Evaluating implicit gender bias at Canadian otolaryngology meetings through use of professional title.

Objectives: Increasing numbers of women enter medical school annually. The number of female physicians in leadership positions has been much slower to equalize. There are also well-documented differences in the treatment of women as compared to men in professional settings. Female presenters are less likely to be introduced by their professional title ("Doctor") for grand rounds and conferences, especially with a man performing the introduction. This study reviewed the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS) meetings from 2017 to 2020 to determine the proportion of presenters introduced by their professional title and whether this varied by gender. Methods: Recordings from CSOHNS meetings were reviewed and coded for introducer and presenter demographics, including leadership positions and gender. Chi-squared tests of proportion and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare genders and identify factors associated with professional versus unprofessional forms of address. Results: No significant association was found between professional title use and introducer or presenter gender. Female presenters were introduced with professional title 69.6% of the time, while male presenters were introduced with professional title 67.6% of the time (P = 0.69). Residents were introduced with a professional title with the most frequency (75.8%), while attending staff were introduced with a professional title with the least frequency (63.0%) (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The lack of gender bias in speaker introductions at recent CSOHNS meetings demonstrates progress in achieving gender equity in medicine. Research efforts should continue to define additional forms of unconscious bias that may be contributing to gender inequity in leadership positions.

The environmental awareness of nurses as environmentally sustainable health care leaders: a mixed method analysis.

BACKGROUND: People worldwide are concerned with the possibility of climate change, microplastics, air pollution, and extreme weather affecting human health. Countries are implementing measures to reduce environmental impacts. Nurses play a vital role, primarily through Green Teams, in the process of promoting sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental footprint of health care facilities. Despite existing knowledge on this topic, assessing nurses' environmental awareness and behavior, including the barriers they face, is crucial with regard to improving sustainable health care practices. AIM: To analyze the environmental awareness and behavior of nurses, especially nurse leaders, as members of the Green Team and to identify areas for improvement with regard to the creation of a sustainable environment. METHODS: A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to investigate Spanish nurses. The study utilized an online survey and interviews, including participant observation. An online survey was administered to collect quantitative data regarding environmental awareness and behavior. Qualitative interviews were conducted with environmental nurses in specific regions, with a focus on Andalusia, Spain. RESULTS: Most of the surveyed nurses (N = 314) exhibited moderate environmental awareness (70.4%), but their environmental behavior and activities in the workplace were limited (52.23% of participants rarely performed relevant actions, and 35.03% indicated that doing so was difficult). Nurses who exhibited higher levels of environmental awareness were more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions (p < 0.05). Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that nurses' environmental behavior and activities in the workplace depend on the frequency of their environmental behaviors outside work as well as their sustainable knowledge (p < 0.01). The results of the qualitative study (N = 10) highlighted certain limitations in their daily practices related to environmental sustainability, including a lack of time, a lack of bins and the pandemic. Additionally, sustainable environmental behavior on the part of nursing leadership and the Green Team must be improved. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that most nurses have adequate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability both inside and outside the workplace. Limitations were associated with their knowledge and behaviors outside of work. This study also highlighted the barriers and difficulties that nurses face in their attempts to engage in adequate environmental behaviors in the workplace. Based on these findings, interventions led by nurses and the Green Team should be developed to promote sustainable behaviors among nurses and address the barriers and limitations identified in this research.

Factors affecting nurses' attitude toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to investigate factors affecting nurses' attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive survey study included 167 nurses working at children's hospitals or children's wards. Data were collected through a structured self-administered survey in November 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, the Dunnett's T3 test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Attitude toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in children showed a significant positive correlation with knowledge of life-sustaining treatment decision-making (r = 0.38, p < .001) and meaning as a subcategory of moral sensitivity (r = 0.21, p 0.008). The factors affecting attitude toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in children were knowledge of life-sustaining treatment decision-making (ß =0.31, p < .001) and meaning (ß = 0.18, p = .015). This model showed a 21.0% explanation of attitude toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in children. CONCLUSIONS: Developing an effective educational program designed to improve nurses' knowledge and attitude toward life-sustaining treatment decision-making is necessary. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It may have a positive influence on attitudes toward withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in children by improving child nurses' knowledge about life-sustaining treatment decision-making and moral sensitivity.

