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Tago M, Hirata R, Katsuki NE, Otsuka Y, Shimizu T, Sasaki Y, Shikino K, Watari T, Takahashi H, Une K, Naito T, Otsuka F, Thompson R, Tazuma S. Contributions of Japanese Hospitalists During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Need for Infectious Disease Crisis Management Education for Hospitalists: An Online Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:1645-1651. [PMID: 37635697 PMCID: PMC10455781 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s422412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hospitalists in Japan have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, contributions of Japanese hospitalists during the COVID-19 pandemic and hospitalists' awareness of crisis management education remain unclear. Material and Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the role of Japanese hospitalists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was conducted using email and Google Forms targeting the chairpersons of facilities certified by the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine (JSHGM). Members of the academic committee of the JSHGM and several hospitals conducted a narrative review and determined the questions for the survey in a discussion. Results We conducted descriptive statistics based on the responses of 97 hospitals that agreed to participate in this survey. In total, 91.8% of general medicine departments in the included hospitals were involved in the medical care of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, in 73.2% of hospitals, hospitalists were involved in infection control for COVID-19 inside or outside the hospital. Our survey revealed that Japanese hospitalists were responsible for COVID-19 treatment in over 60% of hospitals and contributed to hospital management, infection control, and vaccination. In total, 79.4% of hospitals answered that "training of personnel who can provide practical care for emerging infectious diseases is necessary", 78.4% indicated that "the establishment of an infection control system in advance to prepare emerging infectious diseases in the hospital is necessary", and 74.2% stated that "the establishment of an educational system for responding to emerging infectious diseases is necessary.". Conclusion In conclusion, during the pandemic, in addition to inpatient care, Japanese hospitalists provided outpatient care for COVID-19, which is the role of primary care physicians in other countries. Furthermore, Japanese hospitalists who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic expressed the need for personnel development and education to prepare for future emerging infectious disease pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tago
- Department of General Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Risa Hirata
- Department of General Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Naoko E Katsuki
- Department of General Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yosuke Sasaki
- Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Shikino
- Department of General Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Watari
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Hiromizu Takahashi
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Une
- Department of Critical Care and General Medicine, Onomichi General Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshio Naito
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Rachel Thompson
- Executive Team, Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, Snoqualmie, WA, USA
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of Critical Care and General Medicine, Onomichi General Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- JR Hiroshima Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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McGill N, Weller-Newton J, Lees C. A new survey tool for evaluating pandemic preparedness in health services. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:708. [PMID: 35624506 PMCID: PMC9136193 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid decision-making with limited resources and prior research to draw upon posed challenges for health service leaders globally when preparing for COVID-19. How do health services prepare for a pandemic and evaluate if the preparation has been effective? This study aimed to explore health workers’ perceptions and knowledge regarding preparedness for COVID-19 at a regional health service in Australia. Methods A 32-item online survey was developed to evaluate preparedness across five scales: 1) Clinical, 2) Communication, 3) Environment, 4) Human Resources, and 5) General Preparedness. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results Ninety-three employees completed the survey, with most working in clinical roles (58.1%). Respondents largely felt the health service was well-prepared (84.0%) and they were personally prepared (74.4%) to respond to COVID-19. Clinical and communication scale scores varied by role type. Respondents faced personal risk and resource shortages impacted their sense of safety; others felt adequately supported. Conclusions A coordinated “whole hospital response”, accessible and inclusive communication, education, adequate resourcing, and employee wellbeing supports are necessary when preparing health services for sentinel events. This survey tool offers health services an approach to evaluating pandemic preparation. Continued advocacy for resources and wellbeing needs of health workers is paramount in future preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole McGill
- Department of Rural Health; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 49 Graham St, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Education, Training and Research, Echuca Regional Health, 226 Service St, Echuca, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Weller-Newton
- Department of Rural Health; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 49 Graham St, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine Lees
- Department of Education, Training and Research, Echuca Regional Health, 226 Service St, Echuca, Victoria, Australia
