scholarly journals High incidence of occupational exposures among healthcare workers in Erbil, Iraq

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1328-1333
Author(s):  
Salih Hosoglu ◽  
Zana Ahmad ◽  
Mohammed Sami Tahseen ◽  
Zehra Diyar ◽  
Sami Selbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Laboratory Workers

Introduction: The current status of percutaneous injury and mucous exposures (PMEs) of hospital workers and factors associated with the injuries have not been studied in Iraq. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of PMEs with blood or body fluids that leads serious risks for healthcare workers (HCWs). Methodology: An analytic, cross-sectional survey study was conducted among HCWs in Erbil city center, Iraq. The study was performed at sevenhospitals, and 177 participants were included. The dependent variable was the occurrence of PMEs in the last year, and the independent variables were age, sex, occupation of HCWs, working site, and work duration. Results: A total of 177 HCW participants included 57 nurses/midwives (32.2%), 59 doctors (33.3%), 27 laboratory workers (15.3%), and 34 paramedics/multipurpose workers (19.2%) from seven hospitals. The study concluded that 67.8% of the participants reported at least one occupational PME in the last year. In all, 13.3/person/year PME incidents were reported for nurses, 9.74/person/year for paramedics/multipurpose workers, 6.71/person/year for doctors, and 3.37/person/year laboratory workers. The mean number of PME incidents was 8.91/person/year. HCWs showed 85.0% compliance with wearing mask in risky situations. The most dangerous action for occupational exposure was blood taking (39.0%). In the univariate analysis, none of the investigated variables were found to be significantly related to PME. Conclusions: Occupational injuries and exposures in Iraqi HCWs are extremely common; awareness about protection is not sufficient. Nurses were found to be the highest risk group among HCWs. Preventive actions should be taken to avoid infection.

scholarly journals Burnout of Healthcare Workers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Japanese Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2434
Author(s):  
Yoshito Nishimura ◽  
Tomoko Miyoshi ◽  
Hideharu Hagiya ◽  
Yoshinori Kosaki ◽  
Fumio Otsuka
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has drastically changed how we live and work. Amid the prolonged pandemic, burnout of the frontline healthcare professionals has become a significant concern. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study to provide data about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevalence of burnout in healthcare professionals in Japan. Healthcare workers in a single Japanese national university hospital participated in the survey, including basic demographics, whether a participant engaged in care of COVID-19 patients in the past 2 weeks and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Of those, 25.4% fully answered the survey; 33.3% were doctors and 63.6% were nurses, and 36.3% engaged in care of COVID-19 patients in the past 2 weeks. Compared to those belonging to General Medicine, those in Emergency Intensive Care Unit were at higher risk of burnout (odds ratio (OR), 6.7; 95% CI, 1.1–42.1; p = 0.031). Of those who engaged in care of COVID-19 patients, 50% reported burnout while 6.1% did not (OR 8.5, 95% CI; 1.3–54.1; p = 0.014). The burnout of healthcare workers is a significant concern amid the pandemic, which needs to be addressed for sustainable healthcare delivery.

Perceptions and Attitudes of Pharmacogenomics Through the Lens of Community Pharmacists and Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 21-30
Author(s):  
Dalga Surofchy ◽  
Christina Mnatzaganian ◽  
Lord Sarino ◽  
Grace Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes ◽  
Practice Methods ◽  
Pharmacy Chain

Background Pharmacists represent some of the most accessible healthcare workers and are in an opportune position to spearhead new clinical initiatives, such as pharmacogenomics (PGx) services. It is important that we understand the perceptions and attitudes both pharmacists and patients have regarding PGx and potential barriers of implementing it into routine clinical practice. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted across one regional division of a large community pharmacy chain to assess the perceptions and attitudes of pharmacists and patients regarding PGx in California. A secondary aim was to determine perceived barriers to PGx implementation into community pharmacies. Results The majority (67%) of pharmacists agreed or strongly agreed to understanding PGx compared to 35% of patients being aware of PGx (p<0.001). More patients (62%) preferred their pharmacist compared to pharmacists (43%) preferring themselves as a provider to manage patients' medications based on their PGx results (p<0.01). Many patients (88%) expressed interest in participating in a PGx test; both pharmacists (84%) and patients (85%) were unlikely to have participated or know someone who has participated in PGx testing. Pharmacists and patients expressed similar concerns about privacy of their PGx data by employers (p=0.287) and insurers (p=0.953), a potential barrier to PGx implementation. Conclusion Pharmacists are well positioned to spearhead PGx consultations and patients are interested in pharmacists using PGx to help manage their medications; however, various barriers were identified that must be overcome for PGx to become incorporated in routine practice.

scholarly journals Patient handover in a European border region: Cross-sectional survey study among healthcare workers to explore the status quo, potential risks, and solutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 205343452110094
Author(s):  
Mara EJ Bouwmans ◽  
Juliëtte A Beuken ◽  
Daniëlle ML Verstegen ◽  
Laura van Kersbergen ◽  
Diana HJM Dolmans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Status ◽  
Patient Handover

Introduction While the popularity of international care is rising, the complexity of international care compromises patient safety. To identify risks and propose solutions to improve international care, this study explores experiences of healthcare workers with international handovers in a European border region. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was used to reach out to 3000 healthcare workers, working for hospitals or emergency services in three neighboring countries in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion. In total, 846 healthcare workers completed the survey with 35 closed- and open-ended questions about experiences with international patient handover. Results One-third of respondents had been involved in international handover in the previous month. The handovers occurred in planned and acute care settings and were supported by numerous, yet varying standardized procedures. Healthcare workers were trained for this in some, but not all settings. Respondents mentioned 408 risks and proposed 373 solutions, which were inductively analyzed. Six identified themes classify the level on which risks and accompanying solutions can be found: awareness, professional competencies, communication between professionals, loss of information, facilities and support, and organizational structure. Discussion This study gives insight in international patient handovers in a European border region. Among the biggest risks experienced are procedural differences, sharing patient information, unfamiliarity with foreign healthcare systems, and not knowing roles and responsibilities of peers working across the border. Standardization of procedures, harmonization of systems, and the possibility for healthcare workers to get to know each other will contribute to reach common ground and move towards optimized and patient-safer cross-border care.

