlated with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in health care professionals, and remission rates up to 2 weeks are high.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination: a survey of university students in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Callegaro ◽  
L Chinenye Ilogu ◽  
O Lugovska ◽  
S Mazzilli ◽  
A Prugnola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level ◽  
Coverage Rates ◽  
The University ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge

Abstract Background Immunisation programs are still facing substantial challenges in achieving target coverage rates. This has been attributed to the growing negative individual vaccination attitudes and behaviours. Most of the current studies assessing vaccination knowledge, attitude and beliefs targets adults. However, young people represent future parents and health care professionals. The objective of this study was to investigate vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours among university medical and non-medical students in Europe. Methods We performed a cross-sectional online survey between April and July 2018. The study participants were students attending different faculties at the University of Antwerp, Belgium and the University of Pisa, Italy. We described sample characteristics. The effect of risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results A total of 2079 participants completed the survey including 873 medical students and 1206 from other faculties. The average of vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and confidence was respectively 5.51 (SD: 1.41), 4.66 (SD: 0.14) and 5.28 (SD: 0.57) on the 6-points scale. Our respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness with respect to their vaccination history. In total, 67.7% (n = 1407) reported to have received at least one vaccine in the previous five years; only 6.0% (n = 35) did not receive any vaccine in the previous 10 years. According to logistic regression analysis Italian students had significantly higher knowledge, attitude and confidence scores than Belgium respondents. Students of medicine scored significantly higher compared to non-medical students. Conclusions In order to reduce the gaps in vaccinations knowledge between non-medical and medical students we should plan educational interventions. In this way the number of future sceptical parents could be decreased. Further studies are required to explain the differences between countries. Key messages Young adults are the parents and the health care professionals of the future, for this reason their vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours should be carefully monitored. European non-medical students have lower vaccinations knowledge, attitudes and confidence compared with medical student. In order to fill these gaps, we should plan educational interventions.

scholarly journals Assessing Apps for Patients with Genitourinary Tumors Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS): Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Amor-García ◽  
Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽  
Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽  
Alejandra Melgarejo-Ortuño ◽  
Ana Herranz-Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Genitourinary Cancers

BACKGROUND The large number of available cancer apps and their impact on the population necessitates a transparent, objective, and comprehensive evaluation by app experts, health care professionals, and users. To date, there have been no analyses or classifications of apps for patients with genitourinary cancers, which are among the most prevalent types of cancer. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to analyze the quality of apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and identify high-quality apps. METHODS We performed an observational cross-sectional descriptive study of all smartphone apps for patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers available on iOS and Android platforms. In July 2019, we searched for all available apps for patients with genitourinary cancers (bladder, prostate, cervical, uterine, endometrial, kidney, testicular, and vulvar) or their caregivers. Apps were downloaded and evaluated, and the general characteristics were entered into a database. The evaluation was performed by 2 independent researchers using the MARS questionnaire, which rates 23 evaluation criteria clustered in 5 domains (Engagement, Functionality, Esthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality) on a scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS In total, 46 apps were analyzed. Of these, 31 (67%) were available on Android, 6 (13%) on iOS, and 9 (20%) on both platforms. The apps were free in 89% of cases (41/46), and 61% (28/46) had been updated in the previous year. The apps were intended for prostate cancer in 30% of cases (14/46) and cervical cancer in 17% (8/46). The apps were mainly informative (63%, 29/46), preventive (24%, 11/46), and diagnostic (13%, 6/46). Only 7/46 apps (15%) were developed by health care organizations. The mean MARS score for the overall quality of the 46 apps was 2.98 (SD 0.77), with a maximum of 4.63 and a minimum of 1.95. Functionality scores were quite similar for most of the apps, with the greatest differences in Engagement and Esthetics, which showed acceptable scores in one-third of the apps. The 5 apps with the highest MARS score were the following: “Bladder cancer manager,” “Kidney cancer manager,” “My prostate cancer manager,” “Target Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Diary,” and “My Cancer Coach.” We observed statistically significant differences in the MARS score between the operating systems and the developer types (<i>P</i>&lt;.001 and <i>P</i>=.01, respectively), but not for cost (<i>P</i>=.62). CONCLUSIONS MARS is a helpful methodology to decide which apps can be prescribed to patients and to identify which features should be addressed to improve these tools. Most of the apps designed for patients with genitourinary cancers only try to provide data about the disease, without coherent interactivity. The participation of health professionals in the development of these apps is low; nevertheless, we observed that both the participation of health professionals and regular updates were correlated with quality.

