Suggesting a holistic framework for understanding healthcare services leadership competence - a critical interpretive synthesis.

PURPOSE: Healthcare providers are under pressure due to increasing and more complex demands for services. Increased pressure on budgets and human resources adds to an ever-growing problem set. Competent leaders are in demand to ensure effective and well-performing healthcare organisations that deliver balanced results and high-quality services. Researchers have made significant efforts to identify and define determining competencies for healthcare leadership. Broad terms such as competence are, however, inherently at risk of becoming too generic to add analytical value. The purpose of this study is to suggest a holistic framework for understanding healthcare leadership competence, that can be crucial for operationalising important healthcare leadership competencies for researchers, decision-makers as well as practitioners. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In the present study, a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) was conducted to analyse competency descriptions for healthcare leaders. The descriptions were retrieved from peer reviewed empirical studies published between 2010 and 2022 that aimed to identify healthcare services leadership competencies. Grounded theory was utilised to code the data and inductively develop new categories of healthcare leadership competencies. The categorisation was then analysed to suggest a holistic framework for healthcare leadership competence. FINDINGS: Forty-one papers were included in the review. Coding and analysing the competence descriptions resulted in 12 healthcare leadership competence categories: (1) character, (2) interpersonal relations, (3) leadership, (4) professionalism, (5) soft HRM, (6) management, (7) organisational knowledge, (8) technology, (9) knowledge of the healthcare environment, (10) change and innovation, (11) knowledge transformation and (12) boundary spanning. Based on this result, a holistic framework for understanding and analysing healthcare services leadership competencies was suggested. This framework suggests that the 12 categories of healthcare leadership competencies include a range of knowledge, skills and abilities that can be understood across the dimension personal - and technical, and organisational internal and - external competencies. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This literature review was conducted with the results of searching only two electronic databases. Because of this, there is a chance that there exist empirical studies that could have added to the development of the competence categories or could have contradicted some of the descriptions used in this analysis that were assessed as quite harmonised. A CIS also opens for a broader search, including the grey literature, books, policy documents and so on, but this study was limited to peer-reviewed empirical studies. This limitation could also have affected the result, as complex phenomenon such as competence might have been disclosed in greater details in, for example, books. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The holistic framework for healthcare leadership competences offers a common understanding of a "fuzzy" concept such as competence and can be used to identify specific competency needs in healthcare organisations, to develop strategic competency plans and educational programmes for healthcare leaders. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study reveals a lack of consensus regarding the use and understanding of the concept of competence, and that key competencies addressed in the included papers are described vastly different in terms of what knowledge, skills and abilities they entail. This challenges the operationalisation of healthcare services leadership competencies. The proposed framework for healthcare services leadership competencies offers a common understanding of work-related competencies and a possibility to analyse key leadership competencies based on a holistic framework.

Value-Based Integrated Care: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare services worldwide are transforming themselves into value-based organizations. Integrated care is an important aspect of value-based healthcare (VBHC), but practical evidence-based recommendations for the successful implementation of integrated care within a VBHC context are lacking. This systematic review aims to identify how value-based integrated care (VBIC) is defined in literature, and to summarize the literature regarding the effects of VBIC, and the facilitators and barriers for its implementation. METHODS: Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails databases were searched from inception until January 2022. Empirical studies that implemented and evaluated an integrated care intervention within a VBHC context were included. Non-empirical studies were included if they described either a definition of VBIC or facilitators and barriers for its implementation. Theoretical articles and articles without an available full text were excluded. All included articles were analysed qualitatively. The Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC) was used to analyse the VBIC interventions. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS: After screening 1328 titles/abstract and 485 full-text articles, 24 articles were included. No articles were excluded based on quality. One article provided a definition of VBIC. Eleven studies reported-mostly positive- effects of VBIC, on clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and healthcare utilization. Nineteen studies reported facilitators and barriers for the implementation of VBIC; factors related to reimbursement and information technology (IT) infrastructure were reported most frequently. CONCLUSION: The concept of VBIC is not well defined. The effect of VBIC seems promising, but the exact interpretation of effect evaluations is challenged by the precedence of multicomponent interventions, multiple testing and generalizability issues. For successful implementation of VBIC, it is imperative that healthcare organizations consider investing in adequate IT infrastructure and new reimbursement models. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021259025).