Learning on the country: Motivating dental students to attend a rural placement.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to identify factors that affect dental students' attitudes toward participation in rural clinical outplacements (RCOP) in Australia, and to suggest strategies that will increase students' desire to attend RCOP in the future. METHODS: Dental students from the nine dental schools in Australia were invited to an online survey on their willingness to participate in an RCOP and the factors that influence this willingness. These factors were grouped into themes of education, personal and health, social, financial, and information-related. RESULTS: The study had an estimated response rate of 10% with 202 responses. More than two-thirds (68%) of students were willing to participate in an RCOP. Students who grew up in a rural area were significantly more likely to be willing to attend an RCOP, compared to those from urban settings. Attitudes toward the anticipated educational experience of RCOP were positive, while factors related to finances and pre-existing information were of concern to students. Educational, personal/health-related, and social factors had significant impacts on participants' willingness to attend RCOP. CONCLUSION: Overall, despite students holding negative opinions on certain social and financial factors, their positive attitudes toward other factors outweighed these. Universities should aim to further promote the educational benefits of RCOP to improve students' attitudes prior to attending RCOP. In-depth qualitative analysis is required to explore students' concerns regarding RCOP and longitudinal research is warranted to monitor students' attitudes toward RCOP and rural work over time.

Healthcare provider perspectives on emergency department-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Take-home buprenorphine/naloxone is an effective method of initiating opioid agonist therapy in the Emergency Department (ED) that requires ED healthcare worker buy-in for large-scale implementation. We aimed to investigate healthcare workers perceptions of ED take-home buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as barriers and facilitators from an ED healthcare worker perspective. METHODS: In the context of a take-home buprenorphine/naloxone feasibility study at a tertiary care teaching hospital we conducted a descriptive qualitative study. We conducted one-on-one in person or telephone interviews and focus groups with ED healthcare workers who cared for patients given take-home buprenorphine/naloxone in the feasibility study at Vancouver General Hospital from July 2019 to March 2020. We conducted 37 healthcare worker interviews from December 2019 to July 2020. We audio recorded interviews and focus groups and transcribed them verbatim. We completed interviews until we reached thematic saturation. DATA ANALYSIS: We inductively coded a sample of transcripts to generate a provisional coding structure and to identify emerging themes, which were reviewed by our multidisciplinary team. We then used the final coding structure to analyze the transcripts. We present our findings descriptively. RESULTS: Participants identified a number of context-specific facilitators and barriers to take-home buprenorphine/naloxone provision in the ED. Participants highlighted ED conditions having either facilitative or prohibitive effects: provision of buprenorphine/naloxone was feasible when ED volume was low and space was available but became less so as ED volume increased and space decreased. Similarly, participants noted that patient-related factors could have a facilitative or prohibitive effect, such as willingness to wait (willing to stay in the ED for study-related activities and buprenorphine/naloxone initiation activities), receptiveness to buprenorphine/naloxone, and comprehension of the instructions. As for staff-related factors, time was identified as a consistent barrier. Time included time available and time required to initiate buprenorphine/naloxone (including time building rapport). Healthcare worker familiarity with buprenorphine/naloxone was noted as either a facilitating factor or a barrier, and healthcare workers indicated that ongoing training would have been advantageous. Many healthcare workers identified that the ED is an important first point of contact for the target patient population. CONCLUSION: Integrating a buprenorphine/naloxone program into ED care requires organizational supports (e.g., for managing buprenorphine/naloxone within limitations of ED volume, space, and time), and ongoing education of healthcare workers to minimize identified barriers.

Ageism scale for dental students (ASDS): A focus group review of content validity.

PURPOSE/AIM: Improve content validity of the Ageism Scale for Dental Students (ASDS) and identify barriers to using the scale. METHODS: Thematic analysis of transcripts of three purposively sampled focus groups of 1) geriatric dentistry specialists, 2) older adult dental patients, and 3) dental students. RESULTS: Twenty-five participants engaged in focus groups. No new concepts to define ageism were identified. Experts found the scale acceptable and appropriate, yet they raised specific potential revisions to scale questions. Commonly reported themes already addressed by ASDS included the importance of tailoring decision-making to patient preference and not making assumptions about older adults' capacity or preferences for dental care. Barriers to identifying ageism or using the scale included experiential differences in interpreting scale items, cultural differences in attitudes towards older adults, and potential overlap with social determinants of health. Secondary findings include recommendations for older-adult focused training for dental students to provide positive, concrete guidance on caring for older adults. CONCLUSION: There are opportunities to refine the Ageism Scale for Dental Students and to allow tailoring of the scale for specific national or cultural contexts.