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Nie A, Su X, Dong M, Guan W. Are nurses prepared to respond to next infectious disease outbreak: A narrative synthesis. Nurs Open 2022; 9:908-919. [PMID: 34994079 PMCID: PMC8859039 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The review aimed to present a synthesis of nurses' preparedness for infectious disease and the components of emergency preparedness. Design Narrative synthesis. Methods A systematic search and screening for relevant studies were conducted to locate the relevant articles. The included studies were examined for scientific quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The findings of included studies were synthesized by a narrative synthesis approach. Results Totally 15 studies were included, and 4 themes associated with nurses' preparedness for pandemic were identified: knowledge and skills, psychological preparation, external resources, and attitude and intention. Conclusions Most nurses express a positive willingness to respond to epidemics, although they do not believe they are adequately prepared. Some measures should be taken for improving nurses' emergency preparedness, including providing ongoing training, protective equipment, safe working environment and psychological intervention, improving nurses' resilience and accelerating the sharing of scientific information about epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anliu Nie
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangfen Su
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Dong
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenjie Guan
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Sharififar S, Hamidi Farahani R, Khoshvaghti A, Ahmadi Marzaleh M. Designing and Validation of the Nurses' Preparedness to Response to COVID-19 Questionnaire in Iran. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:1-7. [PMID: 34275513 PMCID: PMC8410740 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nurses are considered key members to respond to incidents and disasters. As many patients are hospitalized during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and nurses are directly in contact with these patients; their preparedness enables them to respond to this situation more effectively and protects their health. Therefore, the present study aimed to design and validate a questionnaire to measure the nurses' preparedness in response to COVID-19 in Iran in 2020. METHODS This study was a mixed research aiming to develop and validate a psychometric research instrument in 2020. Based on the review of the literature regarding COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, the items were extracted, rewritten, and validated. In the quantitative phase, the validity of the questionnaire was evaluated in terms of face, content, and construct validity, and its reliability was evaluated based on internal consistency and stability (Cronbach's alpha and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient [ICC]). To fill out the questionnaire, the nurses were selected by random sampling. Data analysis was done by the SPSS software, version 23 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS The designed questionnaire included 9 dimensions and 50 items. The dimensions included (1) Incident Command System (ICS); (2) risk assessment and management; (3) information and communication management; (4) psychological approaches; (5) personal protective equipment; (6) prevention of contamination, isolation, and quarantine; (7) education and training; (8) patient management; and (9) features of the new coronavirus. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were approved by the specialists and experts of nursing and health in disasters and emergencies. The content validity ratio was > 0.7 for all items. The content validity index was also approved for all items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and ICC were respectively 0.71 and 0.72 for the total questionnaire. The total score was determined based on 5 ranges, including 50-89 (very low preparedness), 90-129 (low preparedness), 130-170 (medium-level preparedness), 171-210 (high preparedness), and 211-250 (very high preparedness). CONCLUSION Nurses' preparedness to respond to this pandemic requires multilateral measures. Measuring the nurses' preparedness can clarify the challenges in hospital measures taken to respond to this crisis. Evaluating the nurses, determining the challenges and priorities, and finding solutions to resolve them can improve the nurses' performance in providing health care services. Preparation of nurses during pandemics can reduce the damages to this group and maximize their efforts to protect the patients. Thus, health planners and policy-makers should try to promote the nurses' awareness and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simintaj Sharififar
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Nursing Faculty of AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Hamidi Farahani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Khoshvaghti
- Aerospace Medicine Research Center, Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine Faculty, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Danesh MK, Garosi E, Golmohamadpour H. The COVID-19 Pandemic and nursing challenges: A review of the early literature. Work 2021; 69:23-36. [PMID: 34024803 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has put health systems under unprecedented pressure, challenging their workforce, especially nurses. OBJECTIVE The current paper presented a review of the early literature concerning emerging nursing challenges during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A systematic search of the published literature between January and May 2020 was carried out in Medline, Science Direct, and Google Scholar to identify relevant quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS Twenty-two original articles were retrieved, the majority of which were survey studies from China. Synthesis of the evidence resulted in four overarching themes including "being physically and mentally drained in the face of fear and uncertainty," "shortage of personal protective equipment and usability issues," "psychosomatic disturbances among nurses," and "moderators to mitigate nurses' challenges." CONCLUSIONS Providing care for demanding COVID-19 patients, nurses experienced a gruelling situation, during which a significant amount of psychological and physical distress was inflicted to them. However, receiving proper support from their organization and society could improve the condition substantially. Further research is required to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses, especially from Western countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba K Danesh