A community service doctor's experiences of mental healthcare provision in rural Eastern Cape.

BACKGROUND:  Literature shows that in South Africa there are insufficient resources to meet mental healthcare needs. At general or district hospital level, the non-specialist doctor is often responsible for the holistic assessment and management of mental health service users. Such situations inevitably increase doctors' care load as they are required to treat across disciplines. We highlight the particular challenges faced by a community service (CS) doctor in this context. METHODS:  The presented case study formed part of a larger project that investigated public mental healthcare provision in the Eastern Cape province. Data were collected through a once-off semi-structured interview with the participant. The interview was transcribed and data analysed by utilising thematic analysis to yield results. RESULTS:  The study suggests that the CS doctor experiences being overloaded with duties, and feels overwhelmed in a healthcare context that lacks resources needed for service provision, which may lead to inadequate mental healthcare provision to public health service users. CONCLUSION:  Healthcare facilities in rural parts of the Eastern Cape province are in need of assistance. This in-depth account highlighted the consequences of working on the front line of a disadvantaged and under-resourced health system. The presented account can be interpreted as a cry for help by CS doctors for relevant authorities to improve access and provision of mental healthcare in the area.Contribution: The paper provides an exploration of the circumstances wherein mental healthcare is provided in rural parts of South Africa.

Immediate postpartum anemia and associated factors at shewarobit health facilities, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Immediate postpartum anemia occurs when the amount of red blood cell count is reduced or hemoglobin concentration is below 10 g/dl in the immediate postpartum. It occurs primarily due to inadequate iron intake before and during pregnancy and blood loss during delivery. The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of immediate postpartum anemia and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at Shewarobit health facilities; in Amhara, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select the study participants. The data were collected through interviewer-assisted questions. Data were entered into Epi Data software version 4.6.0.4 and exported to SPSS 21 for analysis, and descriptive statistics were computed. Logistic regression was applied, and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study was conducted among 307 study participants and, the proportion of immediate postpartum anemia was 41.4% [95% CI: 36.7-46.6]. Having postpartum hemorrhage [AOR = 4.76, 95% CI: 2.44-9.28], not taking iron and folic acid supplementation [AOR = 6.19, 95% CI: 2.69, 14.22], having a prolonged second stage of labor [AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.16-5.44], and mid-upper arm circumference < 23 cm [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.11-3.68] were factors significantly associated with immediate postpartum anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of immediate postpartum anemia was public problem in Shewarobit health facilities. Following the progress of labor using a partograph, closely monitoring and immediate intervention of PPH, and prevent undernutrition during antenatal care is recommended.

Encirclement of productive capacities and institutions in context of sustainable development.

The question of whether productive capacities and institutional quality facilitate or impede progress towards sustainable development is a significant issue that has not been extensively explored in prior literature. Despite their importance, these variables are often overlooked in the literature on sustainable development, yet they play a crucial role in enabling efforts to achieve sustainable development. In this study, we examined how productive capacities affect sustainable development, with a moderating impact of institutional quality. The sample was comprised of 44 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies, covering the period from 2000 to 2018. Using a two-step system GMM, we found that the relation between productive capacities and sustainable development is dynamic, positive, and significant. Additionally, institutional quality played a moderating role in achieving sustainable development, especially among regionally connected countries. Our findings suggest that sustainable development is strongly linked to a country's productive capacities. Therefore, improving productive capacities and institutional quality may lead to long-term development and sustainability. These results are valuable to academia as they provide new thought regarding the influence of productive capacities and institutional quality on sustainable development, and policymakers may benefit from the suggestions presented regarding productive capacities and institutional quality.

Is the national health insurance scheme a pathway to sustained access to medicines in Nigeria?

