Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rate among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu Somalia: A cross-sectional study

Background The percentage of healthcare workers that are vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 in Somalia remains unknown. The main purpose of our study is to determine the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rate among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods The design of the study is cross-sectional which was undertaken to assess the vaccination rate of healthcare workers in Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital from September 1 to September 20, 2021. A total number of 210 healthcare workers have participated in this study. The data were collected using a questionnaire. Results Out of 210 healthcare workers that have enrolled in the study 56.2% (n=118) were males. The mean age of the participants was 28.23 with SD ± 2.9. The most abundant age group in our study was 18-27 years with 53.8% (n=113). According to the participant’s profession, the doctors were the commonest participant with 48.6% (n=102). The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination level of the healthcare workers in Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital was found to be 20% (n=42). 26.2% of the males that participated in this study were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 while only 12% of females were vaccinated. The study found that there is a significant correlation between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and gender with p value<.05. The study also revealed that there is a negative correlation between age and being vaccination against Covid-19 disease with p value <.01. 30% (n=31) of the doctors, 5.6% (n=4) of nurses, 14.2% (n=14) of radiology technicians, 30.7% (n=4) of anesthesia technicians, and 10% (n=1) of laboratory stuffs were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The reasons for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy were fear towards the vaccine complications 58% (n=97), followed by believed that vaccine will not be beneficial, lack of opportunity, no reason, and avoiding for religious or social reasons in 23% (n=39), 8.3% (n=14), 9% (n=15), 1.7% (n=3), respectively. Conclusion We found that only 20% of the healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Somalia were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is an emergency public health situation as it will put the healthcare workers and the patients at risk for developing Covid 19 disease.

How to Make the Best Use of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs Method in Determining the Proportion of Time Spent in Each of the Workload Components and Its Implication in Decision Making: the Experience of the Sultanate of Oman

BackgroundThe Ministry of Health in the Sultanate of Oman decided to have better distribution of the health workforce among all health facilities through evidenced-based staffing norms. Four directorates worked together to develop the staffing norms through making use of the workload indicators of staffing needs (WISN) method. The aim of this study is to describe the process of applying the WISN method in Primary Health Care institutions and how to make the best use of method in determining the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components and its implication in decision making. MethodsThe WISN was applied for five priority categories namely doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and radiology technicians at PHC institutions. The WISN ratio has been translated into workload pressure as a percentage through applying the formula [workload pressure as % (in case of shortage) = (1 - WISN ratio) x 100%]. While the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components was calculated through making use of the category allowance standard, the individual allowance standard to determine the time spent in support and additional activities. The sum is subtracted from 100% to give the time spent in the health service activities.ResultsDetermining the workload pressure as a percent and its interpretation is based on the fact that one cadre or as a group can bear up to 10% of extra workload. Thus, managers can undertake sensible short-term arrangements or decisions in redistributing the cadres among the health facilities on expectation of deploying more staff. DiscussionCareful and detailed analysis of the proportion of time spent in each of the workload components will allow to have better understanding of the context and dynamics of work. ConclusionDecision makers and planners can undertake rational short-term decisions in redistributing the cadres among the health facilities based on the workload pressure. In addition, they can as well as easily decide on the optimal proportions of time for each staff category, and hence choose what activities and tasks to be shifted or delegated to other staff category.

Contribution of Simulation in the Development of the Competences of Future Radiology Technicians in the Framework of the Management of the Risks Associated with the Medical Radiology Techniques