The association between attitudes and the provision of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in United States jails.

Background: Opioid use disorder is prevalent among individuals who are incarcerated, yet medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are not widely available in United States jails and prisons. Negative staff attitudes across the criminal legal system may prevent MOUD from being provided. We sought to determine if staff attitudes are associated with the provision of MOUD in prisons or jails. Methods: 227 staff members of 43 jails and partnering community-based treatment providers answered questions on the effectiveness and acceptability of methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Response patterns were summarized with principal component analysis. Mixed-effects regression was performed to determine if attitudes toward MOUD were associated with the number of individuals screened and diagnosed with an OUD, referred to treatment, provided MOUD and referred to treatment after release. Results: Sites whose staff had negative attitudes towards methadone and positive attitudes towards naltrexone were associated with fewer people being screened (Mean ratio [MR] = 0.84, 95 % CI: [0.72, 0.97]), diagnosed (MR = 0.85, 95 % CI: [0.73, 0.99]), referred (MR = 0.76, 95 % CI: [0.65, 0.89]), provided MOUD (MR = 0.70, 95 % CI: [0.58, 0.84]), and referred after release (MR = 0.82, 95 % CI: [0.72, 0.94]). Sites with overall positive attitudes towards all MOUD were associated with more people being screened (MR = 1.16, 95 % CI: [1.01, 1.34]), diagnosed (MR = 1.37, 95 % CI: [1.18, 1.60]), and referred to treatment (MR = 1.41, 95 % CI: [1.20, 1.65]). Conclusions: Attitudinal barriers exist in the criminal legal system and are associated with the provision of MOUD.

Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery: influence of restorative treatment timing on clinical outcomes-a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to assess the influence of restorative treatment timing on the periodontal, patient and operator-reported outcomes following crown lengthening surgery (CLS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen study participants requiring CLS were divided into two groups based on prosthetic rehabilitation timing (6 or 14 weeks postoperatively). Clinical parameters were recorded around treated and neighboring teeth before and after surgery, 6 and 14 weeks postoperatively, at prosthesis delivery, and three and six months after. Soft tissue and radiographic bone changes were evaluated. Patients assessed their perception of the procedure by means of a questionnaire. The final treatment outcome was rated by both patients and prosthodontists. RESULTS: CLS resulted in statistically significant and stable apical displacement of the gingival margin, at both treated and adjacent sites. Plaque and bleeding scores remained low throughout. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for any clinical or radiographic parameter examined. Healing was uneventful and treatment outcome was satisfying for both patients and prosthodontists, without statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has been characterized as pilot, because it was not possible to reach the sample size indicated by the a priori power analysis. CLS is an effective pre-prosthetic procedure as long as it is performed under a certain surgical protocol which predicts for at least a 3 mm distance between bone crest and the flap margin at suturing. Within the limitations of this study, six weeks after surgery may be an adequate healing time for the onset of prosthetic restoration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Crown lengthening surgery is commonly performed in daily clinical practice with the aim to restore teeth with short clinical crowns. Based on periodontal, patient and operator-reported criteria, 6 weeks after CLS may be adequate healing time before the onset of prosthetic restoration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03947658, 13/05/2019, retrospectively registered.

Multidisciplinary perspectives on roles of hospital pharmacists in tertiary settings: a qualitative study.

In today's complex healthcare landscape, exacerbated by resource constraints at various levels, optimization of health professionals' roles is becoming increasingly paramount. Interprofessional collaboration, underpinned by role recognition and teamwork, leads to improved patient and organizational outcomes. Hospital pharmacists play a pivotal role in multidisciplinary teams, and it is imperative to understand multidisciplinary viewpoints on hospital pharmacists' roles to guide role prioritization and organizational efficiency. However, no study extensively investigated multidisciplinary views on values of diverse pharmacist roles in tertiary settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining non-pharmacist health professionals' views on hospital pharmacists' roles, recognizing their specialized niches as a crucial step towards optimizing their roles and services in Australia and internationally. Multiple focus group discussions and interviews were held via a virtual conferencing platform. Study participants were recruited using the study investigators' professional networks who were non-pharmacist health professionals with experience working with pharmacists in hospital settings. Data were collected from transcripts of the focus group recordings, which were later summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Overarching themes were categorized and mapped against work system models to conceptualize organizational implications of multidisciplinary feedback, linking them to patient and organizational outcomes. Twenty-seven health professionals participated across focus groups and interviews, with the majority of professions being doctors and nurses. Three major themes were identified as follows: (i) overarching perceptions regarding hospital pharmacists; (ii) professional niches of hospital pharmacists; and (iii) future opportunities to optimize hospital pharmacy services. Valued professional niches included patient and health professional educators, transition-of-care facilitators, and quality use of medicines analysts. The study highlights critical insights into hospital pharmacists' roles in Australia, identifying their niche expertise as vital to healthcare efficiency and success. Based on multidisciplinary feedback, the study advocates for strategic role optimization and targeted research for enhanced clinical, economic, and organizational outcomes.