OBJECTIVE: The debate surrounding access to medicines in Nigeria has become increasingly necessary due to the high cost of essential medicine drugs and the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in the country. The Nigerian government has proposed the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address these issues and guarantee universal access to essential medicines. Access was investigated using the 3 A's (accessibility, affordability, and availability). This paper investigates whether the NHIS is a viable pathway to sustained access to medicines in Nigeria. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods design. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized for the study. SETTING: This study was conducted at NHIS-accredited public and private facilities in Enugu State. PARTICIPANTS: 296 randomly selected enrollees took part in the quantitative component, while, 6 participants were purposively selected for the qualitative component, where in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted face-to-face with NHIS desk officers in selected public and private health facilities. RESULTS: The quantitative findings showed that 94.9% of respondents sought medical help. Our data shows that 78.4% of the respondents indicated that the scheme improved their access to care (accessibility, affordability, and availability). The qualitative results from the NHIS desk officers showed that respondents across all the socio-economic groups reported that the NHIS had marginally improved access to medicine over the years. It was also observed that most of the staff in NHIS-accredited facilities were not adequately trained on the scheme's requirements and that most times, essential drugs were not readily available at the accredited facilities. CONCLUSION: The study findings revealed that although the NHIS has successfully expanded access to medicines, there remain several challenges to its effective implementation and sustainability. Additionally, the scheme's coverage of essential medicines is could be improved even more, leading to reduced access to needed drugs for many Nigerians. A focus on the 3As for the scheme means that all facility categories (private and public) and their interests (where necessary) must be considered in further planning of the scheme to ensure that things work out well.

Access to continuous professional development for capacity building among nurses and midwives providing emergency obstetric and neonatal care in Rwanda.

BACKGROUND: Nurses and midwives are at the forefront of the provision of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is crucial to provide them with competencies they need to provide quality services. This research aimed to assess uptake and accessibility of midwives and nurses to CPD and determine their knowledge and skills gaps in key competencies of EmONC to inform the CPD programming. METHODS: The study applied a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive research methodology. Using a random selection, forty (40) health facilities (HFs) were selected out of 445 HFs that performed at least 20 deliveries per month from July 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021 in Rwanda. Questionnaires were used to collect data on updates of CPD, knowledge on EmONC and delivery methods to accessCPD. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 27 software. RESULTS: Nurses and midwives are required by the Rwandan midwifery regulatory body to complete at least 60 CPD credits before license renewal. However, the study findings revealed that most health care providers (HCPs) have not been trained on EmONC after graduation from their formal education. Results indicated that HCPs who had acquired less than 60 CPD credits related to EmONC training were 79.9% overall, 56.3% in hospitals, 82.2% at health centres and 100% at the health post levels. This resulted in skills and knowledge gaps in management of Pre/Eclampsia, Postpartum Hemorrhage and essential newborn care. The most common method to access CPD credits included workshops (43.6%) and online training (34.5%). Majority of HCPs noted that it was difficult to achieve the required CPD credits (57.0%). CONCLUSION: The findings from this study revealed a low uptake of critical EmONC training by nurses and midwives in the form of CPD. The study suggests a need to integrate EmONC into the health workforce capacity building plan at all levels and to make such training systematic and available in multiple and easily accessible formats. IMPLICATION ON NURSING AND MIDWIFERY POLICY: Findings will inform the revision of policies and strategies to improve CPD towards accelerating capacity for the reduction of preventable maternal and perinatal deaths as well as reducing maternal disabilities in Rwanda.

Therapeutic itineraries of quilombola women in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. / Itinerários terapêuticos de mulheres quilombolas do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Quilombolas are ethnic-racial groups, of black ancestry, and had their territories consolidated in Brazil in regions with difficult access and far from large centers. The objective of this study is to know the therapeutic itinerary (IT) adopted by quilombola women in traditional communities located in the North of the state of Minas Gerais. This is a qualitative study with the theoretical model using the Arthur Kleinman health care system. The study scenario was 23 quilombola communities in northern Minas Gerais. Forty quilombola women aged between 25 and 89 years were interviewed. Data analysis was performed following the IT. Units of analysis emerged that were grouped into three categories: quilombola women and the meaning of health and care; the professional care system in quilombola communities; and route of care in situations experienced by women. The therapeutic itinerary of the communities is mainly related to the actions of popular medicine. It was also possible to observe that there are weaknesses in relation to health care due to factors such as difficulty of access to institutionalized services.