<p class="0abstractCxSpFirst"><strong>Objectives:</strong> The objectives of this study are to raise awareness among future radiology technicians regarding risk management in medical imaging and to measure their satisfaction with their participation in simulation sessions focused on the management of emergencies in radiology. </p><p class="0abstractCxSpMiddle">Method: A prospective research-action study was conducted at the simulation center of the Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de Santé of Agadir, with radiology technician students enrolled in the 5th semester.</p><p class="0abstractCxSpMiddle">A simulation workshop applied to the theme "Risk management in radiology related to an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to iodinated contrast products (ICP) used in CT" was organized over three days.</p><p class="0abstractCxSpMiddle"><strong>Results:</strong> Sixteen radiology students participated in the three simulation scenarios. The evaluation of the technical skills of the participants in this simulation workshop revealed an insufficient mastery of these emergencies. Indeed, during the first simulation session concerning the management of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to iodinated contrast products in second-grade CT, the average score for the session was 06.39/20 (3.25-9). In addition, the mean score for the second simulation session applied to cardiac arrest management was 06.03/20 (2.25- 8.75).</p><p class="0abstractCxSpMiddle">Regarding the error room scenario, (50%) of the participants were satisfied with the relevance of the errors implemented in this simulation session, (37.5%) very satisfied, and (75%) judged the simulation as an effective approach to risk management.</p><p class="0abstractCxSpLast"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Teaching by simulation applied to the management of medical imaging emergencies proves to be a relevant pedagogical method for building a base of skills for future radiology professionals.</p>

Assessment of the Knowledge of CT Scanner Operators on the Use of Dose Reduction Software Called Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) During a CT Scan

Objectif : Evaluate the knowledge of medical imaging technicians on the use of dose reduction software and the concept of patient radiation protection.Materials and methods : Descriptive and analytical transversal study from January 1 to December 1, 2020, conducted in the radiology and medical imaging services of Cameroon's public and private hospitals with a CT scanner. It was the first study on this topic that was conducted in Cameroon. This study was conducted from a questionnaire distributed to all medical imaging technicians in 10 country hospitals relating to the notions of dose reduction software and patient radiation protection.Results: 80 questionnaires were distributed and analyzed. The average age of medical imaging technicians was 30 years old. There were 32 women and 48 men. Most of the medical imaging technicians worked in private centers (n = 6). 75% of medical imaging technicians had been in practice for more than 5 years. 75% of medical imaging technicians gave the wrong answer regarding the use of dose reduction software. Finally, only a third of the practitioners had received training in patient radiation protection.Conclusion : Although the majority of medical imaging technicians declares to take into account the dangers related to ionizing radiation during examinations, a broader dissemination of patient radiation protection training and the use of dose reduction software, particularly during the initial curriculum. Radiology technicians could be one of the solutions to improve the knowledge of hospital practitioners in patient radiation protection. However, the use of ionizing radiation, however, need to know and take into account the potential risks of radio-induced cancer linked to high X-ray doses.

Association between psychosocial risks and performance of radiology technicians in emergency context: outcomes of a cross-section study

Background The workers' demand, the introduction of new technologies and the increase in working hours are some of the main factors that result in the emergence of psychosocial risks. These risks compromise workers mental and physical health, and the well-being, leading to consequences not only at the individual level but also at the organizational level. This work aims to determine the capacity of the radiology technicians to work, the psychosocial risks to which they may be exposed, as well as the possible influence of these on their professional performance. Methods The Work Ability Index (ICT) and the psychosocial risk scale identified as Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were applied in a sample of 29 professionals (urgency sector of the University Hospital of Coimbra, Portugal), from a universe of 36 radiology technicians. Results The ICT did not differ according to gender, age and qualification among the professionals under study. However, single technicians presented better ICT compared to the other groups. Radiology technicians with a bachelor's degree were more exposed to psychosocial risks in terms of job performance, transparency of the work role, professional rewards, justice and respect, as well as professional self-efficacy. Conclusions Studies on psychosocial risks have shown the importance of understanding how the former directly and indirectly influence the professional performance of workers, but also the need to develop strategies to prevent the same risks by improving working conditions and performance of the workers.

Determination of the Last Semester Radiology Technology Students’ Knowledge About Radiation Protection, Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risk of Diagnostic Examinations With Lonizing Radiation

Background and Objectives: Radiology technicians have a critical role in protecting patients along with providing high-quality images. The present study assessed radiology students' last semester about the principles of protection, dose level, and cancer risk of ionizing radiation applied for diagnostic imaging. This study was conducted in training hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz City, Iran. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using a study-designed questionnaire. The sample size was 40, and statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v. 24. Results Only 15% of students correctly answered the question of ionizing radiation stochastic effect. While 70% of students stated the average dose of an abdominal ultrasound correctly, only 2.5% of them determined the average dose of a myocardial nuclear medicine scan correctly. In total, the respondents received 35% of the overall score of knowledge about cancer risk caused by ionizing radiation of imaging examinations. Conclusion The students' knowledge about the principles of radiation protection was moderate, and their knowledge about the level of radiation dose and cancer risk caused by various imaging procedures was insufficient. Theoretical and practical education has a significant role in improving the knowledge and skills of radiology technicians. So, repeating and emphasizing the principles of radiation protection and paying more attention to these topics in the courses and internships of radiology technology students seems necessary. These measures will improve the performance of students and make them prepared to accept their future professional responsibilities.