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Garosi
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamedeh Golmohamadpour
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Karimi Dehkordi N, Abbasi AF, Radmard Lord M, Soleimanpour S, Goharinezhad S. Interventions to Improve the Willingness to Work Among Health care Professionals in Times of Disaster: A Scoping Review. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2021; 58:469580211059959. [PMID: 34903077 PMCID: PMC8679035 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211059959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The critical role of the health workforce in the function of the health care system is undeniable. In times of disaster and public health emergency, the importance of this valuable resource for the organization multiplies. This scoping review was conducted to identify, analyze, and categorize interventions to improve willingness to work in times of disaster as well as the existing knowledge gaps in the topic. For this purpose, four databases were searched. These included Scopus, PubMed, WOS, and World Health Organization observatory, and they were searched for papers published from July 2000 to September 2020. Studies of the English language that described strategies to improve human resources for health willingness to work during times of disaster/public health emergency were included. Full-text papers were screened by authors and data extraction was done according to self-designed form. Framework analysis identified key interventions based on human resources for health action framework. From 6246 search results, 52 articles were included, a great portion of which was published in 2020 probably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Northern America was the region with most studies. From 52 included studies, 21 papers have reported the interventions to improve willingness to work and 31 papers have explored factors that affected a willingness to work. The interventions used in the studies were categorized into five themes as Leadership, Partnership, Financing, Education, and Organizational policies. The most and least interventions were financial and partnership respectively. The review identified a wide range of feasible strategies and interventions to improve human resources for health's willingness to work at times of disaster that are expected to be effective. Organizations should let the staff know these decisions and as a necessary step in every organizational intervention remember to evaluate the impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Karimi Dehkordi
- Student Research Committee, School
of Medicine, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Farhang Abbasi
- Student Research Committee, School
of Medicine, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Radmard Lord
- Student Research Committee, School
of Medicine, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Soleimanpour
- Department of Medical Library and
Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salime Goharinezhad
- Preventive Medicine and Public
Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Management and Economics
Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lam SKK, Kwong EWY, Hung MSY, Chien WT. Emergency nurses' perceptions regarding the risks appraisal of the threat of the emerging infectious disease situation in emergency departments. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 15:e1718468. [PMID: 31975652 PMCID: PMC7034460 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1718468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Emerging infectious diseases are considered as a pressing challenge to global public health. Throughout public health response to emerging infectious diseases, emergency nurses are situated at the forefront of the healthcare system. The present study has explored emergency nurses’ perceptions regarding the risks appraisal of the threat of the emerging infectious disease situation in emergency department context. Methods: The present study used a qualitative descriptive approach. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit emergency nurses who worked in public hospitals in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to 24 emergency nurses. The data were interpreted using a thematic analysis strategy. Results: Five overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) the novelty of an emerging infectious disease, (2) the severity of an emerging infectious disease, (3) the proximity to an emerging infectious disease, (4) the complexity of an emerging infectious disease situation, and (5) the response levels towards an emerging infectious disease situation. Conclusion: It is anticipated that the information may help to predict the attitudes and behaviours of emergency nurses in future impending epidemic events, enhancing emergency nurses’ preparedness towards in such situations. Abbreviations: EID: Emerging infectious disease; ED: Emergency department; SARS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome; MERS: Middle East respiratory syndrome; WHO: World Health Organization; RN: Registered nurse; APN: Advanced practice nurse; NO: Nursing officer
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wai Tong Chien
- Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
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8
