scholarly journals Unhealthy lifestyles and their deleterious relationship with infections: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-63
Author(s):  
Shashi K Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Direct Connection ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Role

Infection morbidity and mortality generate a significant global health burden. Several pandemics throughout human history have caused considerable suffering and killed millions of people. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is one such example. Individual lifestyles, if healthy, have been shown to modulate immune function and help fight infection. The five most important lifestyles are diet, obesity, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking. A favorable lifestyle or a prudent change result in reducing the risk and severity of infections. These include several viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. The medical scientific literature is loaded with large well-done studies that have focused on the individual role of these lifestyles. A direct connection has been identified and verified in most cases. This manuscript provides a narrative review of this lifestyle-infection relationship. The aim is to raise the awareness of health care providers on the significant impact healthy lifestyles can have on infectious diseases. It is hoped that disseminating this data will translate into improved healthcare.

The Power of Client Engagement: “Contextual Healing” Research and Implications for Treatment of Depression

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Pamela E. Guess
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
External Control ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Client Participation ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Antidepressant Medications ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
The Individual

The pervasive incidence of depression is predicted to increase even more exponentially over the next 2 decades; by 2030, depression will likely be among the most common causes of disability (Mathers & Loncar, 2006). Although efficacious interventions for depression have been established, these treatments are, paradoxically, accessed by and/or available to only a small percentage of affected individuals. Furthermore, the most frequently used interventions—traditional psychotherapy and antidepressant medications—are conceptually based within an external control model as opposed to a holistic model of care. Interventions are reactive as opposed to proactive, and they highlight the role of agents external to the individual. This conceptualization opposes a more expansive approach that incorporates medical, psychological, and social factors as equivalent contributors to health. An alternative lens through which prevention and management of depression can be viewed emphasizing the influence of client participation is described. Citing results from research in which outcomes from use of antidepressant medications only slightly exceeded the influence of placebos (Kirsch, 2010), an often overlooked intervention resource, the influence of the patient himself/herself and the “contextual healing” suggested through placebo research is highlighted. Presenting literature on hope models (Jacoby, 2003) and positive psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), the role of the individual as a powerful resource for depression intervention, is emphasized. Examples of therapeutic strategies that capitalize on this resource are described along with a discussion regarding the ethical responsibility of health care providers to include such strategies in practice.

scholarly journals Typhoon eye effect versus ripple effect: the role of family size on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tooba Lateef ◽  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Teba Abdul Lateef ◽  
Bryan Z. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Family Size ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Ripple Effect ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Populous Country

Abstract Background The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted adversely upon the mental health of millions of people worldwide. Impacts on the mental health conditions and the associated predictors relating to adults in Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, during the COVID-19 remain understudied. Our aim was to investigate distress, anxiety, and overall mental health and their associated predictors among Pakistani adults in this pandemic. We specifically examine mental health issues based on the distance from the epicenter, (a predictor that has revealed opposing evidence in other countries) based on the theories of typhoon eye effect and ripple effect. The sample consisted of 601 adults who were surveyed online about 2.5 months into the outbreak across Pakistan with varying distances from the epicenter of COVID-19 of Karachi. Results The results showed that 9.2 and 19.0% of the participants surpassed the cut-off criteria for distress and anxiety disorders, respectively. Overall, the distance from the epicenter positively predicted the mental health of adults in Pakistan, and family size negatively moderated this effect. The distance from the epicenter negatively predicted distress and anxiety disorders for adults in large families, which are quite common in Pakistan. Conclusion The evidence of the study interestingly finds that the prediction of the mental health of people by their distance from the epicenter depends on family size. The evidence of this study can help to provide initial indicators for mental health care providers to screen vulnerable groups in Pakistan, a populous country that continues struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Role of Rehabilitation in Reducing Resource Use and Lowering Hospital Readmission Through Discharge Planning

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 804-804
Author(s):  
Kenneth Miller
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Care Transitions ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Transition Management ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
The Individual

