Workplace disclosure of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) identity by healthcare employees is an understudied area and existing reviews of LGBTQ+ disclosure in the healthcare sector focus on patient perspectives, overlooking the unique challenges that healthcare professionals encounter. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-synthesis of existing qualitative studies exploring disclosure experiences of LGBTQ+ healthcare employees.

The literature search integrated current research from 2011 to March 2023 and focused on qualitative studies exploring disclosure experiences of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. Ovid served as the primary platform for literature searches, supplemented by forward and backward citation tracking and additional searches in academic databases such as Google Scholar and Scopus. The studies underwent quality evaluation using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme 2022 checklist and were synthesised using thematic analysis.

The findings revealed seven studies with five prominent themes: (1) risk associated with disclosure, (2) making the decision to disclose, (3) cost of non-disclosure, (4) cost of disclosure and (5) benefit of disclosure. Additionally, five critical factors of disclosure were identified: level, scope, time, elements and method. Finally, the risk–benefit analysis underscored the dilemma and balance between authenticity and conformity, largely influenced by pervasive heteronormativity, resulting in a significant mental toll.

The findings must be interpreted considering certain limitations, such as the lack of generalisability of studies. However, the findings emphasise the critical need for cultivating trusting and accepting healthcare work environments for LGBTQ+ staff.

To evaluate the effectiveness of short-duration self-learning (SSL) and mastery learning (ML) strategies on the acquisition and 6-month retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and basic life support (BLS) knowledge among hospital administrative staff in Thailand.

Comparative assessment of two CPR training strategies.

Tertiary-level academic institution in Thailand.

A total of 163 hospital administrative staff aged ≥18 years without prior BLS certification were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the SSL group (n=82) or the ML group (n=81). Participants with previous CPR certification, medical limitations preventing chest compressions or those unwilling to attend the 6-month retention test were excluded. 71 participants in each group completed the 6-month follow-up.

All participants viewed an 8 min self-directed instructional video on BLS and subsequently performed CPR practice using real-time feedback manikins. The SSL group practised independently for up to five 1 min sessions, while the ML group practised until achieving a predefined mastery threshold (QCPR (Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) score >90%).

The primary outcome was CPR skill retention at 6 months, measured by QCPR overall performance score. Secondary outcomes included observational BLS performance (scene safety, responsiveness, emergency activation, breathing assessment and correct hand placement), knowledge retention scores and the number of attempts required to achieve mastery in the ML group.

Both SSL and ML groups demonstrated significant improvement in CPR performance and BLS knowledge immediately after training (p

Both SSL and ML effectively enhanced CPR performance and knowledge retention among non-medical hospital staff. SSL offers a practical, resource-efficient and scalable approach for CPR training in large-scale community or institutional settings. Future studies should investigate the cost-effectiveness and optimal refresher frequency for sustaining CPR competency.

TCTR20210521003.

Effective community-based disease management is essential for public health. In low- and middle-income countries, sustainable strategies for timely diagnosis and treatment are a research priority. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a non-invasive saliva self-sampling method, paired with digitally linked molecular point-of-care diagnostics, for detecting respiratory infections among paediatric patients in the Tshwane District, South Africa.

A field study will be conducted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital to compare saliva collection using the CandyCollect lollipop device and standard mouth swabs. The spiral groove of the lollipop device captures pathogens, which are stored in DNA/RNA preservation media and later analysed using quantitative PCR and commercially available rapid antigen tests. The multiplex respiratory pathogen panel, based on TaqMan real-time PCR technology, targets key paediatric pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A/B. Nucleic acids will be extracted using standard viral extraction kits and analysed following manufacturer protocols. Internal controls will be included in each qPCR run, and samples with CT values below defined thresholds will be considered positive. Rapid antigen tests will detect common pathogens such as influenza A/B, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 for comparative analysis. User experience and acceptability will be assessed via child-friendly and caregiver surveys following sample collection. The study will be implemented in two phases: diagnostic performance evaluation and user feedback assessment. The protocol is aligned with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 checklist.

Ethical approval has been granted by the University of Pretoria (509/2023) and the Gauteng Department of Health (GP_202406_032). The study is registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and stakeholder briefings. The study complies with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. Data collection is scheduled from November 2024 to February 2025, with project completion expected within 1 year.

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202411743094783).

Nicotine vaping is common among children and youth, and even more so among those with mental health concerns. Identifying and managing nicotine vaping in child and youth mental health treatment settings is key to addressing this modifiable risk factor for poorer physical and mental health in young people. Recommendations exist for screening, assessment and treatment of youth vaping; however, it remains unclear whether current practices in child and youth mental health programmes align with recommended standards.

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design with three stages will be employed. In the first stage, a cross-sectional survey will be distributed to all eligible Canadian hospitals to identify practices in assessment and treatment of nicotine vaping within their child and youth mental health and addictions programmes. This survey will also assess barriers and facilitators for the uptake of the 2021 Canadian Paediatric Society recommendations on management of youth vaping. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews will be conducted in stage two, with clinicians, managers, youth and caregivers. Qualitative data will be analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. In stage three, findings and proposed behaviour change interventions will be reviewed at a knowledge mobilisation meeting with the goal of developing a national knowledge mobilisation plan to improve assessment and treatment of youth vaping in hospital-based mental health and addictions programmes.

This study has received ethics approval from the Research Ethics Board at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Protocol #25/19X). Participants will provide informed consent prior to participating. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. Summaries will be provided to the funders of the study and to participating hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major disruptions in society across many spheres, including healthcare, the economy and social behaviours. While early predictions warned of an increased risk of suicide during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of suicide deaths remained stable or decreased over that period for most countries. In contrast, the prevalence of suicidal ideation doubled and suicide attempts slightly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the adult general population worldwide, accompanied by a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. While these data can tell us what happened, they cannot tell us why. Qualitative suicide research seeks to understand experiences of individuals with suicide-related thoughts and behaviours, provides an in-depth exploration of their lives and interactions with others and centres their views and unique context. There is little qualitative research focusing on suicidality during the pandemic. This study will use a qualitative approach to explore the extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadians who experienced suicidality and review their experiences of accessing mental healthcare to identify key components in supporting safety and recovery.

This study will involve approximately 100 semistructured interviews with participants across four Canadian provinces and will explore experiences with suicide-related thoughts and behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcripts will be analysed through qualitative analysis informed by constructivist grounded theory.

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network (for JZ: CAMH REB No 104-2022). In addition to traditional peer-reviewed presentations and publications, a report will make study findings accessible to policy makers, media and the public.