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Ayer — Mayo 14th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

What alleviates the harmful effect of strain on recovery from work of 4478 health and social services workers? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

To analyse whether the harmful effect of job demands on recovery can be alleviated by healthy lifestyle, psychological recovery experiences and job resources. We also describe their prevalence among employees in different types of eldercare service and in the health and social services sector in general.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The data were collected using a self-report survey in 2020 in the health and social services sector organizations (n = 4478). Employees were classified as the following service types: general health and social services (N = 3225), home care (N = 452), service housing (N = 550) and outpatient and ward care (N = 202). The data were analysed using percentages, cross-tabulations and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Poor recovery, high job demands, low appreciation and low autonomy in terms of worktime and breaks were more prevalent in eldercare. Employers could alleviate the risk of high job demands by offering job resources—appreciation, autonomy in terms of worktimes and breaks—and motivating employees to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and use recovery experiences such as relaxation.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the importance of appreciation in the health and social services sector context. Even with moderate levels of appreciation employers can protect employees from poor recovery from work in the demanding health and social services work environment.

Impact

Eldercare employees face continuous and accumulating work strain at the same time as the sector struggles against a labour shortage. One way to prevent the harmful consequences of strain is to enhance recovery from work.

Employers could alleviate the risk of high job demands and poor recovery by showing appreciation and giving employees more autonomy in terms of work time and breaks during the workday. This could also motivate employees to keep up healthy lifestyle habits and use their recovery experiences. Results are important especially in the daily management of HSS work.

What Does this Paper Contribute to the wider Global Clinical Community?

Managers in the health and social services sector and eldercare can use these findings to promote recovery from work.

Reporting Method

STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Duration and severity of COVID‐19 symptoms among primary healthcare workers: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers, including the severity, duration of infection, post-infection symptoms and related influencing factors.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the post-infection status of primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province. The questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, post-infection clinical manifestations, work environment and recovery time of the respondents. Customized outcome events were selected as dependent variables and logistic regression models were employed to analyse the risk factors. Phi-coefficient was used to describe the relationship between post-infection symptoms.

Results

The analysis revealed that several factors, such as female, older age, obesity, previous medical history, exposure to high-risk environments and stress, were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing more severe outcomes. On the other hand, vaccination and regular exercise were found to contribute to an earlier resolution of the infection. Among the post-infection symptoms, cough, malaise and muscle aches were the most frequently reported. Overall, there was a weak association among symptoms persisting beyond 14 days, with only cough and malaise, malaise and dizziness and headache showing a stronger correlation.

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that the overall severity of the first wave of infection, following the complete lifting of restrictions in China, was low. The impact on primary healthcare workers was limited, and the post-infection symptoms exhibited similarity to those observed in other countries. It is important to highlight that these conclusions are specifically relevant to the population infected with the Omicron variant.

Impacts

This study helps to grasp the impacts of the first wave of COVID-19 infections on healthcare workers in China after the national lockdown was lifted.

Patients

Primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other personnel from primary healthcare units such as community health service centres and health centres.

Hungarian general practice paediatricians antibiotic prescribing behaviour for suspected respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study

Por: Babarczy · B. · Hajdu · A. · Benko · R. · Matuz · M. · Papp · R. · Antoniou · P. · Kandelaki · K. · Lo Fo Wong · D. · Warsi · S. K.
Objectives

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to explore paediatric general practitioners’ (GP Peds) antibiotic prescription practice in suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs), using the capability–opportunity–motivation–behaviour framework.

Design

The design is a qualitative study based on individual, semistructured telephone or virtual interviews.

Setting

Paediatric general practice in Hungary. We applied stratified maximum variation sampling to cover the categories of age, sex and geographical location of participants.

Participants

We interviewed 22 GP Peds. Nine were male and 13 were female: 2 of them were less than 40 years old, 14 were between 40 and 60 years, and 6 were above 60 years. 10 worked in low-antibiotic prescription areas, 5 in areas with medium levels of antibiotic prescription, 3 in high-antibiotic prescription areas, and 4 in and around the capital city.