Parental presence during invasive pediatric procedures: what does it depend on? / A presença dos pais durante procedimentos pediátricos invasivos: depende de quê? / Presencia de los padres durante procedimientos pediátricos invasivos: ¿De qué depende?

Abstract Objective: family-centered care during invasive procedures has been endorsed by many professional health care organizations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health professionals' attitudes towards parental presence during their child's invasive procedure. Method: pediatric healthcare providers (divided in professional categories and range of ages) from one of the Spain's largest hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire and write free-text comments. Results: 227 responded the survey. Most (72%) participants, in their answers, reported that parents are sometimes present during interventions, although there were differences between professional categories in this respect. The procedures in which the parents were present were those considered "less invasive" (96% of cases), while only 4% were present in those considered "more invasive". The older the professional, the less necessary parental presence was considered. Conclusion: the attitudes towards parental presence during pediatric invasive procedure are influenced by the professional category, the age of the healthcare provider and the invasiveness of the procedure.

Resumo Objetivo: o atendimento centrado na família durante procedimentos invasivos tem sido endossado por muitas organizações profissionais de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as atitudes dos profissionais de saúde em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento invasivo realizado em seus filhos. Método: os prestadores de serviços de saúde pediátricos (divididos em categorias profissionais e faixa etária) de um dos maiores hospitais da Espanha foram solicitados a preencher um questionário e escrever comentários de texto livre. Resultados: a pesquisa foi respondida por 227 pessoas. A maioria (72%) dos participantes, em suas respostas, relatou que os pais algumas vezes estão presentes durante as intervenções, embora houvesse diferenças entre as categorias profissionais a esse respeito. Os procedimentos em que os pais estavam presentes eram aqueles considerados "menos invasivos" (96% dos casos), enquanto apenas 4% estavam presentes naqueles considerados "mais invasivos". Quanto mais velho o profissional, a presença dos pais foi considerada menos necessária. Conclusão: as atitudes em relação à presença dos pais durante o procedimento pediátrico invasivo são influenciadas pela categoria profissional, a idade do prestador de serviço de saúde e a invasividade do procedimento.

Resumen Objetivo: la atención centrada en la familia durante procedimientos invasivos ha sido respaldada por muchas organizaciones profesionales dedicadas al cuidado de la salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las actitudes de los profesionales de la salud con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos realizados en niños. Método: a los prestadores de atención médica en Pediatría (divididos en categorías profesionales y rangos de edad) de uno de los hospitales más importantes de España se les solicitó que respondieran un cuestionario y redactaran comentarios de texto libre. Resultados: un total de 227 profesionales respondieron la encuesta. En sus respuestas, la mayoría (72%) de los participantes informó que, en ocasiones, los padres están presentes durante las intervenciones, aunque se registraron diferencias entre las distintas categorías profesionales al respecto. Los procedimientos en los que los padres estuvieron presentes se consideraron como "menos invasivos" (96% de los casos), mientras que solamente el 4% estuvo presente en los considerados "más invasivos". A mayor edad de los profesionales, menos necesaria se consideró la presencia de los padres. Conclusión: las actitudes con respecto a la presencia de los padres durante procedimientos pediátricos invasivos se vieron influenciadas por la categoría profesional, la edad del prestador de salud y la invasividad de los procedimientos.

Associations between demographics and clinical ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns: a secondary analysis of a survey of randomly sampled United States chiropractors.