scholarly journals Are mobile phones of health care workers portals of pathogenic organisms causing hospital acquired infections in intensive care units? A mini systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-214
Author(s):  
M. Mukhtar-Yola ◽  
B. Andrew
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background: Health care workers at the bedside of critically ill babies freely carry their mobile phones in between procedures and handling  patients. Concerns are rising as this may contribute to nosocomial infections with pathogenic bacteria. Aim: To determine if mobile phones of health care workers in Intensive care units carry potentially pathogenic bacteria leading to hospital acquired infections. Design: Systematic review.Data sources: Electronic databases (Medline via ovid, CINAHL, Web of science) and hand Searching of references and citations were done to identify studies. Screening and inclusion criteria were used to identify studies with a cross-sectional or cohort design. The search was limited to journal articles published between 2008-2015 and to English language. Quality assessment was done using the National Institute of Health tool for observational studies. Data was extracted on to excel sheets and analysed using SPSS version 22.Results: Six studies with a cohort (1) or cross-sectional design (5) involving 1, 131 health care workers were reviewed. The overall quality of the studies was fair, and a narrative synthesis was done. The colonization rate of the mobile phones ranged between 46.3 % and a 100% with 13-50% carrying potentially pathogenic multidrug resistant microorganisms. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycine resistant enterococci, acinobacter and coagulase negative staphylococci were reported across all studies and were recognized as leading causes of morbidity and mortalityin the ICU. Conclusion: Mobile phones Of HCW are portals of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, which could result in morbidity and mortality.Although no causal relationship could be established, strong associations have been reported. Guidelines by hospital infection control committees are needed on restriction, care and routine cleaning of mobile phones as well as further research. Key words: Health care worker, Intensive care unit, Hospital Acquired Infections, mobile phones

scholarly journals ATTITUDE AND PRACTICING BEHAVIOUR AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS REGARDING HANDWASHING:A TOOL TO PREVENT EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING INFECTIONS.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Syed Waseem Tahir ◽  
Sahila Nabi ◽  
Shazia Javaid
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice

Background: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to control health care related infection. Every year millions of patients around the world are affected by infections that are transmitted by the health-care professionals(HCPs).(2)(3). Rationale: Nurses and physicians are the main health care workers contacting with patients, representing the vector in the chain of infection. Thus, assessing their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hand hygiene is very important to decrease the incidence of health care related infection and to improve quality of care. Objective: The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of handwashing among healthcare professionals of Kashmir Division. Methods: This study was an institutional based cross sectional study, conducted in various healthcare institutions of Kashmir Division which were selected randomly. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the data from the participants. The questionnaires contained questions about four different parts which included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of hand washing, attitude and practice of hand washing among healthcare professionals. The questionnaires were distributed to various healthcare professionals working in wards, emergency department, laboratories, outpatient departments, injection and dressing rooms, EPI unit and others. The distributed questionnaires were then collected back. Results: A total of 110 participants were included. Out of total 110 participants,53% were male ,36% were nurses 36% of health professionals were working in IPD (In Patient Department). 89% of the participants agreed that, direct or indirect contacts are the most important routes for transmission of hospital-acquired infections,97% agreed that
 proper and consistent hand washing prevents infections in health facilities,100% agreed that health professionals should always wash their hands immediately when they arrive at health institutions,98% said that they knew steps of handwashing(WHO)/rules of hand hygiene,91% agreed that hand washing is the single most effective mechanism to prevent spread of infection and 95% agreed that wearing jewellery, artificial fingernails, damaged skin and regular use of hand cream are associated with increased likelihood of colonisation of hands with harmful germs. 83% of the participants said that they are committed to the proper rules of hand hygiene all the time,78% said they comply with rules of hand hygiene even in emergencies,80% said that they think when they are wearing gloves it is not necessary to wash hands,92% feel irritated when others don’t follow hand hygiene rules,95% advice others to follow the rules of hand hygiene and 97% said it is easy for you to follow rules of hand hygiene. 40%(each) of the participants said that they always and usually wash hands before touching a patient,100% of the participants said that they always wash hands before performing aseptic and clean procedures, 100% of the participants said that they always wash hands after being at risk of exposure to body fluids and 95% of patients said that they wash hands after coming to and before leaving the hospital. DISCUSSION In this study we had a total of 110 participants. Health professionals had a satisfactory knowledge of hand hygiene but some lacunae are still there as is evident in the result part. Thus from this study we conclude adherence to handwashing is lacking among health professionals, so we need to have regular handwashing sessions for health professionals which will regularly sensitize them, also we need to address the reasons of this poor adherence both at the administrative and personal level. We also recommend to conduct more studies in this field so as to highlight the shortcomings in hand hygiene and then to improve upon them.