Results

Study participants had varying antibiotic prescription preferences. Personal experience and physical examination play a central role in GP Peds’ diagnostic and treatment practice. Participants emphasised the need to treat children in their entirety, taking their personal medical record, social background and sometimes parents’ preferences into account, besides the acute clinical manifestation of RTI. Most respondents were confident they apply the most effective therapy even if, in some cases, this meant prescribing medicines with a higher chance of contributing to the development of AMR. Some participants felt antibiotic prescription frequency has decreased in recent years.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a more prudent attitude toward antibiotic prescribing may have become more common but also highlight relevant gaps in both physicians’ and public knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. To reinforce awareness and close remaining gaps, Hungary should adopt its national AMR National Action Plan and further increase its efforts towards active professional communication and feedback for primary care physicians.

Feasibility of continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 1 diabetes at two district hospitals in Neno, Malawi: a randomised controlled trial

Por: Gomber · A. · Valeta · F. · Coates · M. M. · Trujillo · C. · Ferrari · G. · Boti · M. · Kumwenda · K. · Mailosi · B. · Nakotwa · D. · Drown · L. · Wroe · E. B. · Thapa · A. · Mithi · V. · Matanje · B. · Msekandiana · A. · Park · P. H. · Kachimanga · C. · Bukhman · G. · Ruderman · T. · Adler
Objectives

To assess the feasibility and change in clinical outcomes associated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use among a rural population in Malawi living with type 1 diabetes.

Design

A 2:1 open randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Setting

Two Partners In Health-supported Ministry of Health-run first-level district hospitals in Neno, Malawi.

Participants

45 people living with type 1 diabetes (PLWT1D).

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to Dexcom G6 CGM (n=30) use or usual care (UC) (n=15) consisting of Safe-Accu glucose monitors and strips. Both arms received diabetes education.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes included fidelity, appropriateness and severe adverse events. Secondary outcomes included change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), acceptability, time in range (CGM arm only) SD of HbA1c and quality of life.

Results

Participants tolerated CGM well but were unable to change their own sensors which resulted in increased clinic visits in the CGM arm. Despite the hot climate, skin rashes were uncommon but cut-out tape overpatches were needed to secure the sensors in place. Participants in the CGM arm had greater numbers of dose adjustments and lifestyle change suggestions than those in the UC arm. Participants in the CGM arm wore their CGM on average 63.8% of the time. Participants in the UC arm brought logbooks to clinic 75% of the time. There were three hospitalisations all in the CGM arm, but none were related to the intervention.

Conclusions

This is the first randomised controlled trial conducted on CGM in a rural region of a low-income country. CGM was feasible and appropriate among PLWT1D and providers, but inability of participants to change their own sensors is a challenge.

Trial registration number

PACTR202102832069874.

Appropriateness and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring in people with type 1 diabetes at rural first-level hospitals in Malawi: a qualitative study

Por: Thapa · A. · Chibvunde · S. · Schwartz · L. · Trujillo · C. · Ferrari · G. · Drown · L. · Gomber · A. · Park · P. H. · Matanje · B. · Msekandiana · A. · Kachimanga · C. · Bukhman · G. · Ruderman · T. · Adler · A. J.
Objectives

The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the acceptability and appropriateness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in people living with type 1 diabetes (PLWT1D) at first-level (district) hospitals in Malawi.

Design

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews among PLWT1D and healthcare providers participating in the study. Standardised interview guides elicited perspectives on the appropriateness and acceptability of CGM use for PLWT1D and their providers, and provider perspectives on the effectiveness of CGM use in Malawi. Data were coded using Dedoose software and analysed using a thematic approach.

Setting

First-level hospitals in Neno district, Malawi.

Participants

Participants were part of a randomised controlled trial focused on CGM at first-level hospitals in Neno district, Malawi. Pretrial and post-trial interviews were conducted for participants in the CGM and usual care arms, and one set of interviews was conducted with providers.

