scholarly journals A Review of Psychological Issues among Patients and Healthcare Staff during Two Major Coronavirus Disease Outbreaks in China: Contributory Factors and Management Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Ming Chow ◽  
Bernard M.H. Law ◽  
Marques S.N. Ng ◽  
Dorothy N.S. Chan ◽  
Winnie K.W. So ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Counselling Services

Outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have affected populations worldwide. Our literature review summarises the studies reporting psychological issues among healthcare staff and infected patients in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan during these two outbreaks and the potential strategies for addressing these issues. Our review shows that patients and healthcare staff presented similar psychological symptoms, including anxiety, fear, distress, and depression, which may lead to stress-related complications such as insomnia. In patients, these psychological impairments can be contributed to by being quarantined, perceptions of threats to life, and uncertainty about health status. Quarantine is also a factor for distress among healthcare staff, together with their heavy workload, the fear that they and their families would become infected, witnessing their patients’ poor and deteriorating conditions, and the requirement to wear protective gear. Strategies that are needed to address these factors include providing counselling services, implementing mindfulness-based therapies and optimism interventions, and providing telecommunication facilities for patients to communicate with their families. Healthcare staff should also be provided with these services, together with appropriate and flexible work shift arrangements and morale boosting. These strategies would improve not only the mental well-being of patients and healthcare staff, but also the self-efficacy and competence of the staff to provide quality healthcare services.

scholarly journals Complaints concerning communication reported by users of healthcare in a specific region in Sweden

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emina Hadziabdic ◽  
Gina Higginbottom
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Specific Region ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Practice ◽  
Practice Knowledge ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Effective communication between patients and healthcare staff is important in all healthcare services. Previousstudies investigating criticism and complaints concerning treatment reported by patients and relatives in a healthcare context pointto the most common complaints were unsatisfactory information, unsatisfactory respect and unsatisfactory empathy, but furtherinvestigation is needed. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore complaints reported by patients and relatives in a countycouncil area in the context of communication between patients and healthcare staff, and to investigate the impact complaints canhave on the safety and quality of healthcare.Methods: An exploratory descriptive design was used with a participatory approach. 115 complaints from patients and relatives,collected from various contexts relating to healthcare, were analyzed through qualitative content analysis.Results: Four categories emerged from the analysis of complaints: 1) inadequate communication; 2) inadequate individualisticand holistic healthcare; 3) unprofessional attitude of healthcare staff; and 4) the complaints had both a negative and positiveimpact on the organization of healthcare. The study showed that complaints were related to a lack of adequate verbal and writtencommunication, the patients’ feelings that the healthcare staff did not taking their experiences seriously, and an unprofessional,indifferent and discriminatory attitude among the healthcare staff. The complaints had both a negative and positive impact on theorganization of healthcare.Conclusions: This study highlights how it is possible to learn from complaints about healthcare, and demonstrates that this is aprerequisite for improving healthcare practice. Knowledge about where healthcare practice is failing can be increased, and thiscan be fed into policies for patient safety and quality healthcare.

scholarly journals Healthcare experiences of perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043183
Author(s):  
Marilia A Calcia ◽  
Simran Bedi ◽  
Louise M Howard ◽  
Heidi Lempp ◽  
Sian Oram
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

ObjectivesDomestic violence and abuse (DVA) is highly prevalent, with severe adverse consequences to the health and well-being of survivors. There is a smaller evidence base on the health of DVA perpetrators and their engagement with healthcare services. This review examines the experiences of perpetrators of DVA of accessing healthcare services and the barriers and facilitators to their disclosure of abusive behaviours in these settings.DesignA systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.Data sourcesA systematic search was conducted in Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, BNID, CINAHL, ASSIA, IBSS, SSCI (peer-reviewed literature) and NDLTD, OpenGrey and SCIE Online (grey literature). Each database was searched from its start date to 15 March 2020. Eligibility criteria required that studies used qualitative or mixed methods to report on the experiences of healthcare use by perpetrators of DVA. A meta-ethnographic method was used to analyse the extracted data.ResultsOf 30,663 papers identified, six studies (n=125 participants; 124 men, 1 woman) met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to disclosure of DVA to healthcare staff included perpetrators’ negative emotions and attitudes towards their abusive behaviours; fear of consequences of disclosure; and lack of trust in healthcare services’ ability to address DVA. Facilitators of disclosure of DVA and engagement with healthcare services were experiencing social consequences of abusive behaviours; feeling listened to by healthcare professionals; and offers of emotional and practical support for relationship problems by healthcare staff.ConclusionsDVA perpetration is a complex issue with multiple barriers to healthcare engagement and disclosure. However, healthcare services can create positive conditions for the engagement of individuals who perpetrate abuse.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017073818.