scholarly journals Healthcare workers preparedness for COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied Palestinian territory: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Osaid Alser ◽  
Heba Alghoul ◽  
Zahra Alkhateeb ◽  
Ayah Hamdan ◽  
Loai Albarqouni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupied Palestinian Territory ◽  
Governmental Institutions ◽  
Palestinian Territory

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). We aimed to evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the level of preparedness among HCWs in the oPt. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire distributed through convenient sampling between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Outcomes were availability of PPE, healthcare workers (HCWs) preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic, and regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were used in this study. Results Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) always had access to isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n = 128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n = 132, 95.7%), and face shields (n = 127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p = 0.03) and gloves (p < 0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion HCWs in oPt appear to be underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.

scholarly journals Frontline healthcare workers’ mental distress, top concerns, and assessment on hierarchy of controls in response to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingling Zhang ◽  
Kimberlee L. Flike ◽  
C. Ann Gakumo ◽  
Ling Shi ◽  
Suzanne G. Leveille ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Nursing Program ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Background The existing studies showed that frontline healthcare workers during an epidemic experienced unusual stressors and mental distress which even lasted for years after the crisis. It is important to learn about their concerns early to mitigate the negative impact as well as to evaluate disease control from experiences on the front lines for improving responses to the outbreak. The study aimed to provide insights on how to strengthen public health responses to protect healthcare workers both physically and mentally, and effectively control the disease in light of hierarchy of controls. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed online via Qualtrics to frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 through a university’s nursing program and received 267 valid responses from 103 certificated nursing assistants, 125 nurses, and 39 other health professionals. A descriptive data analysis with a Chi-square test at a two-sided 0.05 level of significance was performed on factors that potentially affected mental health of healthcare workers and effectiveness of disease control at workplace in five domains. The themes were summarized on open-ended questions. Results About 30% of the respondents showed the symptom of depression and needed a further investigation. The influencing factors in five domains were examined. Engineering and administrative controls, as well as PPE were widely used in response to COVID-19. The respondents assessed the state and workplace responses to COVID-19 better than the federal government responses. The workplace responses were considered most effective. Multiple factors with a statistically significant correlation with effectiveness of the disease control at workplace were identified. Conclusions The study suggested that timely responses at policy level will be more effective than other measures in early prevention and control of the pandemic, mental distress should be addressed in addition to PPE, and nursing programs should consider providing a situation-specific career coaching or counseling for students. A longitudinal study at a larger scale is warranted to capture the variation of time change with the disease control evolvement and across geographic regions.

scholarly journals 1656. Factors associated with low TB preventative therapy prescription rates among healthcare workers in rural South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S816-S817
Author(s):  
Amiya A Ahmed ◽  
Megan A Grammatico ◽  
Sipho Malinga ◽  
Philile Makhunga ◽  
Anthony Moll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Preventative Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural South ◽  
Prescription Rates ◽  
Professional Nurses ◽  
Rural South Africa

Abstract Background Despite South Africa’s initial successful rollout of tuberculosis preventative therapy (TPT) to reduce tuberculosis (TB) incidence among HIV-infected patients, recent data suggest prescription rates have decreased. This study aimed to identify associations with low prescription rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) in rural South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered Nov-Dec 2019 to HCWs at a 350 bed rural district hospital and 14 primary care clinics (PCCs) in the Msinga sub-district, South Africa to obtain self-reported data on prescription rates as well as knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs regarding isoniazid preventive therapy, the current TPT regimen. HCWs included professional nurses, staff nurses, counselors, and medical officers. Survey questions were consolidated into scores using exploratory factor analysis. Univariate and multivariate associations with low prescription rates, defined as &lt; 50% of eligible patients, were determined for prescribers. Results Among 160 participants, the median (+ IQR) age was 39 (+13) years, 76% were women, 78% worked at a PCC, and 35% were prescribers, including professional nurses (82%) and medical officers (19%). The median (+ IQR) years as a HCW and managing patients living with HIV (PLH) among prescribers was 14 (+ 15.5) and 10 (+ 11.5) years, respectively. Compared to prescribers, non-prescribers reported more stigma (71% v. 54%; p=0.04) and placed less priority on prevention compared to treatment (32% v. 58%; p&lt; 0.01). Among prescribers (n=54), univariate analysis identified that patient nondisclosure (OR 4.17 95% CI 1.23-14.14; p=0.02) was associated with low TPT prescription rates. Poor self-reported knowledge also trended towards significance (OR 5.23 95% CI 0.85-32.08; p=0.07). After multivariate analysis, only perceived patient nondisclosure was significantly associated with low prescription TPT rates (aOR 4.17 95% CI 1.23-14.14; p=0.02). Conclusion HCWs who believed their patients had not disclosed that they were taking TPT were significantly less likely to prescribe it to their patients. Strengthening HCW training about indications for and mortality benefit of TPT as well as stigma reduction is critical to enhancing TPT implementation. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of stress and burnout among U.S. healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national cross-sectional survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 100879
Author(s):  
Kriti Prasad ◽  
Colleen McLoughlin ◽  
Martin Stillman ◽  
Sara Poplau ◽  
Elizabeth Goelz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional
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