Results

Eleven PLWT1D recruited for the CGM randomised controlled trial and five healthcare providers who provided care to participants with T1D were included. Nine PLWT1D were interviewed twice, two were interviewed once. Of the 11 participants with T1D, six were from the CGM arm and five were in usual care arm. Key themes emerged regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of CGM use in lower resource setting. The four main themes were (a) patient provider relationship, (b) stigma and psychosocial support, (c) device usage and (d) clinical management.

Conclusions

Participants and healthcare providers reported that CGM use was appropriate and acceptable in the study setting, although the need to support it with health education sessions was highlighted. This research supports the use of CGM as a component of personalised diabetes treatment for PLWT1D in resource constraint settings.

Trial registration number

PACTR202102832069874; Post-results.

Evaluating the effect of a mobile-based symptom monitoring system for improving physical function in patients with cancer during chemotherapy: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Por: Lee · M. · Kang · D. · Um · Y. · Jo · B. · Rhue · J. · Park · S. · Lee · Y.-Y. · Noh · J. J. · Lee · Y.-G. · Koo · D.-H. · Park · K.-H. · Lee · S. · Ahn · J. S. · Oh · D. · Cho · J.
Introduction

Symptoms due to chemotherapy are common in patients with cancer. Cancer-related symptoms are closely associated with the deterioration of physical function which can be associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Thus, timely symptom identification is critical for improving cancer prognosis and survival. Recently, remote symptom monitoring system using digital technology has demonstrated its effects on symptom control or survival. However, few studies examined whether remote monitoring would contribute to retaining physical function among patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile-based symptom monitoring in improving physical function among patients with cancer under chemotherapy.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 372 patients at three tertiary hospitals located in Seoul, South Korea. Study participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the ePRO-CTCAE app and a control group receiving routine clinical practice only. The primary outcome is changes in physical function from commencement to completion of planned chemotherapy. A linear mixed model will be performed under the intention-to-treat principle. The secondary outcomes include physical activity level; changes in pain interference; changes in depressive symptom; unplanned clinical visits; additional medical expenditure for symptom management; completion rate of planned chemotherapy; changes in symptom burden and health-related quality of life; and 1-year overall mortality.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the institutional review board and ethics committee at the three university hospitals involved in this trial. Written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated through relevant literatures.

Trial registration number

KCT0007220.

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Parents' Trigger Tool for Children with Medical Complexity – PAT‐CMC: Development of a recognition tool for clinical deterioration at home

Abstract

Aim

To develop a trigger tool for parents and lay caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) at home and to validate its content.

Design

This was a multi-method study, using qualitative data, a Delphi method and a concept mapping approach.

Methods

A three-round electronic Delphi was performed from December 2021 to April 2022 with a panel of 23 expert parents and 30 healthcare providers, supplemented by a preliminary qualitative exploration of children's signs of deterioration and three consensus meetings to develop the PArents' Trigger Tool for Children with Medical Complexity (PAT-CMC). Cognitive interviews with parents were performed to assess the comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of the tool. The COREQ checklist, the COSMIN guidelines and the CREDES guidelines guided the reporting respectively of the qualitative study, the development and content validity of the trigger tool and the Delphi study.

Results

The PAT-CMC was developed and its content validated to recognize clinical deterioration at home. The tool consists of 7 main clusters of items: Breathing, Heart, Devices, Behaviour, Neuro-Muscular, Nutrition/Hydration and Other Concerns. A total of 23 triggers of deterioration were included and related to two recommendations for escalation of care, using a traffic light coding system.

Conclusion

Priority indicators of clinical deterioration of CMC were identified and integrated into a validated trigger tool designed for parents or other lay caregivers at home, to recognize signs of acute severe illness and initiate healthcare interventions.

Impact

The PAT-CMC was developed to guide families in recognizing signs of deterioration in CMC and has potential for initiating an early escalation of care. This tool may also be useful to support education provided by healthcare providers to families before hospital discharge.

Patient or Public Contribution

Parents of CMC were directly involved in the selection of relevant indicators of children's clinical deterioration and the development of the trigger tool. They were not involved in the design, conducting, reporting or dissemination plans of this research.