scholarly journals Towards a Comprehensive Strategy for the Management of Rare Diseases in Slovenia: Outlining an IT-Enabled Ecosystemic Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12395
Author(s):  
Dalibor Stanimirovic ◽  
Eva Murko ◽  
Tadej Battelino ◽  
Urh Groselj ◽  
Mojca Zerjav Tansek
Keyword(s):  
Rare Diseases ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
Complex Features ◽  
State Of Affairs

Rare diseases (RDs), with distinctive and complex features, pose a serious public health concern and represent a considerable challenge for the Slovenian healthcare system. One of the potential approaches to tackling this problem and treating patients with RDs in a quality and effective manner is to form an RD ecosystem. This represents a functional environment that integrates all stakeholders, procedures, and relationships required for the coordinated and effective treatment of patients. This paper explores the current situation in the field of RDs, especially in light of the proposed ecosystemic arrangement, and provides an outline for the design of an RD ecosystem in Slovenia. The research applies a case-study design, where focus groups are used to collect evidence from the field, assess the state of affairs, and generate ideas. Structured focus group discussions were conducted with preeminent experts affiliated with the leading institutions in the field of RDs in Slovenia. Analyses and interpretations of the obtained data were carried out by means of conventional content analysis. Setting up an RD ecosystem in Slovenia would lead to significant benefits for patients, as it could promote the coordination of healthcare treatment and facilitate extensive monitoring of the treatment parameters and outcomes. A well-organized RD ecosystem could garner considerable systemic benefits for evidence-informed policymaking, a better utilization of resources, and technological innovation. Delivering quality healthcare in this complex field is largely reliant on the effective integration and collaboration of all entities within the RD ecosystem, the alignment of related systemic factors, and the direction of healthcare services to support the needs and well-being of patients with RDs.

scholarly journals Experiences and management of physician psychological symptoms during infectious disease outbreaks: a rapid review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten M. Fiest ◽  
Jeanna Parsons Leigh ◽  
Karla D. Krewulak ◽  
Kara M. Plotnikoff ◽  
Laryssa G. Kemp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Abstract Background Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians experienced unprecedented levels of burnout. The uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic along with increased workload and difficult medical triage decisions may lead to a further decline in physician psychological health. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for primary research from database inception (Medline [1946], EMBASE [1974], PsycINFO [1806]) to November 17, 2020. Titles and abstracts were screened by one of three reviewers and full-text article screening and data abstraction were conducted independently, and in duplicate, by three reviewers. Results From 6223 unique citations, 480 articles were reviewed in full-text, with 193 studies (of 90,499 physicians) included in the final review. Studies reported on physician psychological symptoms and management during seven infectious disease outbreaks (severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], three strains of Influenza A virus [H1N1, H5N1, H7N9], Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS], and COVID-19) in 57 countries. Psychological symptoms of anxiety (14.3–92.3%), stress (11.9–93.7%), depression (17–80.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (13.2–75.2%) and burnout (14.7–76%) were commonly reported among physicians, regardless of infectious disease outbreak or country. Younger, female (vs. male), single (vs. married), early career physicians, and those providing direct care to infected patients were associated with worse psychological symptoms. Interpretation Physicians should be aware that psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, fear and distress are common, manifest differently and self-management strategies to improve psychological well-being exist. Health systems should implement short and long-term psychological supports for physicians caring for patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Let us do better: learning lessons for recovery of healthcare professionals during and after COVID-19

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Murray ◽  
Kenneth R. Kaufman ◽  
Richard Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Provider ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
The Uk

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the need to rethink and restructure the culture of healthcare organisations if we are to ensure the long-term well-being and mental health of healthcare provider organisations and their staff. In this paper, we recognise the high levels of stress and distress among staff of healthcare services before the COVID-19 pandemic began. We identify lessons for care of healthcare staff and illustrate the paths by which support mobilises and later deteriorates. Although this paper focuses on NHS staff in the UK, we contend that similar effects are likely in most healthcare systems.