BACKGROUND: The chiropractic profession in the United States (US) has a long history of intra-professional discourse surrounding ideology and beliefs. Large-scale efforts have evaluated 3 distinctive subgroups of US chiropractors focused on these areas of practice: spine/neuromusculoskeletal, primary care, and vertebral subluxation. To our knowledge, there have not been any prior studies exploring the factors associated with these ideology and belief characteristics of these subgroups. The purpose of this study was to explore, describe, and characterize the association of US chiropractors' ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns with: 1) chiropractic degree program of graduation, 2) years since completion of chiropractic degree, and 3) US geographic region of primary practice. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of US licensed chiropractors (n = 8975). A 10% random sample was extracted from each of the 50 states and District of Columbia chiropractic regulatory board lists. The survey was conducted between March 2018-January 2020. The survey instrument consisted of 7 items that were developed to elicit these differentiating ideologies, beliefs, and practice patterns: 1) clinical examination/assessment, 2) health conditions treated, 3) role of chiropractors in the healthcare system, 4) the impact of chiropractic adjustments [spinal manipulation] in treating patients with cancer, 5) vaccination attitudes, 6) detection of subluxation on x-ray, and 7) x-ray utilization rates. Multinomial regression was used to analyze associations between these 7 ideology and practice characteristic items from the survey (dependent variables) and the 3 demographic items listed above (independent variables). RESULTS: Data from 3538 respondents (74.6% male) were collected with an overall response rate of 39.4%. Patterns of responses to the 7 survey items for ideologies, beliefs, and practice characteristics were significantly different based on chiropractic degree program of graduation, years since completion of chiropractic degree, and geographic region of primary practice. CONCLUSIONS: Among US chiropractors, chiropractic program of graduation, years since completion of chiropractic degree, and geographic region of primary practice are associated with variations in clinical ideology, beliefs, and practice patterns. The wide variation and inconsistent beliefs of US chiropractors could result in public confusion and impede interprofessional integration.

An Ethics Action Plan for Rare Disease Care: Participatory Action Research Approach.

BACKGROUND: Owing to their low prevalence, rare diseases are poorly addressed in the scientific literature and clinical practice guidelines. Thus, health care workers are inadequately equipped to provide timely diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and support for these poorly understood conditions. These clinical tribulations are experienced as moral challenges by patients, jeopardizing their life trajectories, dreams, and aspirations. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents an ethical action plan for rare disease care and the process underlying its development. METHODS: This action plan was designed through an ethical inquiry conducted by the Ethics and Rare Diseases Working Group, which included 3 patient partners, 2 clinician researchers, and 1 representative from Québec's rare disease association. RESULTS: The plan is structured into 4 components. Component A presents the key moral challenges encountered by patients, which are the lack of knowledge on rare diseases among health care workers, the problematic attitudes that it sometimes elicits, and the distress and powerlessness experienced by patients. Component B emphasizes a vision for patient partnership in rare disease care characterized by open-mindedness, empathy, respect, and support of patient autonomy from health care workers. Component C outlines 2 courses of action prompted by this vision: raising awareness among health care workers and empowering patients to better navigate their care. Component D compares several interventions that could help integrate these 2 courses of action in rare disease care. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this action plan represents a toolbox that provides a review of multiple possible interventions for policy makers, hospital managers, practitioners, researchers, and patient associations to critically reflect on key moral challenges experienced by patients with rare diseases and ways to mitigate them. This paper also prompts reflection on the values underlying rare disease care, patient experiences, and health care workers' beliefs and behaviors. Health care workers and patients were the primary beneficiaries of this action plan.

Employee attitudes toward suicide prevention and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means: initial findings from an academic medical center implementing the Zero Suicide framework.

Introduction: Zero Suicide is a strategic framework designed to transform a healthcare system's suicide prevention activities. In 2020, University of Utah Health launched a Zero Suicide program and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training for its employees. In 2022, the healthcare system surveyed its workforce's attitudes toward suicide prevention and CALM. We sought to evaluate employees' attitudes and behaviors toward suicide prevention and CALM training following the launch of the Zero Suicide program. Methods: A Zero Suicide Workforce Survey was administered online through REDCap to all University of Utah Health employees. The analytic sample included 3,345 respondents. We used two-portion z-tests to compare the proportions of respondents who (1) completed CALM training and (2) did not yet complete the CALM training because they felt it was irrelevant to their position by different employee characteristics. Results: More than half of the respondents in the analytic sample were directly interacting with patients who may be at risk for suicide (57.6%). About 8.4% of the respondents had completed CALM training. Among those who had not yet completed CALM training, 9.5% indicated they did not think CALM was relevant to their job. Respondents knowledgeable about warning signs for suicide and respondents who were confident in their ability to respond when suspecting elevated suicide risk were significantly more likely to complete CALM training. Discussion: This evaluation provides important insights from the workforce of a large academic medical center implementing a Zero Suicide program, including insights on opportunities for improving program implementation and evaluation.