Effect and outcome of equity, diversity and inclusion programs in healthcare institutions: a systematic review protocol

Por: Buh · A. · Kang · R. · Kiska · R. · Fung · S. G. · Solmi · M. · Scott · M. · Salman · M. · Lee · K. · Milone · B. · Wafy · G. · Syed · S. · Dhaliwal · S. · Gibb · M. · Akbari · A. · Brown · P. A. · Hundemer · G. L. · Sood · M. M.
Background

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the healthcare field are crucial in meeting the healthcare needs of a progressively diverse society. In fact, a diverse healthcare workforce enables culturally sensitive care, promotes health equity and enhances the understanding of various needs and patients’ viewpoints, potentially resulting in more effective patient treatment and improved patient outcomes. Despite this, information on the effectiveness of policies or programmes promoting EDI in health institutions is scarce. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects and outcomes of EDI programmes in healthcare institutions.

Methods

We will conduct Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review of studies on EDI programmes and describe their effects and outcomes in healthcare institutions. We will search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases. Selected studies will include randomised control trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and cross-sectional studies published either in English or French. Quality appraisal of studies and a narrative synthesis of extracted data will be conducted as well as a meta-analysis if possible. The quality of evidence in this review will be assessed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Anticipated results

We anticipate that this systematic review will reveal information on the effect of EDI programmes and their outcomes in healthcare institutions. We expect this information will provide insights that will lead to improvements in designing EDI policies and programmes in healthcare institutions.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical clearance is required for this study as no primary data will be collected. The final manuscript will be submitted to a journal for publication. In addition to this, the results of the study will also be disseminated through conference presentations to inform the research and clinical practice.

Review registration

This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration number CRD42024502781.

Real-world data evaluating Guys rapid diagnostic clinic as an alternate pathway for patients with FIT levels below 10

Por: Monroy-Iglesias · M. J. · Martin · S. · Cargaleiro · C. · Jones · G. · Steward · L. · Murtagh · C. · Bruno · F. · Millwaters · J. · Schizas · A. · Watson · H. · Haire · A. · Haire · K. · Moss · C. L. · Russell · B. · Srirajaskanthan · R. · Van Hemelrijck · M. · Dolly · S.
Objective

To analyse the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic clinics (RDCs) as an alternative pathway for patients with concerning symptoms and a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) result

Design

A retrospective and prospective cohort study.

Setting

GSTT RDC, one of England’s largest single-centre RDCs. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of FIT

Participants

Patients with an FIT result

Results

A total of 1299 patients with an FIT

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of RDCs as an alternate pathway for FIT

Study protocol: improving response to malaria in the Amazon through identification of inter-community networks and human mobility in border regions of Ecuador, Peru and Brazil

Por: Janko · M. M. · Araujo · A. L. · Ascencio · E. J. · Guedes · G. R. · Vasco · L. E. · Santos · R. O. · Damasceno · C. P. · Medrano · P. G. · Chacon-Uscamaita · P. R. · Gunderson · A. K. · OMalley · S. · Kansara · P. H. · Narvaez · M. B. · Coombes · C. · Pizzitutti · F. · Salmon-Mulano
Introduction

Understanding human mobility’s role in malaria transmission is critical to successful control and elimination. However, common approaches to measuring mobility are ill-equipped for remote regions such as the Amazon. This study develops a network survey to quantify the effect of community connectivity and mobility on malaria transmission.

Methods

We measure community connectivity across the study area using a respondent driven sampling design among key informants who are at least 18 years of age. 45 initial communities will be selected: 10 in Brazil, 10 in Ecuador and 25 in Peru. Participants will be recruited in each initial node and administered a survey to obtain data on each community’s mobility patterns. Survey responses will be ranked and the 2–3 most connected communities will then be selected and surveyed. This process will be repeated for a third round of data collection. Community network matrices will be linked with each country’s malaria surveillance system to test the effects of mobility on disease risk.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the institutional review boards of Duke University (USA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru) and Universidade Federal Minas Gerais (Brazil). Results will be disseminated in communities by the end of the study.