The compliance with radiation protection and knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic operating room personnel in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: There is a rapid advancement in surgical techniques requiring real-time visualization and intraoperative X-ray utilization, leading to a higher radiation exposure among operating room (OR) staff. Taking preventive measures and reducing the unnecessary radiation exposure for the patient and the OR staff is essential. The study aimed to assess the compliance with using radiation protection equipment, as well as assessing the level of knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic OR staff. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A 19-Item questionnaire that was developed and validated by Jentzsch et al. was sent to the emails of all the registered members of the Saudi Orthopedic Association, orthopedic physicians, OR nurses, and radiology technicians were included in the study. A Correlation procedure was performed to determine the relationship between knowledge and compliance scores. Results: We recruited 242 orthopedic OR personnel, 110 (45.5%) showed good knowledge and 120 (49.5%) showed good compliance. Lead apron was the most commonly used equipment, lead goggles use was the least. Females, radiology technicians, and sports and/or arthroplasty surgeons showed better compliance scores. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate knowledge and compliance among OR staff regarding radiation protection. Therefore, we recommend providing training programs to minimize radiation hazards.

Improved technique of personalised surgical guides generation for mandibular free flap reconstruction using an open-source tool

With advancements in computer systems, computer graphics and medical imaging technologies, clinicians strive for a personalised approach to patient treatment. Therefore, the production of personalised surgical guides is becoming standard. While proprietary software solutions for mandibular reconstruction planning exist, they are often not available due to their high costs. There are multiple alternative methods available, which utilise open-source technologies and free software, but they use advanced three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) concepts. The goal of this article is to provide end-users (surgeons, radiologists, or radiology technicians) with a tool that offers an intuitive interface and a simple workflow. The tool provides only the necessary methods offering a high degree of automation and abstracting the underlying 3D CAD concepts. This is accomplished by providing an add-on (written in Python) for a free and open-source software package Blender.

A fatal rabies case and experiences of a mass post exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers

We aimed to monitor the adverse effects (AE) and efficacy of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in health care workers (HCWs) exposed to a rabies patient. In this study 109 HCWs and eight household contacts were PEP candidates. Contact persons without infection control precautions were in Group I (high risk-82 cases). HCWs indirectly exposed to environmental surfaces were classified in Group II (low risk-35 cases). PEP schedule was rabies vaccine (RBV) + equine rabies immunoglobulin (eRIG) in Group I and only RBV in Group II. Local and systemic AE were observed in all cases. Efficacy of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was determined by rabies development in a six month follow-up. 585 doses of RBV have been used in 117 cases and eRIG has been used in 82 cases. 32 Nurses (39%); 22 emergency medicine technicians (26.8%); 12 doctors (14%); six laboratory technicians (0.07%); six radiology technicians (0.07%); four cleaners (0.05%) were in Group I (82 cases), respectively. One doctor, laboratory technician, nurse and radiology technician (0.02%); two emergency medicine technicians (0.04%) and nine cleaners (25.7%) were in Group II (35 cases), respectively. Routes of transmission were blood in five (0.06%); saliva in 14 (17%); sweat in 50 (61%); CSF/serum in five (0.06%); sexual intercourse in one (0.01%); personal equipment in seven (0.09%) in Group I, respectively. Indirect contact was the only route in Group II. The most common local and systemic AE were seen in Group I; pain at injection side (19 cases) and fever (13 cases). Both of them showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Allergic rash has been seen at only one case. PEP failed in one case where the possible exposure way was sexual intercourse. PEP is the safest way to prevent rabies. Infection control precautions were still not enough applied. eRIGs are also safe and have rare AE.