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Munyaneza E, Rugwizangoga B, Rusingiza E, Niyibizi JB, Kanyandekwe SR, Byiringiro JC, Masaisa F. Continuing Professional Development Program in Health Facilities in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study on the Perceptions of Health Professionals. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2024; 15:527-542. [PMID: 38860026 PMCID: PMC11164211 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s456190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Continuous professional development (CPD) is an important pillar in healthcare service delivery. Health professionals at all levels and disciplines must continuously update their knowledge and skills to cope with increasing professional demands in the context of a continuously changing spectrum of diseases. This study aimed to assess the CPD programs available in healthcare facilities (HFs) in Rwanda. Methodology Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling. Accordingly, the respondents belonged to different categories of health professionals, namely nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, general practitioners, and specialist doctors. Thirty-five participants from district, provincial, and national referral hospitals were interviewed between September and October 2020. A thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas ti.7.5.18, and the main findings for each theme were reported as a narrative summary. Results The CPD program was reported to be available, but not for all HPs and HFs, because of either limited access to online CPD programs or limited HF leaders. Where available, CPD programs have sometimes been reported to be irrelevant to health professionals and patients' needs. Furthermore, the planning and implementation of current CPD programs seldom involves beneficiaries. Some HFs do not integrate CPD programs into their daily activities, and current CPD programs do not accommodate mentorship programs. The ideal CPD program should be designed around HPs and service needs and delivered through a user-friendly platform. The motivators for HPs to engage in CPD activities include learning new things that help them improve their healthcare services and license renewal. Conclusion This study provides an overview of the status and perceptions of the CPD program in HFs in Rwanda and provides HPs' insights on the improvements in designing a standardized and harmonized CPD program in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Munyaneza
- Clinical Education and Research Division, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Belson Rugwizangoga
- Clinical Education and Research Division, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Rusingiza
- Clinical Education and Research Division, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Jean Claude Byiringiro
- Clinical Education and Research Division, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Florence Masaisa
- Clinical Education and Research Division, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Nyiringango G, Fors U, Tumusiime DK, Forsberg E. Acceptance of virtual patients as a continuous professional development approach among practicing nurses in primary health care settings in a low-income country: a quasi-experimental posttest setup design. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:332. [PMID: 38755655 PMCID: PMC11097534 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual patients are an educational technological approach used in healthcare education. Its distinctive features have rendered virtual patient technology appealing for the training of medical and healthcare students, particularly in the enhancement of clinical reasoning. Virtual patients are less often applied for continuous professional development for practicing healthcare providers, and there is a scarcity of studies exploring this possibility. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of nurses for using virtual patients as a continuous professional development approach. METHOD The study used a quasi-experimental posttest setup design. The study was conducted in ten primary healthcare settings in Rwanda. Among 76 nurses who consented to participate in the study, 56 completed the intervention and responded to the study questionnaire. Following a one-week program of continuous professional development on four non-communicable diseases, the study used a self-administered questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 to collect data. Descriptive analysis served as the primary method for analyzing participants' responses. The study also used a correlation test to assess the relationship of variables. RESULTS Across all items in the questionnaire, the median response tended towards either agree or strongly agree, with only a minority number of participants expressing strong disagreement, disagreement, or neutrality. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between perceived usefulness and behavior intention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The findings indicate an acceptability and behavioral intention of adopting virtual patients as an alternative continuous professional development approach among nurses working at health centers in Rwanda or other locations with similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Nyiringango
- Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Borgarfjordsgatan 12, PO Box 7003, Stockholm, SE-164 07, Sweden.
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, P.O.Box 3286, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Uno Fors
- Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Borgarfjordsgatan 12, PO Box 7003, Stockholm, SE-164 07, Sweden
| | - David K Tumusiime
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Elenita Forsberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Uhawenimana TC, Gakwerere M, Ngabonzima A, Yamuragiye A, Harindimana F, Ndayisenga JP. Utilization of technology to provide on-the-job trainings on Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care: Perspectives of nurses and midwives working in Rwanda's remote health facilities. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291219. [PMID: 38669298 PMCID: PMC11051650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the targets for the third sustainable development goals is to reduce worldwide maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. To address issues affecting women and the newborns during childbirth and postnatal period, concerted efforts from governments and their stakeholders are crucial to maximize the use of technology to enhance frontline health professionals' skills to provide the emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). However, no study has garnered nurses' and midwives' perspectives regarding the application of technology-enhanced learning approach to provide on-the-job Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and factors that may influence the application of this training approach in the Rwandan context. METHODS The study collected data from nurses and midwives from forty (40) public health facilities in remote areas nationwide. The study applied a qualitative descriptive design to explore and describe nurses' and midwives' perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of technology enhanced learning approaches such as e-learning, phone-based remote training, and other online methods to provide trainings in EmONC. Two focus group discussions with EmONC mentors, two with nurses and midwives were conducted. Twelve key informant interviews were conducted. Participants were selected purposively. In total, 54 individuals were included in this study. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. RESULTS Nurses and midwives highlighted the need to provide refresher trainings about the management of pre-eclampsia. Most of the EmONC trainings are still provided face-to-face and the use of technology enhanced learning approaches have not yet been embraced in delivering EmONC CPDs for nurses and midwives in remote areas. Nurses and midwives found the first developed prototype of smartphone app training of the EmONC acceptable as it met the midwives' expectations in terms of the knowledge and skills' gap in EmONC. CONCLUSION Although the newly developed application was found acceptable, further research involving practical sessions by nurses and midwives using the developed application is needed to garner views about the ease of use of the application, relevance of the EmONC uploaded content on the app, and needed improvements on the app to address their needs in EmONC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathias Gakwerere