Community perceptions, beliefs and factors determining family planning uptake among men and women in Ekiti State, Nigeria: finding from a descriptive exploratory study

Por: Ibikunle · O. O. · Ipinnimo · T. M. · Bakare · C. A. · Ibirongbe · D. O. · Akinwumi · A. F. · Ibikunle · A. I. · Ajidagba · E. B. · Olowoselu · O. O. · Abioye · O. O. · Alabi · A. K. · Seluwa · G. A. · Alabi · O. O. · Filani · O. · Adelekan · B.
Objectives

To examine family planning through the community’s perception, belief system and cultural impact; in addition to identifying the determining factors for family planning uptake.

Design

A descriptive exploratory study.

Setting

Three communities were selected from three local government areas, each in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State.

Participants

The study was conducted among young unmarried women in the reproductive age group who were sexually active as well as married men and women in the reproductive age group who are currently living with their partners and were sexually active.

Main outcome measures

Eight focus group discussions were conducted in the community in 2019 with 28 male and 50 female participants. The audio recordings were transcribed, triangulated with notes and analysed using QSR NVivo V.8 software. Community perception, beliefs and perceptions of the utility of family planning, as well as cultural, religious and other factors determining family planning uptake were analysed.

Results

The majority of the participants had the perception that family planning helps married couple only. There were diverse beliefs about family planning and mixed reactions with respect to the impact of culture and religion on family planning uptake. Furthermore, a number of factors were identified in determining family planning uptake—intrapersonal, interpersonal and health system factors.

Conclusion

The study concluded that there are varied reactions to family planning uptake due to varied perception, cultural and religious beliefs and determining factors. It was recommended that more targeted male partner engagement in campaign would boost family planning uptake.

Development of a prognostic risk score to predict early mortality in incident elderly Japanese hemodialysis patients

by Hirokazu Okada, Atsushi Ono, Koji Tomori, Tsutomu Inoue, Norio Hanafusa, Ken Sakai, Ichiei Narita, Toshiki Moriyama, Yoshitaka Isaka, Kei Fukami, Seiji Itano, Eiichiro Kanda, Naoki Kashihara

Background

Information of short-term prognosis after hemodialysis (HD) introduction is important for elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families choosing a modality of renal replacement therapy. Therefore, we developed a risk score to predict early mortality in incident elderly Japanese hemodialysis patients.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data of incident elderly HD patients from a nationwide cohort study of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry (JRDR) to develop a prognostic risk score. Candidate risk factors for early death within 1 year was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The risk score was developed by summing up points derived from parameter estimate values of independent risk factors. The association between risk score and early death was tested using Cox proportional hazards models. This risk score was validated twice by using an internal validation cohort derived from the JRDR and an external validation cohort collected for this study.

Results

Using the development cohort (n = 2,000), nine risk factors were retained in the risk score: older age (>85), yes = 2, no = 0; sex, male = 2, female = 0; lower body mass index (2.0 mg/dL), yes = 2, no = 0. In the internal and external validation cohorts (n = 739, 140, respectively), the medium- and high-risk groups (total score, 6 to 10 and 11 or more, respectively) showed significantly higher risk of early death than the low-risk group (total score, 0 to 5) (p Conclusion

We developed a prognostic risk score predicting early death within 1 year in incident elderly Japanese HD patients, which may help detect elderly patients with a high-risk of early death after HD introduction.

Experiences of healthcare professionals, patients and families with video calls to stimulate patient‐ and family‐centred care during hospitalization: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim

To synthesize the literature on the experiences of patients, families and healthcare professionals with video calls during hospital admission. Second, to investigate facilitators and barriers of implementation of video calls in hospital wards.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched for relevant publications in the period between 2011 and 2023. Publications were selected if they focused on experiences of patients, families or healthcare professionals with video calls between patients and their families; or between families of hospitalized patients and healthcare professionals. Quantitative and qualitative data were summarized in data charting forms.