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Sheng Q, Zhang X, Wang X, Cai C. The influence of experiences of involvement in the COVID-19 rescue task on the professional identity among Chinese nurses: A qualitative study. J Nurs Manag 2020; 28:1662-1669. [PMID: 32770772 PMCID: PMC7436396 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims To explore the influence of experiences of involvement in the COVID‐19 rescue task on professional identity among Chinese nurses from a qualitative method perspective. Background Professional identity of nurses is not static and easily affected by many factors. The COVID‐19 epidemic brings the tremendous physical and psychological challenges for rescue nurses. At present, there are limited data on the influence of rescue experiences on the nurses’ professional identity. Methods This study used a face‐to‐face interview with semi‐structured questions to learn about the influence of rescue experiences on the professional identity of nurses. Purposeful sampling was used to collect participants (n = 14), and interview data were analysed following the Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis. Results The ‘impression of exhaustion and fear’, ‘feeling the unfairness’, ‘perceiving incompetence in rescue task’ and ‘unexpected professional benefits’ were the main factors affecting the professional identity of rescue nurses. Conclusion The present study showed that special attention and targeted support measures should be provided to improve the professional identity of rescue nurses. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers should make a post‐epidemic recovery plan to help nurses to improve the professional identity. Designed education programmes and complete disaster response system should be developed to deal with infection disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Sheng
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuchang, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuchang, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuchang, China
| | - Chunfeng Cai
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuchang, China
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9
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Lam SKK, Kwong EWY, Hung MSY, Pang SMC, Chiang VCL. Nurses' preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks: A literature review and narrative synthesis of qualitative evidence. J Clin Nurs 2018; 27:e1244-e1255. [PMID: 29193397 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the core components that constitute nurses' preparedness in an epidemic event. BACKGROUND Healthcare service providers have worked to augment efforts to protect the public from the impact of epidemic events. While constituting the major healthcare taskforce, nurses are frequently tasked with fronting the response to an infectious disease outbreak. Given the crucial role of nurses in the management of prevailing epidemics, the constituents of their preparedness in epidemic events should be identified. DESIGN A systematic search was undertaken to identify eligible studies from the literature. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to extract and synthesise findings of the reviewed qualitative studies. METHODS Seven qualitative studies on nurses' experience and perceptions of epidemic events were examined for scientific quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. Findings of these studies were synthesised adopting a narrative synthesis approach. RESULTS Three interplaying themes were identified as follows: (i) personal resources, (ii) workplace resources and (iii) situational influences. The findings suggest that an effective epidemic outbreak response would require further effort to reinforce the interplay between individual nurses, healthcare institutions and the governments. CONCLUSIONS The practical interplay among individual nurses, healthcare institutions and the governments is crucial in establishing an effective epidemic response. Further research on the understanding of the dynamic process of preparedness development is recommended to set future directions in research. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study offers important insights for devising future strategies in enhancing nurses' preparedness and response to an epidemic event. These include recommendations on providing education and training to nurses regarding infectious diseases, fostering institutional assistance and support in an outbreak and revising government policies and planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley K K Lam
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Enid W Y Kwong
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Samantha M C Pang
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Vico C L Chiang
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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10
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Perceptions of emergency nurses during the human swine influenza outbreak: a qualitative study. Int Emerg Nurs 2012; 21:240-6. [PMID: 23142054 PMCID: PMC7118452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary aim of this study was to explore the perception of Hong Kong emergency nurses regarding their work during the human swine influenza pandemic outbreak. METHODS In this exploratory, qualitative study, 10 emergency nurses from a regional hospital in Hong Kong were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured, face-to-face individual interviews were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to analyze the transcripts. RESULTS The three following categories emerged from the interview data: concerns about health, comments on the administration, and attitudes of professionalism. Nurses viewed the human swine influenza as a threat to their personal and families' health. However, nurses perceived that the severity of the disease was exaggerated by the public. Improvements in planning the circulation of information, allocation of manpower, and utilization of personal protective equipment were indicated. The emergency nurses demonstrated a sense of commitment and professional morale in promoting a high quality of nursing care. DISCUSSION Various factors affecting the perceptions of emergency nurses toward their professional duties during the influenza pandemic were identified. By understanding these perceptions, appropriate planning, policies, and guidelines can be formulated to meet the healthcare needs of patients during future pandemic outbreaks.