Os quilombolas são grupos étnico-raciais de ancestralidade negra e tiveram seus territórios consolidados no Brasil em regiões com acesso difícil e distante dos grandes centros. O objetivo desse estudo é conhecer o itinerário terapêutico (IT) adotado por mulheres quilombolas em comunidades tradicionais localizadas no norte do estado de Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa com o modelo teórico utilizando o sistema de cuidados à saúde de Arthur Kleinman. O estudo se deu em 23 comunidades quilombolas do norte de Minas Gerais. Foram entrevistadas 40 mulheres quilombolas, com idades entre 25 e 89 anos. A análise dos dados foi realizada seguindo os IT. Emergiram unidades de análise que foram agrupadas em três categorias: as mulheres quilombolas e o significado da saúde e do cuidado; o sistema de cuidado profissional nas comunidades quilombolas; e itinerário de cuidados nas situações vivenciadas pelas mulheres. O itinerário terapêutico das comunidades se mostra relacionado principalmente às ações de medicina popular. Foi possível observar ainda que existem fragilidades em relação à atenção à saúde devido a fatores como dificuldade de acesso aos serviços institucionalizados.

Therapeutic itineraries in health care in Quilombola communities. / Itinerários terapêuticos no cuidado em saúde em comunidades quilombolas.

This article aimed to map therapeutic itineraries in health care within rural Quilombola communities in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a section of a qualitative research conducted in six visited communities. The data was collected through 18 individual interviews, analyzed using the theoretical-methodological framework of Therapeutic Itineraries, and organized into three empirical themes. The narratives allowed for understanding the paths taken in health care by the Quilombola population, identifying the components of the popular subsystem (natural resources, the use of teas and home remedies), the family subsystem (transmission of knowledge and cultural heritage of care), and the professional subsystem (hospital level, medical care, primary and specialized attention). The difficulties of access are not only due to geographical distances, but also broader aspects of social determination, such as institutional racism, low availability of services, the need for payment for transportation and medical procedures. In this sense, it is necessary to have an approach and interventions from public policies to address ethnic-racial, economic, and access inequalities in health care services.

Este artigo teve como objetivo mapear os itinerários terapêuticos no cuidado em saúde em comunidades quilombolas rurais no norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Trata-se de um recorte de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada em seis comunidades visitadas. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de 18 entrevistas individuais, analisados pelo referencial teórico-metodológico dos itinerários terapêuticos e organizados em três temas empíricos. As narrativas permitiram a compreensão dos percursos trilhados no cuidado em saúde pela população quilombola, a identificação dos componentes do subsistema popular (recursos naturais, o uso de chás e remédios caseiros), do subsistema familiar (transmissão de conhecimentos e herança cultural de cuidados), e do subsistema profissional (nível hospitalar, cuidados médicos, atenção primária e especializada). As dificuldades de acesso não decorrem apenas das distâncias geográficas, envolvem aspectos mais amplos da determinação social, como o racismo institucional, a baixa oferta de serviços, a necessidade de pagamento para deslocamentos e procedimentos médicos. Nesse sentido, fazem-se necessárias uma abordagem e intervenções das políticas públicas frente às desigualdades étnico-raciais, econômicas e de acesso aos serviços de cuidado em saúde.