Results

Forty-three studies were included. Patients and families were satisfied with video calls as it facilitated daily communication. Family members felt more engaged and felt they could provide support to their loved ones during admission. Healthcare professionals experienced video calls as an effective way to communicate when in-person visits were not allowed. However, they felt that video calls were emotionally difficult as it was hard to provide support at distance and to use communication skills effectively. Assigning local champions and training of healthcare professionals were identified as facilitators for implementation. Technical issues and increased workload were mentioned as main barriers.

Conclusion

Patients, families and healthcare professionals consider video calls as a good alternative when in-person visits are not allowed. Healthcare professionals experience more hesitation towards video calls during admission, as it increases perceived workload. In addition, they are uncertain whether video calls are as effective as in-person conservations.

Implications for the Clinical Practice

When implementing video calls in hospital wards, policymakers and healthcare professionals should select strategies that address the positive aspects of family involvement at distance and the use of digital communication skills.

Patient Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation modalities for post-stroke dysphagia: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol

Por: Chen · Q. · Kan · M. · Jiang · X. · Liu · H. · Zhang · D. · Yuan · L. · Xu · Q. · Bi · H.
Introduction

Up to 78% of patients who had a stroke develop post-stroke dysphagia (PSD), a significant consequence. Life-threatening aspiration pneumonia, starvation, and water and electrolyte abnormalities can result. Several meta-analyses have shown that repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves swallowing in patients who had a stroke; however, the optimum model is unknown. This study will be the first Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the best rTMS modalities for swallowing of patients who had a stroke.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Database and WanFang Data will be searched from their creation to 2 September 2023. All randomised controlled trials associated with rTMS for PSD will be included. Only Chinese or English results will be studied. Two researchers will independently review the literature and extract data, then use the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias 2.0 tool to assess the included studies’ methodological quality. The primary outcome is swallowing function improvement, whereas secondary outcomes include side effects (eg, paraesthesia, vertigo, seizures) and quality of life. A pairwise meta-analysis and NMA based on a Bayesian framework will be conducted using Stata and R statistical software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system will assess outcome indicator evidence quality.

Ethics and dissemination

As all data in this study will be taken from the literature, ethical approval is not needed. We will publish our work in peer-reviewed publications and present it at academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023456386.

Prospective cohort study of genomic newborn screening: BabyScreen+ pilot study protocol

Por: Lunke · S. · Bouffler · S. E. · Downie · L. · Caruana · J. · Amor · D. J. · Archibald · A. · Bombard · Y. · Christodoulou · J. · Clausen · M. · De Fazio · P. · Greaves · R. F. · Hollizeck · S. · Kanga-Parabia · A. · Lang · N. · Lynch · F. · Peters · R. · Sadedin · S. · Tutty · E. · Eggers
Introduction

Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a highly successful public health programme that uses biochemical and other assays to screen for severe but treatable childhood-onset conditions. Introducing genomic sequencing into NBS programmes increases the range of detectable conditions but raises practical and ethical issues. Evidence from prospectively ascertained cohorts is required to guide policy and future implementation. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate a genomic NBS (gNBS) pilot programme.

Methods and analysis

The BabyScreen+ study will pilot gNBS in three phases. In the preimplementation phase, study materials, including education resources, decision support and data collection tools, will be designed. Focus groups and key informant interviews will also be undertaken to inform delivery of the study and future gNBS programmes. During the implementation phase, we will prospectively recruit birth parents in Victoria, Australia, to screen 1000 newborns for over 600 severe, treatable, childhood-onset conditions. Clinically accredited whole genome sequencing will be performed following standard NBS using the same sample. High chance results will be returned by genetic healthcare professionals, with follow-on genetic and other confirmatory testing and referral to specialist services as required. The postimplementation phase will evaluate the feasibility of gNBS as the primary aim, and assess ethical, implementation, psychosocial and health economic factors to inform future service delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

This project received ethics approval from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Research Ethics Committee: HREC/91500/RCHM-2023, HREC/90929/RCHM-2022 and HREC/91392/RCHM-2022. Findings will be disseminated to policy-makers, and through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Quality measures of virtual care in ambulatory healthcare environments: a scoping review

Por: Petrie · S. · Laur · C. · Rios · P. · Suarez · A. · Makanjuola · O. · Burke · E. · Bhattacharyya · O. · Mukerji · G.
Objectives

Delivery of virtual care increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted after physical distancing measures ended. However, little is known about how to measure the quality of virtual care, as current measures focus on in-person care and may not apply to a virtual context. This scoping review aims to understand the connections between virtual care modalities used with ambulatory patient populations and quality measures across the Quintuple Aim (provider experience, patient experience, per capita cost, population health and health equity).