scholarly journals CONOCIMIENTOS, PERCEPCIONES Y PRÁCTICAS EN PROFESIONALES DE LA SALUD SOBRE MOVILIZACION TEMPRANA EN LOS PACIENTES DE LAS UNIDADES DE CUIDADOS INTENSIVOS

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Ángela Yaleska Arévalo Tabares ◽  
Freiser Eceomo Cruz Mosquera ◽  
Yuly Viviana Valencia Salazar ◽  
Diego Alonzo Peláez Domínguez ◽  
Juan David Rosero Portocarrero
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Mobilization ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
Calidad De Vida ◽  
Critical Patients

Introducción: Los pacientes críticos son sometidos a intervenciones que traen consigo complicaciones que pueden aparecer incluso de manera precoz, entre ellas se encuentra la debilidad muscular adquirida en unidad de cuidados intensivos, en este contexto tiene una importancia fundamental la movilización temprana del paciente crítico, que facilita el destete de la ventilación mecánica e influye en la calidad de vida posterior al alta. Objetivo: determinar los conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas en profesionales de la salud sobre movilizacion temprana en los pacientes de las unidades de cuidados intensivos de dos centros de salud de Cali.  Método: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en el que se incluyeron 24 profesionales de la salud que laboran en unidades de cuidados intensivos de dos Clínicas de la Ciudad de Cali, a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario autoadministrado sobre movilización temprana. El análisis de los datos se realizó en el programa SPSS versión 24. Resultados: La mayoría de los profesionales de la salud encuestados eran de sexo femenino, con una edad promedio de 31±5; se encontró que el 67% tenía un conocimiento medio, el 25% bajo y el 8% conocimiento alto. Por otro lado, el 88% manifestó ejecutar esta estrategia en su práctica habitual, y reportaron como barreras percibidas ausencia de protocolos y personal insuficiente. Conclusiones: gran parte de los profesionales de salud encuestados mostraron un conocimiento medio sobre movilización temprana y una alta incorporación de esta estrategia a la práctica clínica habitual. Palabras claves: movilización precoz de paciente crítico, cuidados intensivos, paciente crítico, ventilación mecánica. ABSTRACT Introduction: Critical patients are subjected to interventions that bring complications that can appear even early, among them is muscle weakness acquired in the intensive care unit, in this context, early mobilization of the critical patient is of fundamental importance, which facilitates weaning from mechanical ventilation and influences post-discharge quality of life. Objective: to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practices in health professionals about early mobilization in patients in the intensive care units of two health centers in Cali. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional observational study that included 24 health professionals working in intensive care units of two Clinics in the City of Cali, to which a self-administered questionnaire on early mobilization was applied. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results: Most of the health professionals surveyed were female, with a mean age of 31 ± 5; It was found that 67% had medium knowledge, 25% low and 8% high knowledge. On the other hand, 88% stated that they executed this strategy in their usual practice, and reported the absence of protocols and insufficient personnel as perceived barriers. Conclusions: a large part of the health professionals surveyed showed a medium knowledge about early mobilization and a high incorporation of this strategy into routine clinical practice. Keywords: early mobilization of critical patients, intensive care, critical patients, mechanical ventilation

scholarly journals CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AND DENTAL TREATMENT IN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN SOUTH CANARA DISTRICT.( KARNATAKA)

2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 028-032
Author(s):  
K.S Sharath ◽  
Manavi Prabhu ◽  
Biju Thomas ◽  
Shamila Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hygiene Practices