The effect of interventional program underpinned by health belief model on awareness, attitude, and performance of nurses in preventing nosocomial infections: A randomized controlled trial study / Efecto de un programa de intervención basado en el modelo de creencias en salud sobre el conocimiento, la actitud y el desempeño del personal de enfermería en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias. Ensayo controlado aleatorizado / Efeito de um programa de intervenção baseado no modelo de crenças em saúde no conhecimento, atitude e atuação da equipe de enfermagem na prevenção de infecções hospitalares. Teste controlado e aleatório

Objective. The present study examined the effect of an interventional program underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM) on nurses' awareness, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomialinfections.Methods. This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 60 clinical nurses in lar, Iran. Nurses were selected using the simple random sampling method and assigned to two experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Data collection tool included the valid and reliable questionnaire was developed by Soleimani et al. The research intervention consisted of five 90-min sessions based on the health belief model in preventing hospital infection for experimental group. Before the intervention, immediately and two months after the intervention, the two groups completed the questionnaire. The control group received no intervention. Results. Data analysis showed that the differences between the two groups was statistically significant immediately and two months after the intervention (p<0.05). In experimental group the changes in the mean score of knowledge, attitude and performance of nurses before, immediately and two months after the intervention were significant (p<0.05), but in the control group, only the changes in the mean score of performance were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results showed that the HBM-based intervention is effective in promoting nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomialinfections. hence, periodical and in-service HBM-based training programs on preventing nosocomialinfections are recommended to be held for nurses.

Objetivo. El presente estudio examinó el efecto de un programa de intervención basado en el modelo de creencias en salud (Health Belief Model -HBM-, en inglés sobre el conocimiento, la actitud y el desempeño de las enfermeras en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias. Métodos. Este ensayo controlado aleatorizado se realizó en 60 enfermeras clínicas de lar, Irán. Las enfermeras fueron seleccionadas mediante el método de muestreo aleatorio simple y asignadas a dos grupos experimental (n=30) y de control (n=30). La herramienta para la recogida de datos incluyó el cuestionario válido y fiable desarrollado por Soleimani et al.La intervención consistió en cinco sesiones de 90 minutos basadas en el modelo de creencias de salud para prevenir la infección intrahospitalaria en el grupo experimental. Antes de la intervención, inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención, los dos grupos completaron el cuestionario. El grupo de control no recibió ninguna intervención. Resultados. El análisis de los datos mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos en los momentos inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención (p<0.05). En el grupo experimental, los cambios en la puntuación media de conocimientos, actitudes y rendimiento de las enfermeras se observaron en los momentos de antes, inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención (p<0.05); mientras que en el grupo de control solamente los cambios en la puntuación media de desempeño fueron significativos (p<0.05). Conclusión. Los resultados mostraron que la intervención basada en HBM fue eficaz para promover el conocimiento, la actitud y el rendimiento de las enfermeras en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalaria, por lo que se recomienda impartir a las enfermeras programas de formación periódicos y en servicio basados en HBM sobre la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias.

Objetivo. Examinar o efeito de um programa de intervenção baseado no Modelo de Crenças em Saúde (MBH) no conhecimento, atitude e desempenho dos enfermeiros na prevenção de infecções hospitalares. Métodos. Este ensaio clínico randomizado foi conduzido em 60 enfermeiras clínicas de lar, Irã. Os enfermeiros foram selecionados pelo método de amostragem aleatória simples e distribuídos em dois grupos experimental (n=30) e controle (n=30). O instrumento de coleta de dados incluiu o questionário válido e confiável desenvolvido por Soleimani et al. A intervenção consistiu em cinco sessões de 90 minutos baseadas no modelo de crenças em saúde para prevenir infecção hospitalar no grupo experimental. Antes, imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção, ambos os grupos responderam ao questionário. O grupo controle não recebeu nenhuma intervenção. Resultados.A análise dos dados mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção (p<0.05). No grupo experimental foram observadas alterações na pontuação média de conhecimentos, atitudes e desempenho dos enfermeiros antes, imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção (p<0.05); enquanto no grupo controle apenas as alterações na pontuação média de desempenho foram significativas (p<0.05). Conclusão.Os resultados demonstraram que a intervenção baseada no HBM foi eficaz na promoção do conhecimento, atitude e desempenho dos enfermeiros na prevenção de infecções hospitalares, pelo que se recomenda proporcionar aos enfermeiros este tipo de programas de formação em serviço baseados no HBM.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward older adults.