Design

Virtual care was considered any interaction between patients and/or their circle of care occurring remotely using any form of information technology. Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, JBI) and grey literature sources (11 websites, 3 search engines) were searched from 2015 to June 2021 and again in August 2022 for publications that analysed virtual care in ambulatory settings. Indicators were extracted, double-coded into the Quintuple Aim framework; patient and provider experience indicators were further categorised based on the National Academy of Medicine quality framework (safety, effectiveness, patient-centredness, timeliness, efficiency and equity). Sustainability was added to capture the potential for continued use of virtual care.

Results

13 504 citations were double-screened resulting in 631 full-text articles, 66 of which were included. Common modalities included video or audio visits (n=43), remote monitoring (n=11) and mobile applications (n=11). The most common quality indicators were related to patient experience (n=58 articles), followed by provider experience (n=25 articles), population health outcomes (n=23 articles) and health system costs (n=19 articles).

Conclusions

The connections between virtual care modalities and quality domains identified here can inform clinicians, administrators and other decision-makers how to monitor the quality of virtual care and provide insights into gaps in current quality measures. The next steps include the development of a balanced scorecard of virtual care quality indicators for ambulatory settings to inform quality improvement.

Alcohol use among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone

Por: Osborne · A. · Aboagye · R. G. · Olorunsaiye · C. Z. · James · P. B. · Bangura · C. · Seidu · A.-A. · Kangbai · J. B. · Ahinkorah · B. O.
Objective

To examine the prevalence of alcohol use and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone.

Design

Data for the study was sourced from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-Based Student Health Survey, a nationally representative survey conducted among in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years using a multistage sampling methodology. Percentages were used to present the prevalence of alcohol use among in-school adolescents. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with alcohol use among in-school adolescents. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI).

Setting

Sierra Leone.

Participants

A weighted sample of 1730 in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone.

Outcome measure

Current alcohol use.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol use among in-school adolescents was 10.7% (7.3, 15.3). In-school adolescents in senior secondary schools were more likely to use alcohol compared with those in junior secondary school (aOR=2.13; 95% CI 1.37, 3.30). The odds of alcohol use was higher among in-school adolescents who were truant at school relative to those who were not (aOR=2.24; 95% CI 1.54, 3.26). Also, in-school adolescents who were bullied (aOR=1.85; 95% CI 1.24, 2.76), ever engaged in sexual intercourse (aOR=2.06; 95% CI 1.39, 3.06), and used marijuana (aOR=3.36; 95% CI 1.72, 6.53) were more likely to use alcohol compared with those who were not. However, in-school adolescents who reported that their parents understood their problems (aOR=0.52; 95% CI 0.33, 0.82) had a lower likelihood of consuming alcohol.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that alcohol use is prevalent among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone. Grade level, experiences of being bullied, history of sexual intercourse, truancy at school, and previous use of marijuana were the factors influencing alcohol use among in-school adolescents. The findings emphasise the necessity of creating school-based health interventions in Sierra Leone that can effectively identify in-school adolescents potentially vulnerable to alcohol-related issues. Also, existing policies and programmes aimed at reducing alcohol use among in-school adolescents need to be strengthened.

Head impact differences in blind football between Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games: video-based observational study

Por: Tsutsumi · S. · Sasadai · J. · Maeda · N. · Tamura · Y. · Nagao · T. · Watanabe · T. · Arima · S. · Kaneda · K. · Yoshimi · M. · Mizuta · R. · Ishihara · H. · Shimizu · R. · Fukui · K. · Tashiro · T. · Komiya · M. · Suzuki · A. · Urabe · Y.
Objective

In Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, there were the rule and goal size changes at the blind football competition. This study aimed to compare the scoring and head impact characteristics during blind football competition between the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games using the official videos.