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study is to estimate the knowledge, attitude and practise of the oral hygiene,and dental treatment, and its correlation with everyday oral hygiene practices among the health care professionals of south canara district ( Karnataka) Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 200 health care professionals between Jan 20th to Feb 20th 2013.Two hundred health professionals were asked to answer a questionnaire containing 15 questions.Data once collected was analysed using SPSS software. Results: 56.3% health professionals visited the dentist once in six months. 26% health professionals felt that unavailability of time is the main factor influencing dental visits. Main cause of taking a dental appointment in 33% subjects was found to be dental caries. 54.6% obtained information on oral hygiene practices through mass media followed by 22.3 % who obtained it directly from the dentist.59.2% brushed their teeth twice daily.50% used medium bristle tooth brush.48.5 % had a brushing time of 3-5 min. 41.5% did not use any other oral hygiene aid.28.64% got scaling done in the last 3-6 months. 56% did not have an habit of using a tooth pick. 43.3% used combination of circular, vertical and horizontal method of brushing.45.5% felt that scaling caused loss of enamel. Conclusion: It appears that knowledge, attitude, and behaviour attitude, practice and knowledge of oral hygiene practices and dental treatment in health care professionals in South Canara district is gud.Though more information needs to be provided about other oral hygiene aids.

Partnering with Parents: Establishing Effective Long-Term Relationships with Parents in the NICU

2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McAllister ◽  
Kim Dionne
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Parental Role ◽  
Parent Perspectives ◽  
Duration Of Hospitalization ◽  
Newborn Intensive Care

Advances in health care have led to unprecedented innovation in the care provided to critically ill newborns. One outcome of this new reality is that newborn intensive care units have become “homes” for fragile infants who require long-term hospitalization. Clearly, NICUs were never so envisioned; thus, this reality has resulted in challenges for families and health professionals alike. As the duration of hospitalization increases, relationships between families and health care professionals become increasingly important. Parents of hospitalized newborns face fear, anxiety, and frustration as they struggle to cope with an ill child while developing their parental role. The quality of relationships established between families and health care professionals is crucial to their coping and adaptation. This article addresses challenges faced by families whose infants experience extended hospitalization, applies a model to help health care professionals understand parent perspectives, and proposes strategies to promote effective partnerships and alliances with families.

scholarly journals Cyberbullying Among Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioners in the Workplace: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Descriptive Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Jin Kim ◽  
Linchao Qian ◽  
Muhammad Shahzad Aslam
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Research Management ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Cyberbullying is becoming prevalent among health care professionals and may cause a variety of mental health issues. Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners remain an important pillar of the health care system in Malaysia. OBJECTIVE This paper presents a study protocol for an online survey (Cyberbullying Among Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioner [TCMPs]) that will collect the first nationwide representative data on cyberbullying behavior among traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in Malaysia. The objectives of the survey are to (1) evaluate the cyberbullying behavior among traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in Malaysia, (2) identify sociodemographic and social factors related to cyberbullying, and (3) evaluate the association between cyberbullying behavior, sociodemographic, and social factors. METHODS A snowball sampling strategy will be applied. Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners who are permanent Malaysian residents will be randomly selected and invited to participate in the survey (N=1023). Cyberbullying behavior will be measured using the Cyberbullying Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). Data on the following items will be collected: work-related bullying, person-related bullying, aggressively worded messages, distortion of messages, sending offensive photos/videos, hacking computers or sending a virus or rude message, and threatening messages about personal life or family members. We will also collect data on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, social factors, and substance abuse behavior. RESULTS This cross-sectional descriptive study was registered with Research Registry (Unique Identifying Number 6216; November 05, 2020). This research work (substudy) is planned under a phase 1 study approved by the Research Management Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia. This substudy has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Xiamen University Malaysia (REC-2011.01). The cross-sectional survey will be conducted from July 01, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Data preparation and statistical analyses are planned from January 2022 onward. CONCLUSIONS The current research can contribute to identify the prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among Malaysian traditional and complementary medicine practitioners. The results will help government stakeholders, health professionals, and education professionals to understand the psychological well-being of Malaysian traditional and complementary medicine practitioners. CLINICALTRIAL Research Registry Unique Identifying Number 6216; https://tinyurl.com/3rsmxs7u INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/29582

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