scholarly journals Are antiretrovirals prescribed according to the recommended prescribed daily doses in the private healthcare sector in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norah L. Katende-Kyenda ◽  
Martie Lubbe ◽  
Juan H.P. Serfontein ◽  
Ilse Truter
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Care Sector ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Private Health Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Increased Risk

Current antiretroviral treatment (ART) guidelines recommend different combinations that have led to major improvements in the management of HIV and AIDS in the developed and developing world. With the rapid approval of many agents, health care providers may not be able to familiarise themselves with them all. This lack of knowledge leads to increased risk of dose- prescribing errors, especially by non-HIV and AIDS specialists. The purpose of this retrospective non-experimental, quantitative drug utilisation study was to evaluate if antiretrovirals (ARVs) are prescribed according to the recommended prescribed daily doses (PDDs) in a section of the private health care sector in South Africa (SA). Analysed ARV prescriptions (49995, 81096 and 88988) for HIV and AIDS patients were claimed from a national medicine claims database for the period 1 January 2005 through to 31 December 2007. ARV prescriptions prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) with PDDs not according to the recommended ARV dosing increased dramatically, from 12.33% in 2005 to 24.26% in 2007. Those prescribed by specialists (SPs) increased from 15.46% in 2005 to 35.20% in 2006 and decreased to 33.16% in 2007. The highest percentage of ARV prescriptions with PDDs not according to recommended ARV dosing guidelines was identified in ARV regimens with lopinavir−ritonavir at a PDD of 1066.4/264 mg and efavirenz at a PDD of 600 mg prescribed to patients in the age group of Group 3 (19 years > age ≤ 45 years). These regimens were mostly prescribed by GPs rather than SPs. There is a need for more education for all health care professionals and/or providers in the private health care sector in SA on recommended ARV doses, to avoid treatment failures, development of resistance, drug-related adverse effects and drug interactions.OpsommingHuidige riglyne vir behandeling met antiretrovirale middels beveel verskillende kombinasies aan wat tot groot verbetering in die beheer van MIV en VIGS in die ontwikkelde en ontwikkelende wêreld gelei het. Met die vinnige goedkeuring van talle nuwe middels kan dit gebeur dat verskaffers van gesondheidsorg nie kan bybly om hulle hiermee op hoogte te hou nie. Hierdie gebrek aan kennis lei tot ‘n hoër risiko vir foute in die voorgeskrewe dosis en veral deur persone wat nie spesialiste in MIV en VIGS is nie. Die doel van hierdie nie-eksperimentele, retrospektiewe, kwantitatiewe studie van die gebruik van geneesmiddels was om te bepaal of antiretrovirale middels in ‘n deel van die privaat gesondheidsorgsektor in Suid-Afrika (SA) volgens die aanbevole voorgeskrewe daaglikse dosisse (VDD) voorgeskryf word. Voorskrifte van antiretrovirale middels (49995, 81096 en 88988) aan pasiënte met MIV en VIGS wat in die periode van 1 Januarie 2005 tot 31 Desember 2007 van ‘n nasionale medisyne databasis geëis is, is ontleed. Voorskrifte van antiretrovirale middels deur algemene praktisyns (APs) met VDDs wat nie volgens die aanbevole dosisse vir antiretrovirale middels was nie, het dramaties van 12.33% in 2005 tot 24.26% in 2007 toegeneem. Die wat deur spesialiste (SPs) voorgeskryf is, het van 15.46% in 2005 tot 35.20% in 2006 toegeneem en in 2007 tot 33.16% gedaal. Die hoogste persentasie van voorskrifte vir antiretrovirale middels met VDDs wat nie volgens die riglyne was nie, was in die regimens met lopinavir−ritonavir met ‘n VDD van 1066.4/264 mg en efavirens met ‘n VDD van 600 mg wat aan pasiënte in die ouderdomsgroep van ouer as 19 tot en met 45 jaar voorgeskryf is. Hierdie regimens is meer deur APs as deur SPs voorgeskryf. Daar is ‘n behoefte aan nog opleiding van alle gesondheidsprofessies en/of voersieners in die privaat gesondheidsorgsektor in SA oor die aanbevole antiretrovirale middel-dosisse om mislukking van behandeling, ontwikkeling van weerstand, nadelige effekte vanweë geneesmiddels en geneesmiddel interaksies te voorkom.

scholarly journals Seven year overview (2007—2013) of ethical transgressions by registered healthcare professionals in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
Nico Nortje ◽  
Willem Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Dental Practitioners