Reimbursement and Telepractice

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Carol Dudding
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Service Delivery Models ◽  
Private Lives ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Delivery Models

Whether in our professional or private lives, we are all aware of the system wide efforts to provide quality healthcare services while containing the costs. Telemedicine as a method of service delivery has expanded as a result of changes in reimbursement and service delivery models. The growth and sustainability of telehealth within speech-language pathology and audiology, like any other service, depends on the ability to be reimbursed for services provided. Currently, reimbursement for services delivered via telehealth is variable and depends on numerous factors. An understanding of these factors and a willingness to advocate for increased reimbursement can bolster the success of practitioners interested in the telehealth as a service delivery method.

Policy Review: Dubai Health Authority’s COVID-19 Rapid Response

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (Special) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Rapid Response ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Services Delivery ◽  
First Case ◽  
The World

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the entity regulating the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Dubai, ensuring high quality and safe healthcare services delivery to the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on the 11th of March 2020, indicating to the world that further infection spread is very likely, and alerting countries that they should be ready for possible widespread community transmission. The first case of COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates was confirmed on 29th of January 2020; since then, the number of cases has continued to grow exponentially. As of 8th of July 2020 (end of the day), 53,045 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed with a death toll of 327 cases. The UAE has conducted over 3,720,000 COVID-19 tests among UAE citizens and residents over the past four months, in line with the government’s plans to strengthen virus screening to contain the spread of COVID-19. There were vital UAE policies, laws, regulations, and decrees that have been announced for immediate implementation to limit the spread of COVID- 19, to prevent panic and to ensure the overall food, nutrition, and well-being are provided. The UAE is amongst the World’s Top 10 for COVID-19 Treatment Efficiency and in the World’s Top 20 for the implementation of COVID-19 Safety measures. The UAE’s mission is to work towards resuming life after COVID-19 and enter into the recovery phases. This policy research paper will discuss the Dubai Health Authority’s rapid response initiatives towards combating the control and spread of COVID-19 and future policy implications and recommendations. The underlying factors and policy options will be discussed in terms of governance, finance, and delivery.

scholarly journals Medical education challenges and innovations during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2021-140032
Author(s):  
Michail Papapanou ◽  
Eleni Routsi ◽  
Konstantinos Tsamakis ◽  
Lampros Fotis ◽  
Georgios Marinos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Academic Trajectories ◽  
Traditional Structure ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted the well-established, traditional structure of medical education. Τhe new limitations of physical presence have accelerated the development of an online learning environment, comprising both of asynchronous and synchronous distance education, and the introduction of novel ways of student assessment. At the same time, this prolonged crisis had serious implications on the lives of medical students including their psychological well-being and the impact on their academic trajectories. The new reality has, on many occasions, triggered the ‘acting up’ of medical students as frontline healthcare staff, which has been perceived by many of them as a positive learning and contributing experience, and has led to a variety of responses from the educational institutions. All things considered, the urgency for rapid and novel adaptations to the new circumstances has functioned as a springboard for remarkable innovations in medical education,including the promotion of a more “evidence-based” approach.

scholarly journals Simple method for identifying interdependencies in service delivery in critical infrastructure networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Schweikert ◽  
G. F. L’Her ◽  
M. R. Deinert
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Road Networks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Island State ◽  
Service Oriented ◽  
Critical Links

AbstractCritical infrastructure failures from natural hazard events affect the economic and social well-being of communities. This is particularly true in lower income countries, where infrastructure may be less resistant to natural hazards and disaster recovery is often limited by available resources. The interconnectivity of these systems can strongly affect the services they deliver, and the failure of one infrastructure system can result in cascade failures with wide-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, interconnectivity has been particularly difficult to measure. We present a method for identifying service-oriented interdependencies in interconnected networks. The approach uses well-established methods for network analysis and is demonstrated for healthcare services in the Commonwealth of Dominica, a small island state in the Caribbean. We show that critical links in road networks necessary for healthcare service delivery are important for more than just patient access to a facility, but also on the supply chains that enable the hospitals to function (e.g., water, fuel, medicine). Once identified, the critical links can be overlaid with known hazard vulnerabilities to identify the infrastructure segments of highest priority, based on the risk and consequences of failure. An advantage of the approach presented is that it requires relatively little input data when compared to many network prioritization models and can be run using open-source geospatial data such as OpenStreetMap. The method can be expanded beyond road networks to assess the service-oriented criticality of any infrastructure network.

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