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Knowledge and Preparedness for Avian Influenza Among the First Year Medical Students and Interns of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Honda H, Padival S, Shimamura Y, Babcock H. Changes in influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers following a pandemic influenza year at a Japanese tertiary care centre. J Hosp Infect 2012; 80:316-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Koh Y, Hegney D, Drury V. Nurses' perceptions of risk from emerging respiratory infectious diseases: a Singapore study. Int J Nurs Pract 2012; 18:195-204. [PMID: 22435984 PMCID: PMC7165875 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-172x.2012.02018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The recent emergence of virulent respiratory infectious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Influenza A/H1N1 viruses predisposes nurses to occupational risks. This qualitative study investigated how Chinese Singaporean nurses perceived the risks of exposure to these infectious diseases and the factors that influenced this risk perception. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's process of thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: living with risk; the experience of SARS; and acceptance of risk. The nature of nursing work was perceived to place participants at risk of infection. Another significant finding of this study is that the government's, organizations' and nurses' perceptions of new emerging respiratory infectious diseases were influenced by their previous experience with SARS. Similar to previous studies, nurses working at the 'front line' believed that infection from these diseases was an unavoidable occupational hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Koh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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14
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Torre GLA, Semyonov L, Mannocci A, Boccia A. Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of public health doctors towards pandemic influenza compared to the general population in Italy. Scand J Public Health 2011; 40:69-75. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494811424612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To study differences between public health physicians’ and general population’s knowledge, attitude, and behaviours towards an influenza pandemic. Methods: During winter 2009, an anonymous questionnaire online ( www.ijph.it ) of 34 questions was available for participants, structured into three parts: socio-demographic information, people’s knowledge, and behaviours about influenza H1N1. Results: 836 persons were interviewed (335 physicians and 501 not physicians). Of these, 50.8% of physicians and 78.1% of not physicians were aged less than 50 years and 57.6% of physicians and 31.7% of not physicians were male. Physicians were more interested to be updated about the pandemic (90.6% versus 88.4% of not physicians; p = 0.003); not physicians were more inclined to avoid crowded places (29.7% versus 17.6% of physicians; p < 0.001); and physicians were more prone to get vaccinated (56.4% versus 23.6% of not physicians; p < 0.001). Broadly, physicians had a better ability to deal the pandemic, both for knowledge and behaviours. Particularly, a significant difference ( p < 0.001) was found concerning the principle source of information on the pandemic, for physicians being the internet (41.5%), followed by the health facilities’ internal communication (33.1%), while for not physicians being watching the national television news (34.1%) and surfing the internet (30.9%). Conclusions: During the spread of the pandemic flu, a lot of information was propagated chaotically. The information given were not always truthful and often they were interpreted incorrectly or sometimes only partially understood by the population, and this needs to be taken into account for future successful communication in cases of emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe LA Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leda Semyonov
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Mannocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Boccia
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Poland GA. The 2009-2010 influenza pandemic: effects on pandemic and seasonal vaccine uptake and lessons learned for seasonal vaccination campaigns. Vaccine 2010; 28 Suppl 4:D3-13. [PMID: 20713258 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Individual and national/cultural differences were apparent in response to the 2009-2010 influenza pandemic. Overall pandemic influenza immunization rates were low across all nations, including among healthcare workers. Among the reasons for the low coverage rates may have been a lack of concern about the individual risk of influenza, which may translate into a lack of willingness or urgency to be vaccinated, particularly if there is mistrust of information provided by public health or governmental authorities. Intuitively, a link between willingness to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza and against pandemic influenza exists, given the similarities in decision-making for this infection. As such, the public is likely to share common concerns regarding pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly in the areas of vaccine safety and side effects, and personal risk. Given the public's perception of the low level of virulence of the recent pandemic influenza virus, there is concern that the perception of a lack of personal risk of infection and risk of vaccine side effects could adversely affect seasonal vaccine uptake. While governments are more often concerned about public anxiety and panic, as well as absenteeism of healthcare and other essential workers during a pandemic, convincing the public of the threat posed by pandemic or seasonal influenza is often the more difficult, and underappreciated task. Thus, appropriate, timely, and data-driven health information are very important issues in increasing influenza vaccine coverage, perhaps even more so in western societies where trust in government and public health reports may be lower than in other countries. This article explores what has been learned about cross-cultural responses to pandemic influenza, and seeks to apply those lessons to seasonal influenza immunization programs.