Àgô Sankofa: an overview of the progression of sickle cell disease in Brazil in the past two decades. / Àgô Sankofa: um olhar sobre a trajetória da doença falciforme no Brasil nos últimos 20 anos.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an emblematic case of historical health neglect in Brazil and reflects how institutional racism produces health inequalities. This article engaged in a historical journey of this disease, showing the delayed implementation of health policies for people with sickle cell disease, often concealed in Public Power's (in)actions and omissions. The lack of commitment to implement the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, such as neonatal screening, and the difficulty in incorporating technologies for health care result from this modus operandi. The advances and setbacks in programmatic actions and the constant pressure on several governmental entities have characterized the reported saga in the last twenty years. The present text discusses the policies for people with SCD, appropriating the Sankofa symbol, meaning that building the present is only possible by remembering past mistakes. Thus, we recognize this trajectory and this historical moment in which there is a concrete possibility of moving forward and achieving the longed-for comprehensive care for people with SCD. There is an invitation to glance at a new perspective, one in which hope is the trigger for the movements needed to guarantee the rights of people with SCD.

A doença falciforme (DF) é um caso emblemático de negligência histórica em saúde no Brasil e reflete como o racismo institucional produz iniquidades em saúde. Este artigo fez um percurso histórico até os dias atuais e mostra atraso na implementação de políticas de saúde voltadas para as pessoas com DF, tantas vezes encoberto em (in)ações e omissões do poder público. O descompromisso para a efetivação das recomendações do Ministério da Saúde, a exemplo da triagem neonatal, e a dificuldade de incorporar as tecnologias para a assistência à saúde resultam desse modus nada operandi. Os avanços e retrocessos nas ações programáticas, bem como a pressão constante sobre os diversos entes governamentais, caracterizaram a saga dos últimos 20 anos. O texto disserta sobre as políticas voltadas para as pessoas com DF, apropriando-se da simbologia Sankofa, já que só é possível construir o presente pelo aprendizado dos erros do passado. Assim, reconhecemos essa trajetória e esse momento histórico em que há possibilidade concreta de avançar e concretizar o tão almejado cuidado integral para pessoas com DF. Concluiu-se que há um convite para um novo olhar, em que esperançar seja o disparador das movimentações necessárias para a garantia do direito para as pessoas com DF.

Citizen engagement in national health insurance in rural western Kenya.

Effective citizen engagement is crucial for the success of social health insurance, yet little is known about the mechanisms used to involve citizens in low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores citizen engagement efforts by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and their impact on health insurance coverage within rural informal worker households in western Kenya. Our study employed a mixed methods design, including a cross-sectional household survey (n = 1773), in-depth household interviews (n = 36), six focus group discussions with community stakeholders and key informant interviews (n = 11) with policymakers. The findings reveal that NHIF is widely recognized, but knowledge of its services, feedback mechanisms and accountability systems is limited. NHIF enrolment among respondents is low (11%). The majority (63%) are aware of NHIF, but only 32% know about the benefit package. There was higher awareness of the benefit package (60%) among those with NHIF compared to those without (28%). Satisfaction with the NHIF benefit package was expressed by only 48% of the insured. Nearly all respondents (93%) are unaware of mechanisms to provide feedback or raise complaints with NHIF. Of those who are aware, the majority (57%) mention visiting NHIF offices for assistance. Most respondents (97%) lack awareness of NHIF's performance reporting mechanisms and express a desire to learn. Negative media reports about NHIF's performance erode trust, contributing to low enrolment and member attrition. Our study underscores the urgency of prioritizing citizen engagement to address low enrolment and attrition rates. We recommend evaluating current citizen engagement procedures to enhance citizen accountability and incorporate their voices. Equally important is the need to build the capacity of health facility staff handling NHIF clients in providing information and addressing complaints. Transparency and information accessibility, including the sharing of performance reports, will foster trust in the insurer. Lastly, standardizing messaging and translations for diverse audiences, particularly rural informal workers, is crucial.

Participatory approaches to programme design, planning and early implementation: experiences from a safe surgery project in Nigeria.

MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics is a global project that strengthens surgical ecosystems through partnership with country institutions. In Nigeria, the project implements in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi and Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on surgical obstetrics, holistic fistula care and female genital mutilation/cutting prevention and care. The project utilized participatory approaches during its design, planning and early implementation phases. During the design phase, the project employed a co-creation process featuring a desk review, key informant interviews and stakeholder workshops at community, facility, and government levels to actively listen to, identify and incorporate local perspectives on surgical ecosystem gaps and priorities. Initial findings, shared at state- and national-level workshops, helped collectively identify and prioritize context-specific interventions. The resulting co-created workplan features interventions to strengthen surgical services based on the National Surgical, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia and Nursing Plan (NSOANP). Upon workplan approval, the planning phase involved meeting with each State Ministry of Health (MOH) to prioritize workplan interventions for implementation and to define the finer details needed to drive early implementation processes. Preliminary achievements during early implementation include state commitments to include a costed facility NSOANP in 2023 annual operational plans, mitigation of health facility staffing shortages and review of national fistula and surgical Health Management Information System indicator data flow and advocacy to the Federal MOH resulting in improved fistula data quality and availability. Well-established state and national systems, structures, policies and guidelines enable this programming approach. Since communication between institutional actors is often limited, these approaches necessitate building and maintaining relationships and knowledge-sharing, which requires a significant up-front time investment that must be balanced with donor/partner desires for rapid deliverables. Linking different actors within the health system together through co-creation/co-implementation represents a crucial step in building sustainable country ownership and oversight for surgical ecosystems strengthening interventions.

Identifying longitudinal healthcare pathways and subsequent mortality for people living with dementia in England: an observational group-based trajectory analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of people living with dementia (PLWD) continues to increase, particularly those with severe symptomatology. Severe symptoms and greater ill-health result in more acute care need. Early healthcare interventions can prove beneficial. Healthcare use has not been analysed as a holistic set of interlinked events. This study explores different healthcare pathways among PLWD, social or spatial inequalities in healthcare pathways and subsequent mortality risk. METHODS: Group-based trajectory models (GBTM) were applied to electronic healthcare records. We generated clusters of PLWD with similar five-year, post-diagnosis trajectories in rates of primary and secondary healthcare use. Potential social and spatial variations in healthcare use clusters were examined. Cox Proportional Hazards used to explore variation in subsequent mortality risk between healthcare use clusters. RESULTS: Four healthcare use clusters were identified in both early- (n = 3732) and late-onset (n = 6224) dementia populations. Healthcare use variations were noted; consistent or diminishing healthcare use was associated with lower subsequent mortality risk. Increasing healthcare use was associated with increased mortality risk. Descriptive analyses indicated social and spatial variation in healthcare use cluster membership. CONCLUSION: Healthcare pathways can help indicate changing need and variation in need, with differential patterns in initial healthcare use post-diagnosis, producing similar subsequent mortality risk. Care in dementia needs to be more accessible and appropriate, with care catered to specific and changing needs. Better continuity of care and greater awareness of dementia in primary can enhance prospects for PLWD. Research needs to further illuminate holistic care need for PLWD, including health and social care use, inequalities in care, health and outcomes.

Characteristics and counseling strategies for physical activity used by primary health care professionals. / Características e estratégias de aconselhamento para atividade física utilizadas por profissionais da atenção primária à saúde.

This study aim to describe the characteristics and strategies of counseling for physical activity used by Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals. A survey was carried out with 587 (85.4% women) health professionals who work in PHC in Florianopolis, in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Counseling carried out in the last 12 months was considered. Operational aspects related to counseling practices and strategies used for counseling were evaluated. The frequency of physical activity guidance was 86.2% (95%CI = 83.2-88.8%). Counseling was characterized as a brief practice, carried out in individual consultations, aimed at adults and the older adults and people with morbidities. The most used strategy was to guide users to participate in physical activity groups at the Health Center (89.5%) and in relation to the 5As method, giving some "advice" was the most used strategy (99.0%) and the least used. used was to follow strategies (22.6%). Counseling for physical activity has been based on a brief practice, carried out in individual consultations and focused on people with morbidities and on adults and the elderly. The strategies used do not seem to cover the full care of the advised users.