Abstract The transitions between medical settings, the community and back again is a complex and intimidating process for patients, families and caregivers. These transitions are vulnerable points where planning is key and must begin at the initial examination with rehabilitation providers (PTs/OTs,SLPs). These providers are key members of the healthcare team to facilitate effective transition management. In this session, attendees will learn the critical factors rehabilitation providers use to evaluate patients in order to facilitate successful care transitions. An overview of the indications for rehabilitation referral will be presented, as well as evidence for effective rehabilitation strategies. The speaker will present tools from the American Physical Therapy Association Home Health Toolbox and outline a decision-making process for care transitions based on the individual, caregivers, and health care providers to achieve successful transitions that reduce resource use and hospital readmission rates. Attendees will learn strategies to facilitate inter-professional collaboration, communication, and advocacy.

Breastfeeding Experiences of Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 089033442097998
Author(s):  
Cheryl Langford ◽  
Marcella Gowan ◽  
Monica Haj
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Baccalaureate Nursing ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Baccalaureate Nursing Students ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Students returning to school who are breastfeeding face unique challenges. There is limited literature on breastfeeding university students. Several researchers have studied breastfeeding employees in the workplace. Institutions of higher education closely mimic the employment environment. Breastfeeding college students who express their milk while at school share similar challenges to employed mothers. A baccalaureate nursing program is rigorous and little is known about the challenges facing breastfeeding student nurses returning to classes. Research aim To explore the breastfeeding experience of baccalaureate nursing students. Methods Our study was a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll participants ( N = 12). In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data both manually and using Dedoose QDA software. Results An overarching theme of pervasive conflict between the role of the breastfeeding mother and the role of the student nurse surfaced. Three interrelated organizing themes also emerged; challenging, vulnerability, and resilience. Time constraints, self-care versus role demands, and structural accommodations contributed to the challenges. Only one participant indicated a knowledge of her breastfeeding rights. All of the participants expressed gratitude for faculty and community support, regardless of conflicts. Conclusion Breastfeeding participants were both vulnerable and resilient. Faculty may improve experiences through providing specific areas of support. A breastfeeding support policy outlining student rights and faculty responsibilities is needed to educate, guide, and enforce protections. Health care providers may enhance breastfeeding students’ experiences through anticipatory guidance, education, and continued support.

Commentary on “Diabetes and people with learning disabilities: issues for policy, practice and education”

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianne Redquest ◽  
Yona Lunsky
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Practice

Purpose There has been an increase in research exploring the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and diabetes. Despite being described as instrumental to diabetes care for people with IDD, the role and experiences of family carers, such as parents and siblings, are often neglected in this research. However, it is clear that family carers do not feel that they have sufficient knowledge about diabetes. The purpose of this commentary is to extend the content from “Diabetes and people with learning disabilities: Issues for policy, practice, and education (Maine et al., 2020)” and discuss how family carers can feel better supported when caring for someone with IDD and diabetes. Design/methodology/approach This commentary discusses specific efforts such as STOP diabetes, DESMOND-ID and OK-diabetes for people with IDD including family carers. Encouragement is given for health care providers to recommend such programmes to people with IDD and their family carers. It is also suggested that health care providers involve family carers in diabetes care planning and implementation for people with IDD. Findings It is hoped that if changes are made to current diabetes practices and more research with family carers is conducted, diabetes prevention and management for people with IDD will be more successful and family carers can feel more confident in providing support to their loved ones. Originality/value Research exploring the role of family carers in diabetes care for people with IDD and diabetes is very limited. This commentary makes recommendations to help family carers feel better supported in their role. It also provides areas for future research.

scholarly journals Withdrawing Versus not Offering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Is There a Difference?