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Baron S, McPhaul K, Phillips S, Gershon R, Lipscomb J. Protecting home health care workers: a challenge to pandemic influenza preparedness planning. Am J Public Health 2009; 99 Suppl 2:S301-7. [PMID: 19461108 PMCID: PMC4504355 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.157339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The home health care sector is a critical element in a pandemic influenza emergency response. Roughly 85% of the 1.5 million workers delivering in-home care to 7.6 million clients are low-wage paraprofessionals, mostly women, and disproportionately members of racial and ethnic minorities. Home health care workers' ability and willingness to respond during a pandemic depends on appropriate communication, training, and adequate protections, including influenza vaccination and respiratory protection. Preparedness planning should also include support for child care and transportation and help home health care workers protect their income and access to health care. We summarize findings from a national stakeholder meeting, which highlighted the need to integrate home health care employers, workers, community advocates, and labor unions into the planning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Baron
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Koh GCH, Abikusno N, Kwing CS, Yee WT, Kusumaratna R, Sundram M, Koh K, Eng CS, Koh D. Avian influenza and South Jakarta primary healthcare workers: a controlled mixed-method study. Trop Med Int Health 2009; 14:817-29. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02297.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Prateepko T, Chongsuvivatwong V. Patterns of perception toward influenza pandemic among the front-line responsible health personnel in southern Thailand: a Q methodology approach. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:161. [PMID: 19473550 PMCID: PMC2700101 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thailand has joined the World Health Organization effort to prepare against a threat of an influenza pandemic. Regular monitoring on preparedness of health facilities and assessment on perception of the front-line responsible health personnel has never been done. This study aimed to document the patterns of perception of health personnel toward the threat of an influenza pandemic. Methods Q methodology was applied to a set of 385 health personnel in charge of influenza pandemic preparedness in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand. Subjects were asked to rank 33 statements about various issues of influenza pandemic according to a pre-designed score sheet having a quasi-normal distribution on a continuous 9-point bipolar scale ranging from -4 for strongly disagree to +4 for strongly agree. The Q factor analysis method was employed to identify patterns based on the similarity and dissimilarity among health personnel. Results There were three main patterns of perception toward influenza pandemic with moderate correlation coefficients between patterns ranging from 0.37 to 0.55. Pattern I, health personnel, which we labeled pessimistic, perceived themselves as having a low self-efficacy. Pattern II, which we labeled optimistic, perceived the threat to be low severity and low vulnerability. Pattern III, which we labeled mixed, perceived low self-efficacy but low vulnerability. Across the three patterns, almost all the subjects had a high expectancy that execution of recommended measures can mitigate impacts of the threat of an influenza pandemic, particularly on multi-measures with high factor scores of 4 in all patterns. The most conflicting area was vulnerability on the possible impacts of an influenza pandemic, having factor scores of high (3), low (-4), and neutral (0) for patterns I, II, and III, respectively. Conclusion Strong consistent perceptions of response efficacy against an influenza pandemic may suggest a low priority to convince health personnel on the efficacy of the recommended measures. Lack of self-efficacy in certain sub-groups indicates the need for program managers to improve self-confidence of health personnel to participate in an emergency response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapanan Prateepko
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand.
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Ehrenstein BP. Pandemic influenza: are we prepared to face our obligations? CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2008; 12:165. [PMID: 18638362 PMCID: PMC2575555 DOI: 10.1186/cc6938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
After decades of low personal risk for contracting lethal diseases, physicians are suddenly facing the possibility of a substantial increase in occupational risk during an influenza pandemic. If they are not confronted before the onset of an influenza pandemic, feelings of unease and fear or ignorance about physicians' professional obligations could profoundly hinder individual physicians in fulfilling their professional duties. Such feelings could therefore undermine institutional and societal preparations. In their review published in Critical Care, Anantham and coworkers outline the ethical framework that forms the basis of the professional obligations of physicians who respond to health care emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic.
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Anantham D, McHugh W, O'Neill S, Forrow L. Clinical review: influenza pandemic - physicians and their obligations. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2008; 12:217. [PMID: 18598380 PMCID: PMC2481470 DOI: 10.1186/cc6918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
An influenza pandemic threatens to be the most lethal public health crisis to confront the world. Physicians will have critical roles in diagnosis, containment and treatment of influenza, and their commitment to treat despite increased personal risks is essential for a successful public health response. The obligations of the medical profession stem from the unique skills of its practitioners, who are able to provide more effective aid than the general public in a medical emergency. The free choice of profession and the societal contract from which doctors derive substantial benefits affirm this commitment. In hospitals, the duty will fall upon specialties that are most qualified to deal with an influenza pandemic, such as critical care, pulmonology, anesthesiology and emergency medicine. It is unrealistic to expect that this obligation to treat should be burdened with unlimited risks. Instead, risks should be minimized and justified against the effectiveness of interventions. Institutional and public cooperation in logistics, remuneration and psychological/legal support may help remove the barriers to the ability to treat. By stepping forward in duty during such a pandemic, physicians will be able to reaffirm the ethical center of the profession and lead the rest of the healthcare team in overcoming the medical crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devanand Anantham
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore.
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