A move has taken place internationally in the delivery and “consumption” of health care where if clients and patients (health care consumers) hold the opinion that the health care professionals/providers' behaviour has had a negative effect, impact or outcome on them, they may lodge a complaint with the relevant health professional regulatory body. Ethical transgressions of health care providers can generally be clustered into the following three categories: a) Competence and conduct with clients (e.g. abandonment, sexual intimacies, dishonesty, disclosure of information); b) Business practices (e.g. billing, reports, documentation); and c) Professional practice (e.g. referral upon termination, obtaining appropriate potential employment opportunities, nonprofessional relationships).The primary objective of this study was to analyse the ethical transgressions of registered members of the twelve professional boards in the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the period 2007 to 2013. A mixed methods approach was followed in this study which specifically focused on a historical research approach. The results indicate that the boards with the highest number of transgressions per the registered practitioners were firstly the Medical and Dental practitioners, closely followed by the Optometry and Dispensing Opticians Board. The predominantly complaint made against members of both these boards was for fraudulent conduct (collectively totalling to 85% of all fraudulent cases during the period) and included actions such as charging for non-rendered services, issuing false statements and submitting fraudulent medical aid claims. Cognisance needs to be taken that the South African public will increasingly demand better services and that since they are being better informed via the media of their rights and have access to a broader database of knowledge (rightly or wrongly so the internet) practitioners' opinions will not necessarily be accepted outright and that they (the public) will challenge it accordingly. This raises the concern that practitioners need to take on the responsibility to communicate with their patients/clients in order to educate them and keep them informed. 

scholarly journals ESGE and ESGENA Position Statement on gastrointestinal endoscopy and the COVID-19 pandemic

Endoscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (06) ◽  
pp. 483-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian M. Gralnek ◽  
Cesare Hassan ◽  
Ulrike Beilenhoff ◽  
Giulio Antonelli ◽  
Alanna Ebigbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
European Society ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractWe are currently living in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic that imposes a significant stress on health care providers and facilities. Europe is severely affected with an exponential increase in incident infections and deaths. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can be subtle, encompassing a broad spectrum from asymptomatic mild disease to severe respiratory illness. Health care professionals in endoscopy units are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Infection prevention and control has been shown to be dramatically effective in assuring the safety of both health care professionals and patients. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (www.esge.com) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (www.esgena.org) are joining forces to provide guidance during this pandemic to help assure the highest level of endoscopy care and protection against COVID-19 for both patients and endoscopy unit personnel. This guidance is based upon the best available evidence regarding assessment of risk during the current status of the pandemic and a consensus on which procedures to perform and the priorities on resumption. We appreciate the gaps in knowledge and evidence, especially on the proper strategy(ies) for the resumption of normal endoscopy practice during the upcoming phases and end of the pandemic and therefore a list of potential research questions is presented. New evidence may result in an updated statement.

scholarly journals Hiking

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Mitten ◽  
Jillisa R. Overholt ◽  
Francis I. Haynes ◽  
Chiara C. D’Amore ◽  
Janet C. Ady
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Care Practitioner ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Increased Risk

Research has connected sedentary lifestyles with numerous negative health outcomes, including a significant increased risk for mortality. Many health care professionals seek ways to help clients meet physical activity guidelines recommended by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the World Health Organization, and the American College of Sports Medicine in order to promote active lifestyles and improve overall wellness. Hiking is a cost-effective intervention that encourages people to be physically active while spending time in nature. Time in nature can lead to health benefits through contact with the natural elements, participation in physical activity, restoration of mental and emotional health, and time with social contacts. Benefits may be immediate, such as decreased blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced immune system functioning, and restored attention, or transpire over time, such as weight loss, decreased depression, and overall wellness. Health care providers are ideally positioned to recommend and prescribe hiking to clients. Federal, state, and local natural resource agencies are beginning to partner with health care professionals to promote outdoor nature-related activities. Examples of successful doctor and other health care practitioner partnership programs are described, along with tips for getting started.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS ABOUT FLU VACCINATION AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS OF A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Amruta V Dashputra ◽  
R T Badwaik ◽  
Archana Borkar ◽  
Amit Date
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Introduction- Influenza (flu) is a common, highly contagious respiratory disease. Health care professionals (HCPs) are at increased risk of getting infected with this disease. Influenza transmission within health care setting has been widely reported in medical literature. Studies conducted in other countries among HCPs showed poor knowledge and misconceptions about influenza vaccination in participants. This type of study is not found in Indian scenario. Material and Methods- A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre. Study participants were health care providers: doctors and nurses. Results- Majority of participants was not vaccinated against influenza (doctors 83.7%, nurses 88%). Doctors (99%) and nurses (69%) expressed that influenza is caused by virus and it is transmitted by coughing and sneezing Unlike doctors nurses were not aware about availability of vaccine (p<0.002), they had fear of side effects of vaccine (p<0.001); they did not consider flu as a serious infection (p< 0.008). Discussion- Immunization against influenza has been associated with substantial health and economic benefits. Various reasons for not been vaccinated against influenza were stated by doctors and nurses. Influenza vaccine is not included in national immunization schedule like tetanus vaccine and this could also be the reason for low rate of vaccination. Other studies highlighted that low vaccination was because of low vaccine availability and poor knowledge of influenza vaccine and its benefits. Conclusion- Low vaccinations against influenza were found among doctors and nurses. Doctors responded more appropriately regarding influenza symptoms, mode of transmission and about vaccine, route and frequency etc as compared to nurses.