O estudo buscou descrever as características e estratégias de aconselhamento para atividade física utilizadas por profissionais da atenção primária à saúde (APS). Foi realizada uma pesquisa com 587 profissionais de saúde (85,4% mulheres) que atuam na APS de Florianópolis, no estado de Santa Catarina, Sul do Brasil. Foram considerados os aconselhamentos efetuados nos últimos 12 meses, avaliando-se aspectos operacionais relacionados às práticas e estratégias utilizadas. A frequência de orientação de atividade física foi de 86,2% (IC95% = 83,2-88,8%). O aconselhamento se caracterizou como uma prática breve, realizada em consultas individuais, voltadas para adultos e idosos e pessoas com morbidades. A estratégia mais utilizada foi orientar usuários a participarem de grupos de atividade física no Centro de Saúde (89,5%), e em relação ao método 5As, dar algum "conselho" foi a estratégia mais utilizada (99,0%), e a menos utilizada foi seguir estratégias (22,6%). Aconselhamento para atividade física tem sido baseado em uma prática breve, realizada em consultas individuais e focada em pessoas com morbidades e em adultos e idosos. As estratégias utilizadas parecem não abranger o cuidado integral dos usuários aconselhados.

Comparing easywrap with six other adjustable wraps for compression therapy in venous and lymphatic disease by variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. AIMS: To determine whether easywrap (Haddenham Healthcare) had lower standard deviation (SD) in lying pressure, greater static stiffness index (SSI) and/or a greater mean elongation ratio than six other adjustable wraps. METHODS: In this preliminary exploratory study, seven adjustable wraps were tested in vivo 20 times each (140 tests in total), on 20 people (with a variable number of readings per participant), to give the SD in lying pressure and mean SSI. The same wraps were tested in vitro five times each to give the mean elongation ratio. FINDINGS: Of all seven adjustable wraps, easywrap had the second lowest SD in lying pressure at 5.9 mmHg, compared with 8.9 mmHg overall; the highest mean SSI at 13.2 mmHg, compared with 9.5 mmHg overall; and the highest mean elongation ratio at 137.0%, compared with 107.1% overall. CONCLUSIONS: These metrics suggest that easywrap has clinical advantages over other adjustable wraps. A lower variation in lying pressure suggests more consistent application of pressures within intended therapeutic levels. Higher SSI indicates greater resistance to stretching, which is linked to improved venous function and oedema reduction. Higher elongation ratio demonstrates greater tensile strength, which should maintain therapeutic pressure for longer without readjustment.

Caregivers' experiences of accessing HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) services and its barriers and facilitators, India.

BACKGROUND: India has rolled out Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) program for HIV infection in all states. EID program consists of testing of Infants exposed to HIV periodically over 18 months of age which is a multi-step complex testing cascade. Caregivers represent the primary beneficiary of EID program i.e., infants exposed to HIV and face multiple challenges to access EID services. As part of national EID program outcome assessment study, this study narrates caregivers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to access and utilize EID services. METHODS: The study was conducted in 31 integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTCs) located in 11 high burden HIV states. A total of 66 in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers' of infants enrolled in EID program. Thematic analysis was carried out to help identify themes underlying barriers and facilitators to access EID services and utilization from caregivers' perspectives. RESULTS: The stigma and discrimination prevalent in society about HIV remains a key demand side (caregiver-level) barrier. Non-disclosure or selective disclosure of HIV status led to missed or delayed EID tests and delayed HIV diagnosis and initiation of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for infants exposed to HIV. On supply side (health system-level), accessibility of healthcare facility with EID services was reported as a key barrier. The distance, time and cost were key concerns. Many caregivers faced difficulties to remember the details of complex EID test schedule and relied on a phone call from ICTC counsellor for next due EID test. Delayed EID test results and lack of communication of test results to caregiver were reported as primary barriers for completing the EID test cascade. DISCUSSION: The study reports caregiver-level and health system-level barriers and facilitators for access to EID services from the caregivers' perspectives. While, decentralisation and single window approaches can improve the access, timely communication of test results to the caregiver also need to be built in with appropriate use of technology. A holistic intervention including PLHIV support networks and the peer-led support mechanisms would be useful to address societal factors. CONCLUSION: The study findings have high significance for developing program implementation strategies to improve access and to build right-based and patient-centred EID services.