Design

Video-based observational study.

Participants

In total, 36 blind football (men’s football 5-a-side) game videos were obtained from the official International Paralympic Committee.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Head impact was defined as the sudden contact of any object with the head. Videos were analysed to assess the number of scores and head impacts along with their corresponding details (ie, round, playing phase, scoring situation, impact situation, occurrence area, impact object, head impact site, fall and foul).

Results

The total number of goals scored at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was nearly double that at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Regarding head impacts, a total of 2036 cases (Rio 2016, n=1105; Tokyo 2020, n=931) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in head impact characteristics between the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games among seven outcomes (round, scoring situation, impact situation, occurrence area, impact object, site of head impact and fall).

Conclusions

Compared with the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games showed an increase in the number of points scored and different head impact characteristics.

Engaging clinicians in research: barriers, benefits and building a blueprint

Por: Mickan · S.

Commentary on: Boucher NA, Tucker MC, White BS, et al. Frontline clinician appraisement of research engagement: "I feel out of touch with research". J Gen Intern Med 2023:1–7. doi: 10.1007/s11606-023-08200-9.

Implications for practice and research

  • Leadership action by prioritising clinical research activities and introducing a range of clinician engagement strategies for research can lead to better staff retention and patient care.

  • Implementation of clinician engagement strategies needs further research to clarify and enhance key benefits for staff and patients.

  • Context

    There is a growing body of international research evidence highlighting the benefits of clinicians’ research engagement and documenting associated barriers and facilitators.1 This study offers an insightful consolidation of clinicians’ perception of research alongside their barriers and facilitators to effective engagement.2 Full time clinicians in a specific healthcare system often do not see research as a core part of their...

    Sustainable employability of long‐term care staff in self‐managing teams: A qualitative study

    Abstract

    Aim

    To discover what long-term care (LTC) staff working in self-managing teams consider necessary to remain sustainably employable.

    Design

    Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews.

    Methods

    In 2020, semi-structured interviews were conducted one-on-one with 25 LTC workers from a medium-large Dutch organization providing long-term care. All interviews were audio-recorded, anonymously transcribed verbatim and analysed with thematic content analysis in the software program Atlas.ti.

    Results

    LTC workers indicated a need for autonomy. They wanted their control and involvement in decisions to be strengthened. Furthermore, LTC workers indicated a need for relatedness, by experiencing support, a feeling of togetherness and more time to have attention for the residents. Lastly, LTC workers expressed a need for (assistance in) further developing their competence.

    Conclusion

    In order to remain willing and able to work, LTC workers in self-managing teams want their needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence to be addressed. Working conditions are important to these LTC workers' sustainable employability since they can hinder or promote the satisfaction of their needs.

    Implications

    It is important that management in LTC is aware of the importance of LTC workers' needs for sustainable employability. We recommend that management critically reflect on and invest in addressing these needs by enhancing indicators and limiting inhibitors of the needs.

    Impact

    A robust LTC workforce is necessary to provide care to the aging population. In the context of the increasing implementation of self-managing teams in LTC organizations, understanding what workers in self-managing teams need in order to remain sustainably employable is crucial. For sustainable employability (i.e. to remain willing and able to work), interviewees indicated a need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of belonging and feeling connected. Working conditions seemed to relate not only directly to the sustainable employability of LTC staff but also indirectly through their lack of contribution to the satisfaction of workers' psychological needs. The outcomes of this study primarily impact workers and management within LTC organizations with self-managing teams. They benefit from recognizing the significance of addressing workers' needs to ensure their essential and sustainable employability in the sector.

    Reporting Method

    The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) research were used.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    Two LTC workers provided advice and feedback regarding the materials and set up of the interviews. These two ambassadors additionally helped in reaching our population, by disseminating information about the study.

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