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Hazell LJ, Stork LA. Radiographer experiences of personal protective equipment during COVID-19 in Gauteng, South Africa. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:61-66. [PMID: 38172010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) were found to be at a greater risk of becoming infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). This disease is highly contagious and is for the most part preventative if correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used while attending to patients. Subsequently, a lack of PPE in South Africa was putting the lives of health care workers at risk impacting on the functioning of the healthcare system. METHODS This exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study used purposeful sampling to obtain data saturation. The study comprised twelve individual interviews with radiographers from both private and government hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa who worked in x-ray departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online video interviews were conducted. The transcripts of the interviews were further coded into themes and categorised using thematic analysis and verified by an independent coder. RESULTS The radiographers' experiences of PPE during COVID-19 in Gauteng, South Africa generated 3 themes: radiographers' experiences with PPE supplied during COVID-19, workplace practices and procedures for PPE during COVID-19 and emotional challenges faced during PPE shortage. DISCUSSION While there was an understandable fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus during the height of the pandemic. The researcher also believes that radiographers would benefit greatly by receiving training on how to use PPE correctly for infection control in highly stressful situations. Education is required for use of PPE when supply is scarce and the number of infected patients outweighs the quantities of PPE available. This study further found that there needs to be more support given to healthcare workers (HCW's) to assess their mental health and emotional stress experienced when facing a pandemic. CONCLUSION While COVID-19 has started to settle, the lessons learnt should inform recommendations on PPE use, regarding procurement and preservation. In addition, mental health assessments can be considered for radiographers during future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Amy Stork
- University of Johannesburg Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Wahid S, Lewis S, Casmod Y. Radiographers' conceptualisation of trauma imaging in Gauteng, South Africa. Health SA 2024; 29:2526. [PMID: 38445042 PMCID: PMC10913154 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiographers form part of the healthcare team and are integral in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma patients. Additionally, they are required to provide their services to multiple departments within the hospital, including the emergency department. Healthcare workers who work with trauma patients experience changes in their psychological functioning. Therefore, diagnostic radiographers may have similar experiences; however, limited studies were found on radiographers' conceptualisation of trauma imaging. Aim The aim of this study was to explore and describe radiographers' conceptualisation of trauma imaging. Setting One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted virtually with radiographers in both the private and public healthcare sectors in Gauteng, South Africa. Method In this qualitative, explorative and descriptive study, 20 radiographers were interviewed virtually through Zoom or WhatsApp video calls or telephone interviews. Participants were asked a central question: 'What does trauma imaging mean to you?' Detailed notes were taken during the interviews, and interviews were audio-recorded. The data was transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Results Thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) COVID-19 pandemic; (2) road accidents; (3) gender-based violence (GBV); and (4) paediatric injuries that participants conceptualised as trauma imaging. Conclusion Participants conceptualised trauma imaging as COVID-19, road accidents, GBV and paediatric patients. It was noted that participants' personal experiences were significant contributors to their meaning-making and responses to trauma imaging. Contribution The study has contributed to the understanding of the conceptualisation of trauma imaging from the perspective of diagnostic radiographers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Wahid
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shantel Lewis
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yasmin Casmod
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Huang J, Huang ZT, Sun XC, Chen TT, Wu XT. Mental health status and related factors influencing healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289454. [PMID: 38241316 PMCID: PMC10798549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health of healthcare workers during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was seriously affected, and the risk of mental health problems was high. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the mental health problems of healthcare workers worldwide during the pandemic and to determine the latest global frequency of COVID-19 associated mental health problems. METHODS Data in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and the Web of Science before November 11, 2022, were systematically searched. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to synthesize the comprehensive prevalence rate of mental health problems. Subgroup analyses were performed based on time of data collection; whether the country was or was not developed; continent; doctors and nurses; doctors/nurses vs. other healthcare workers; and psychological evaluation scale. RESULTS A total of 161 studies were included, including 341,014 healthcare workers worldwide, with women accounting for 82.8%. Occupationally, 16.2% of the healthcare workers were doctors, 63.6% were nurses and 13.3% were other medical staff. During the pandemic, 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-60%) of healthcare workers reported job burnout, 38% (95% CI, 35-41%) experienced anxiety, 34% (95% CI 30-38%) reported depression, 30% (95% CI, 29-31%) had acute stress disorder, and 26% (95% CI, 21-31%) had post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONS The study found that there were common mental health problems among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common was job burnout, followed by anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the global pandemic has been brought under control, its long-term impact on the mental health of healthcare workers cannot be ignored. Additional research is required to develop measures to prevent, monitor and treat psychological disorders among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhu-Tang Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xin-Ce Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Tian Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Kandeepan K, Robinson J, Reed W. Pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19: A scoping review. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:729-737. [PMID: 37207374 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As chest imaging is a tool for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diagnostic radiographers are a key component of the frontline workforce. Due to its unforeseen nature, COVID-19 has challenged radiographers' preparedness in combating its effects. Despite its importance, literature specifically investigating radiographers' readiness is limited. However, the documented experiences are prognostic of pandemic preparedness. Hence, this study aimed to map this literature by addressing the question: 'what does the existing literature reveal about the pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19?'. METHODS Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this scoping review searched for empirical studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Consequently, 970 studies were yielded and underwent processes of deduplication, title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and backward citation searching. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis. RESULTS Four themes that reflected pandemic preparedness were extrapolated: infection control and prevention, knowledge and education, clinical workflow, and mental health. Notably, the findings highlighted pronounced trends in adaptation of infection protocols, adequate infection knowledge, and pandemic-related fears. However, inconsistencies in the provision of personal protective equipment, training, and psychological support were revealed. CONCLUSION Literature suggests that radiographers are equipped with infection knowledge, but the changing work arrangements and varied availability of training and protective equipment weakens their preparedness. The disparate access to resources facilitated uncertainty, affecting radiographers' mental health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE By reiterating the current strengths and weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, the findings can guide clinical practice and future research to correct inadequacies in infrastructure, education, and mental health support for radiographers in the current and future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kandeepan
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - J Robinson
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - W Reed
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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TWO YEARS ON AND FOUR WAVES LATER- JOHANNESBURG DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF COVID-19. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022; 54:S77-S84. [PMCID: PMC9721282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction At the onset of COVID-19 diagnostic radiographers from Gauteng, South Africa, shared their experiences of the new workflow and operations, their well-being and their resilience during this time. They experienced emotional, physical and financial fatigue. It is now over two years later, and South Africa has experienced four waves of COVID-19. Therefore, this study explored diagnostic radiographers' experience of COVID-19 after two years and four waves. Methods A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted collecting data through nine virtual individual in-depth interviews. Responses from the diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa, underwent thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed two themes and related categories. Theme one: participants shared synchronistic experiences with the four COVID-19 waves, the heterogeneous vaccination ideologies and their support and coping skills. Theme two: lessons learnt and the way forward. Conclusion Participants shared feeling overwhelmed at the onset of COVID-19 and feared infecting their family, friends and colleagues. However, their anxiety and fear decreased with time. They experienced the Delta variant as the worst and felt supported by their colleagues more than by management. They recounted observations of vaccine hesitancy but acknowledged that vaccination had alleviated some of the fear and anxiety. Participants' coping skills varied, and reflecting on their experience, they shared the lessons learnt and the way forward.
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Stogiannos N, Skelton E, Rogers C, Sharma M, Papathanasiou S, Venter RVD, Nugent B, Francis JM, Walton L, Sullivan CO, Abdurakman E, Mannion L, Thorne R, Malamateniou C. Leadership and resilience in adversity: The impact of COVID-19 on radiography researchers and ways forward. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022; 53:S47-S52. [PMID: 36266172 PMCID: PMC9482835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Stogiannos
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK,Discipline of Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy, University College Cork, Ireland,Medical Imaging Department, Corfu General Hospital, Greece,Corresponding author
| | - Emily Skelton
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK,Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Meera Sharma
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | | | - Riaan van de Venter
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK,Department of Radiography, School of Clinical Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
| | - Barbara Nugent
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK,MRI Safety Matters organisation
| | - Jane M Francis
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | - Lucy Walton
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | - Chris O Sullivan
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | - Edwin Abdurakman
- School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Liam Mannion
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | - Richard Thorne
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK
| | - Christina Malamateniou
- Division of Midwifery and Radiography, City, University of London, UK,School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Metin A, Erbiçer ES, Şen S, Çetinkaya A. Gender and COVID-19 related fear and anxiety: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 310:384-395. [PMID: 35561885 PMCID: PMC9090872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies conducted during the pandemic revealed strong associations between gender and COVID-19 related fear and anxiety. Females perceive coronavirus as a greater threat to personal health and population than males. The aim of the current meta-analysis is to estimate gender difference in COVID-19 related fear and anxiety. The second purpose of this study is to clarify the role of potential moderators in COVID-19 fear and anxiety. For these reasons, studies published between March 2020 and October 2021 were searched in various databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Google Scholar). In total, 315 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 60 studies for COVID-19 related fear and 23 studies for COVID-19 related anxiety were included in the current study. Cohen's d effect size values were calculated based on these individual studies showing the difference between males and females in terms of COVID-19 related fear and anxiety. Results revealed that gender has a moderate and statistically significant effect on COVID-19 related fear (ES = 0.307) and anxiety (ES = 0.316) in favor of females. Moderator analyses showed that continent variable was a statistically significant moderator of gender difference in COVID-19 related fear and anxiety. The highest effect size of gender differences in COVID-related fear and anxiety were obtained from the studies conducted in Europe. However, other moderators (the average age of sample, culture, timing, and population) were not statistically significant. Although this meta-analysis has a few limitations, the findings showed that COVID-19 outbreak negatively affected females more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Metin
- Faculty of Education, Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Erciyes University, Talas, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Eyüp Sabır Erbiçer
- Faculty of Education, Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sedat Şen
- Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
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Kartal N, Arıkan G, Seyhan F, Aydan S. Mediator roles of resilience and intolerance of uncertainty in the effect of healthcare professionals’ coronavirus stigma on stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2022.2079588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Kartal
- Health Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Arıkan
- Health Management Department, Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fırat Seyhan
- Department of Management and Organization, University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Health Vocational School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seda Aydan
- Health Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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