scholarly journals Zero new HIV infections: Mission impossible with current perceptions of young adults in Vhembe District regarding condom use

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azwihangwisi H. Mavhandu-Mudzusi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Vhembe District

Background: Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number 6, target 6A focuses on halting and reversing the spread of HIV by 2015. South Africa is amongst the 189 countries that are involved in trying to meet the MDGs. In order to try and achieve this goal, South Africa, through its HIV and AIDS, STI and TB strategic plans has adopted the United Nations vision of ‘Zeros’, which include zero new HIV infections by the year 2015. One of the key interventions for achieving this is improvement in access to condoms.Aim: This article reports on perceptions of Vhembe District young adults regarding condom use.Setting: This study was conducted in one of the rural clinics in Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province: South Africa.Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design approach was followed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults who came for healthcare services at one of the clinics in Vhembe District.Results: The findings indicated that there is a relationship between positive perceptions toward condom use and actual condom use. People who have positive attitudes toward condoms are also more likely to use them. In contrast, people with a negative attitude towards condoms are less likely to use them during sexual intercourse. Negative attitudes of health care providers were found to be a barrier that prevents sexually active individuals to access condoms in primary health care facilities.Conclusion: With current peceptions towards condom use, Zero new HIV infection will never be achieved. The researcher recommends development of strategies for promoting access and correct use of condoms.Keywords: Condom use, perception, young adults

Benefits, Challenges, and Social Impact of Health Care Providers’ Adoption of Social Media

2021 ◽  
pp. 089443932110257
Author(s):  
Md Irfanuzzaman Khan ◽  
Jennifer (M.I.) Loh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Use Of Social Media

With the advent of telecommunication technologies and social media, many health care professionals are using social media to communicate with their patients and to promote health. However, the literature reveals a lacuna in our understanding of health care professionals’ perception of their behavioral intentions to use innovations. Using the Unified Technology Acceptance Framework (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology), in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Australian health care experts to uncover their intent and actual use of social media in their medical practices. Results revealed that social media tools offered five significant benefits such as (i) enhanced communication between health care professionals and their patients, (ii) community support, (iii) enabled e-learning, (iv) enhanced professional network, and (v) expedited health promotion. However, result also revealed barriers to social media usage including (i) inefficiency, (ii) privacy concerns, (iii) poor quality of information, (iv) lack of trust, and (v) blurred professional boundary. Peer influence and supporting conditions were also found to be determinants of social media adoption behaviors among health care professionals. This study has important implications for health care providers, patients, and policy makers on the responsible use of social media, health promotion, and health communication. This research is also among the very few studies that explore Australian health care professionals’ intent and actual use of innovations within a health care setting.

scholarly journals Burnout Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Care Professionals at Assiut University Hospitals, 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5368
Author(s):  
Shimaa A. Elghazally ◽  
Atef F. Alkarn ◽  
Hussein Elkhayat ◽  
Ahmed K. Ibrahim ◽  
Mariam Roshdy Elkhayat
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
University Hospitals

Background: burnout syndrome is a serious and growing problem among medical staff. Its adverse outcomes not only affect health-care providers’ health, but also extend to their patients, resulting in bad-quality care. The COVID-19 pandemic puts frontline health-care providers at greater risk of psychological stress and burnout syndrome. Objectives: this study aimed to identify the levels of burnout among health-care professionals currently working at Assiut University hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the current study adopted an online cross-sectional design using the SurveyMonkey® website for data collection. A total of 201 physicians were included and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale was used to assess the three burnout syndrome dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Results: about one-third, two-thirds, and one-quarter of the respondents had high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, respectively. Younger, resident, and single physicians reported higher burnout scores. The personal accomplishment score was significantly higher among males. Those working more than eight hours/day and dealing with COVID-19 patients had significantly higher scores. Conclusion: during the COVID-19 pandemic, a high prevalence of burnout was recorded among physicians. Age, job title, working duration, and working hours/day were significant predictors for burnout syndrome subscale results. Preventive and interventive programs should be applied in health-care organizations during pandemics.

Which are the Best Information Sources for Identifying Emerging Health Care Technologies?: An International Delphi Survey

1998 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 636-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Robert ◽  
John Gabbay ◽  
Andrew Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Medical Engineering ◽  
Private Health Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Medical Journals ◽  
Biotechnology Companies ◽  
Health Care Technologies

AbstractThe purpose of this survey was to assess potential information sources for identifying new health care technologies. A three-round Delphi study was conducted, involving 38 selected experts who suggested and assessed potential sources by applying agreed criteria. Twenty-six potential information sources were considered. Timeliness, time efficiency, and sensitivity were important criteria in determining which were the most important sources. The eight recommended sources were: pharmaceutical journals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, specialist medical journals, key medical journals, medical engineering companies, private health care providers, newsletters and bulletins from other health technology assessment agencies, and groups of expert health professionals. There is a need to use a combination of sources because the most useful sources will vary according to the type of technology under consideration.

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