Nursing students, as the future healthcare workforce, hold immense potential in providing quality care to older adults and becoming advocates for promoting aging and public health, thus contributing significantly to addressing the multifaceted challenges of our aging society. Nurses' knowledge and attitudes about aging affect health care quality. Negative and unattractive representations of the social problems associated with aging contaminate nursing students' attitudes. Nursing schools are challenged to develop new curricula to prepare future nurses for the inherent complexity of an aging society. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students toward older adults and identify the variables that can influence these attitudes. Quantitative research was carried out through the application of an online survey using a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A total of 182 nursing students completed the online survey. Progression in the nursing course was statistically significant; the more students advanced, the more positive attitudes and knowledge they revealed about aging; 39% of students have daily contact with their grandparents; however, only 14.8% would like to work with older adults. Multiple linear regression revealed that the most important factor for positive attitudes and knowledge about aging was regular contact with grandparents, followed by progression in the nursing course. The students' age was not a significant factor in improving attitudes or expanding knowledge regarding older adults. In a multidimensional logic, the deepening of knowledge about aging and the socialization of students with older adults are central factors that should reinforce curricula in nursing education.

Health professionals' competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding up to two years and beyond supports the health and neurobiological development of a child. Nevertheless, mothers experience criticism from health professionals towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Competence related to breastfeeding counselling is defined as minimum knowledge, skills and attitudes that all health professionals should have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Professionals' education related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months is insufficient worldwide which challenges the competent and evidence-based support mothers wish for. METHODS: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on health professionals' competencies regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The search was limited to peer-reviewed scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 that focused on the competencies of health professionals regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Seven databases were searched, and of the 884 studies retrieved, seven were included in the review. The studies were subjected to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists. The data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, driven by the concept of competence. RESULTS: All the dimensions of competence could be found in the data. Health professionals' knowledge or skills related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in all seven studies, and attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months were explored in four studies. The main themes identified were Knowledge Combined with Skills, and Attitudes. The main theme, Knowledge Combined with Skills, was formed out of eight themes: perceptions regarding nutritional value, perceptions regarding economic value, perceptions regarding family interaction, perceptions regarding impacts on the mother's wellbeing, perceptions regarding impacts on the child's wellbeing, perceptions regarding suitable duration, perceptions regarding recommendations, and counseling skills. The attitudes varied and therefore the Attitudes main theme consisted of three themes: promotive attitudes, hostile attitudes, and passive attitudes towards breastfeeding beyond 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals' knowledge and skills include several dimensions and vary substantially. Health professionals' attitudes vary between hostile and supportive and influence professionals' advice regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The results suggested that there is considerable variation in health professionals' competencies, which emphasizes the importance of education regarding breastfeeding beyond 12 months.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice About the Process of Genetic Counselling Among Clinicians.

Introduction Clinicians agree with the fact that the impact of genetics in the field of medicine is humongous. They have to cope with the rapid advances in the field of clinical genetics and offer the best treatment to the patients at the right time. Disease with an underlying genetic cause not only involves the patient but also the family and the community. In the process of genetic counseling, the patient and the family are educated about the genetic basis of the disorder. This helps the patient and the family to make a well-informed decision. It also helps to reduce the genetic burden of the disease in the community over a period of time. In this regard, knowledge, attitude, and practice about the process of genetic counseling among clinicians is imperative. Methods A structured pre-validated questionnaire was distributed amongst 60 clinicians from different departments. Their responses were assessed based on the Likert scale. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed in percentages.  Results In the present study, nearly 90% of the clinicians felt that it was important to gather a multi-generational family history of the patient and advise them about inheritance patterns, recurrence risk, and genetic tests for a disorder with an underlying genetic cause. The need to educate the family members regarding the importance of genetic tests and referral to appropriate support groups if they test positive for a genetic disorder receive a positive response. Mostly the participants agreed that parents of children and couples at risk of having a child affected by a genetic disease should undergo genetic counseling. Conclusion Clinicians may not always be aware of the underlying genetic cause and genetic tests available or may face a paucity of time to counsel the patient and the family. Genetic counseling needs to be done at length in multiple sessions, and it is essential to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in society.