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon JW Oczkowski ◽  
Bram Rochwerg ◽  
Corey Sawchuk
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Court Decisions ◽  
Medical Team ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Substitute Decision Makers ◽  
The Individual

Conflict between substitute decision makers (SDMs) and health care providers in the intensive care unit is commonly related to goals of treatment at the end of life. Based on recent court decisions, even medical consensus that ongoing treatment is not clinically indicated cannot justify withdrawal of mechanical ventilation without consent from the SDM. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), similar to mechanical ventilation, is a life-sustaining therapy that can result in disagreement between SDMs and clinicians. In contrast to mechanical ventilation, in cases for which CPR is judged by the medical team to not be clinically indicated, there is no explicit or case law in Canada that dictates that withholding/not offering of CPR requires the consent of SDMs. In such cases, physicians can ethically and legally not offer CPR, even against SDM or patient wishes. To ensure that nonclinically indicated CPR is not inappropriately performed, hospitals should consider developing ‘scope of treatment’ forms that make it clear that even if CPR is desired, the individual components of resuscitation to be offered, if any, will be dictated by the medical team’s clinical assessment.

scholarly journals Patients’ Views on Self-Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-266
Author(s):  
Barbka Huzjan ◽  
Ivana Hrvatin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Individual

Research Question (RQ): Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a complex condition and one of the most important causes of suffering of modern times. Self-management refers to the individual’s ability to manage the symptoms, treatment, physical and psychosocial consequences and life style changes inherent in living with a chronic condition. The research question is; what is the view on the selfmanagement of chronic musculoskeletal pain from the patient's perspective? Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to review original articles that reported how selfmanagement educational programmes are viewed from the patient’s perspective. Method: We used an integrative review of the literature. The search was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 on the PubMed, PEDro and OTseeker databases. We included original studies, written in English that examined the patients’ point of view on self-management. The included studies, needed to be conducted on adult patients of both sexes, that were suffering from chronic pain and were educated on self-management of their pain. Two authors independently searched for original studies. Results: Nine article were included in the review. Most of the studies included a multidisciplinary approach. Patients reported they more frequently used passive strategies to manage their pain. They want to be included in the management and be able to communicate with the provider of selfmanagement. There are several positive aspects of a multidisciplinary and groups approach. Organization: Health care providers can encourage an individual to proactively behave through ongoing processes of communication, partnerships and the creation of appropriate self-management plans over time. Society: We assume that the analysis will help to identify the social responsibility of the individual and society in the common concern for the health of the population and the individual within it. Originality: The research provides an up-to-date, new overview of the patients' perspective on self management on chronic pain. The review can be helpful to health care providers s they can compare their expectations with patients's. Limitations / further research: Further research would focus on high quality studies, and specific forms of multidisciplinary approach, and finding what patients use at a home setting and how to help them continue in the self management of their pain. Limitations of this review include the lack of risk of bias assessment and the fact that this is not a systematic review.

scholarly journals The role of community pharmacists in increasing access and use of self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: examples from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Somalia

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luna El Bizri ◽  
Laila Ghazi Jarrar ◽  
Wael K. Ali Ali ◽  
Abdifatah H. Omar
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background Self-care interventions offer a solution to support the achievement of three goals of the World Health Organization (WHO): to improve universal health coverage, reach people in humanitarian situations, and improve health and well-being. In light of implementing WHO consolidated guidelines on self-care interventions to strengthen sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists from four different EMR countries discussed the current SRH situation, inequality gaps, barriers to SRH service access and the pharmacist’s crucial role as a first-line responder to patients before, during and after COVID-19. Case presentation Self-care interventions for SRH allow health care providers to serve a greater number of patients, improve progress toward universal health coverage, and reach people in humanitarian crises. In fact, these interventions can be significantly enhanced by utilizing community pharmacists as first-line health care providers. This review highlights the important role of community pharmacists in promoting self-care interventions and empowering individuals, families and communities. As a result, well-informed individuals will be authoritative in their health decisions. Exploring self-care interventions in the EMR was done through reviewing selected SRH services delivery through community pharmacists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Somalia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists were found to be excluded from both governmental and nongovernmental SRH programmes. During the pandemic, community pharmacists managed to support patients with self-care interventions, whether voluntarily or through their pharmacy associations. This highlights the need for the health care decision-makers to involve and support community pharmacists in influencing policies and promoting self-care interventions. Conclusion Self-care interventions can increase individuals’ choice and autonomy over SRH. Supporting community pharmacists will definitely strengthen SRH in the EMR and may help make the health system more efficient and more targeted.

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