Developing a Framework for the Design and Deployment of Virtual Reality (VR) in Clinical Education.

The emerging cost-effective and powerful standalone VR hardware is an increasingly viable supplement to traditional clinical educational modalities. These traditional approaches are effective but can be limited by the cost of simulation infrastructure, the requirement to attend at fixed times and locations and instructor availability present challenges in meeting the needs of clinicians. One barrier facing educators looking to develop bespoke VR-based solutions is the lack of guidelines around their design, development, deployment, and evaluation. Our team has produced and deployed a number of VR-based educational applications. Through reflecting on findings from surveys, interviews, observation, we summarise a range of insights into the complexity and nuances of the clinical VR design and deployment in a framework that can inform and guide educators, clinicians and developers looking to create their own VR applications for use in healthcare.

Exploring effective implementation pathways to become an excellent chief financial officer in public hospital: a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) from China.

BACKGROUND: Hospital chief financial officer (CFO) contributes to improving health system performance. However, how to become an excellent hospital CFO has rarely been considered from a holistic perspective. This paper aims to identify competencies required by hospital CFO to fulfil the position's responsibilities and explore effective implementation pathways to generate high performance and improve healthcare service. METHODS: We conducted 61 semi-structured interviews with individuals in key leadership positions in China's hospitals and researchers focusing on healthcare system management to identify core competencies necessary for hospital CFO. Interviews were analysed through a multi-stage review process and modified via expert vetting using a national panel of 23 professors. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 32 hospital CFOs from 14 provinces throughout September 2021 to May 2022. We scored the performance of 32 hospital CFOs in various aspects of competency and used the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore the competency configurations of excellent CFOs. RESULTS: We identify seven core competencies necessary for a hospital CFO to fulfil management practices, including personal morality, resource management, strategy management, learning ability, negotiating skill, leadership skill, and financial management. The findings indicate that a single competency factor is not a necessary condition to become an excellent hospital CFO. The results of qualitative comparative analysis then make it possible to propose four configurational paths, namely, supportive, interpersonal, all-around development, and technical, to become an excellent hospital CFO and achieve effective managerial performance. CONCLUSIONS: The responsibilities of hospital CFOs are complex and varied, hence, a better understanding of competencies required by CFO is essential to implement their responsibilities effectively. The identification in this study of the four effective implementation pathways to becoming an excellent hospital CFO enriches the literature on hospital management and provides implications for China's hospitals and their CFOs.

The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the US Military Health System (MHS). In this study, we evaluated the MHS response to the pandemic to understand the impact of the pandemic response in a large, national, integrated healthcare system providing care for ~ 9 million beneficiaries. METHODS: We performed a narrative literature review of 16 internal Department of Defense (DoD) reports, including reviews mandated by the US Congress in response to the pandemic. We categorized the findings using the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) framework developed by the DoD to assess system efficiency and effectiveness. RESULTS: The majority of the findings were in the policy, organization, and personnel categories. Key findings showed that the MHS structure to address surge situations was beneficial during the pandemic response, and the rapid growth of telehealth created the potential impact for improved access to routine and specialized care. However, organizational transition contributed to miscommunication and uneven implementation of policies; disruptions affected clinical training, upskilling, and the supply chain; and staffing shortages contributed to burnout among healthcare workers. CONCLUSION: Given its highly integrated, vertical structure, the MHS was in a better position than many civilian healthcare networks to respond efficiently to the pandemic. However, similar to the US civilian sector, the MHS also experienced delays in care, staffing and materiel challenges, and a rapid switch to telehealth. Lessons regarding the importance of communication and preparation for future public health emergency responses are relevant to civilian healthcare systems responding to COVID-19 and other similar public health crises.