Factors perceived by health professionals to be barriers or facilitators to caries prevention in children: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Considered the most prevalent noncommunicable disease in childhood, dental caries is both an individual and a collective burden. While international guidelines highlight prevention as a major strategy for caries management in children, health professionals still struggle to implement prevention into their clinical practice. Further research is needed to understand the gap between the theoretical significance of dental prevention and its lack of implementation in the clinical setting. This systematic review aims to identify and classify factors perceived by health professionals to be barriers or facilitators to caries prevention in children. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in three electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science and Cairn). Two researchers independently screened titles, abstracts and texts. To be selected, studies had to focus on barriers or facilitators to caries prevention in children and include health professionals as study participants. Qualitative and quantitative studies were selected. The factors influencing caries prevention in children were sorted into 3 main categories (clinician-related factors, patient-related factors, and organizational-related factors) and then classified according to the 14 domains of the theoretical domains framework (TDF). RESULTS: A total of 1771 references were found by combining manual and database searches. Among them, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which half were qualitative and half were quantitative studies. Dentists (n = 12), pediatricians (n = 11), nurses (n = 9), and physicians (n = 5) were the most frequently interviewed health professionals in our analysis. Barriers and facilitators to caries prevention in children were categorized into 12 TDF domains. The most frequently reported domains were Environmental Context and Resources, Knowledge and Professional Role and Identity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review found that a wide range of factors influence caries prevention in children. Our analysis showed that barriers to pediatric oral health promotion affect all stages of the health care system. By highlighting the incompatibility between the health care system's organization and the implementation of caries prevention, this study aims to help researchers and policy-makers design new interventions to improve children's access to caries prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022304545.

How does mHealth influence consulting practice between health professionals and individuals with low back pain? - A qualitative study from the perspective of health professionals.

PURPOSE: This study explored how health professionals experience in what way a digital self-monitoring solution influences their consulting practice targeting individuals with low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study adopting a constructivist grounded theory approach. Nineteen health professionals participated in the pilot test of the digital self-monitoring solution BackTrace. Data were collected cross-sectionally and consisted of: (a) audio recordings from focus groups with health professionals, (b) field notes from participant observation of online meetings with health professionals, (c) field notes from participant observations of consultations between health professionals and individuals with low back pain and (d) audio recordings from workshops with health professionals. RESULTS: Two main themes and one sub-theme were identified, describing how BackTrace enabled more focused consulting practices, supported patient-self management and improved the relationship between individuals with low back pain and health professionals. Barriers were identified describing how the implementation of digital health solutions required a change in workflow, resources and culture - as well as management support. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated a need for a change at the system level, including a changed view of digitisation in healthcare systems containing a more supporting approach.

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability which not only impacts physically but restricts quality of life.This study shows how health professionals experience in what way digital self-monitoring solutions influence their consulting practices targeting individuals with low back pain.A digital self-monitoring solution may contribute to a more focused consulting practice and improve the quality of the relationship between individuals with low back pain and health professionals but require changes at a system level.A change in workflow and culture is recommended if digital health is to be a success.

Love and Sexual Relationships Between Patients in Short Term Psychiatric Units: the Caregivers' Opinion.

BACKGROUND: The management of romantic and sexual relationships between inpatients in short-term psychiatric units is a controversial subject among caregivers. Not all units have policies, and the content of said policies can be unclear or even incoherent. The lack of clear policy leaves the caregivers without guidelines and can lead to a diverging management depending on personal values. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey based on the current literature distributed among 69 caregivers of 20 short-term psychiatric units in French-Speaking Belgium. The survey included socio-demographic characteristics, questions about the existence, knowledge, and content of policy. RESULTS: Policies about romantic relationships exist for 51.5% of caregivers and 75% about sexual intercourse. The main content of policies is a ban on relations. Surprisingly, the study highlights the absence of staff consensus for most units on the existence and content of policies. Furthermore, while most caregivers consistently adhere to policies, 31% of caregivers for romantic relationships and 14% for sexual intercourse, never apply the rules in any situation. CONCLUSIONS: There's a lack of policy, knowledge of policy and application. Discussion about the creation of policy could be implemented during team meetings to allow the caregivers to develop new protocols about romantic or sexual relationships, more aligned to their moral compass and personal beliefs.