- United Nations Populations Fund East and Southern Africa Region, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anaclet Ngabonzima
- JSI Research and Training Institute Inc, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Assumpta Yamuragiye
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Jean Pierre Ndayisenga
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Samia P, Naanyu V, Helen Cross J, Idro R, Boon P, Wilmshurst J, Luchters S. Ketogenic dietary therapy utilization in Kenya: A qualitative exploration of dietitian's perceptions. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 26:100661. [PMID: 38560597 PMCID: PMC10978472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study utilized a qualitative design to explore dietitians' perceptions regarding Ketogenic Diet Therapy (KDT) for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in Kenya. Dietitians from Kenya were selected and consented. Audio-recorded interviews were conducted, followed by thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts to identify recurring patterns. The study enrolled 18 dietitians, fourteen of whom correctly described their understanding of KDT for managing drug-resistant epilepsy. There was a lack of confidence in their capacity to initiate the KDT with all expressing the need for further training and facilitation. Only one dietitian reported having initiated and maintained KDT. There was an overall positive view regarding KDT and willingness to implement KDT for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Dietitians expressed concerns regarding the availability of national policies, inadequate staffing to support families who require KDT, and the cost of implementing this intervention. Dietitians expressed interest in virtual training to enhance their understanding of KDT. Dietitians in Kenya are mostly aware of KDT utilization for the management of drug-resistant epilepsy. However, they cited poor capability and various barriers to implementation. There is a need for policies to facilitate KDT as a treatment option for the benefit of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Samia
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Medical College, Aga Khan University, 3rd Parklands Avenue, University Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, 3rd Parklands Avenue, University Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, Gent, Ost-Flandern, Belgium
| | - Violet Naanyu
- School of Arts & Social Sciences, Moi University, Main Campus, Eldoret, Kenya
- AMPATH Research, AMPATH Centre, Nandi Road, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL BRC NIHR Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Boon
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, Gent, Ost-Flandern, Belgium
| | - Jo Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Klipfontein Road, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Cape Town, Woolsack Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, Gent, Ost-Flandern, Belgium
- The Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), 4 Bath Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Leksuwankun S, Plongla R, Eamrurksiri N, Torvorapanit P, Phongkhun K, Langsiri N, Meejun T, Srisurapanont K, Thanakitcharu J, Lerttiendamrong B, Thongkam A, Manothummetha K, Chuleerarux N, Moonla C, Worasilchai N, Chindamporn A, Permpalung N, Nematollahi S. Needs assessment of a pythiosis continuing professional development program. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012004. [PMID: 38408109 PMCID: PMC10919846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pythiosis is a rare disease with high mortality, with over 94% of cases reported from Thailand and India. Prompt diagnosis and surgery improves patient outcomes. Therefore, continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for early recognition. However, a needs assessment related to a pythiosis CPD program has not been performed. OBJECTIVES We conducted a needs assessment to develop a pythiosis CPD program. PATIENTS/METHODS We conducted a survey study with 267 King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital residents (141 internal medicine (IM) residents and 126 surgery residents). A 30-item survey consisting of a knowledge assessment, demographic section, and an attitudes portion was distributed both electronically and via paper. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent completed the survey (110/141 IM residents, 70/126 surgery residents). The mean score [95% confidence interval] on the knowledge assessment was 41.67% [39.64%-43.69%] across all objectives. The three domains with the highest scores were pythiosis risk factors (67.22% correct), microbiologic characteristics (50.83%), and radiographic interpretation (50.56%). The three domains with the lowest scores were laboratory investigation (15.00%), epidemiology (29.17%), and symptomatology (30.83%). Most participants noted that the program should be online with both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, with a preferred length of 60-90 minutes per session. CONCLUSION The pythiosis CPD program should emphasize education regarding symptomatology, laboratory investigation, and epidemiology, all of which are critical for the early detection of pythiosis to decrease mortality from this devastating disease. Most respondents felt this program was necessary and should be implemented in a virtual blended format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachai Leksuwankun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rongpong Plongla
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nathanich Eamrurksiri
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattama Torvorapanit
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasidis Phongkhun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattapong Langsiri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Meejun
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Jaedvara Thanakitcharu
- Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Achitpol Thongkam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasama Manothummetha
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nipat Chuleerarux
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chatphatai Moonla
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Translational Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Navaporn Worasilchai
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research Unit of Medical Mycology Diagnosis, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ariya Chindamporn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitipong Permpalung
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Saman Nematollahi
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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Wang L, Norman I, Xiao T, Li Y, Li X, Liu T, Wang J, Zeng L, Zhong Z, Jian C, Leamy M. Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted psychological first aid training intervention (Preparing Me) to support the mental health and well-being of front-line healthcare workers in China: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2299195. [PMID: 38269751 PMCID: PMC10812857 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2299195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychological first aid (PFA) training helps to prepare healthcare workers (HCWs) to manage trauma and stress during healthcare emergencies, yet evidence regarding its effectiveness and implementation is lacking.Method: A two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial design was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either a culturally adapted PFA training (the intervention arm) or psychoeducation (the control arm). Feasibility indicators and selected outcomes were collected.Results: In total, 215 workers who expressed an interest in participating in the trial were screened for eligibility, resulting in 96 eligible participants being randomly allocated to the intervention arm (n = 48) and control arm (n = 48). There was a higher retention rate for the face-to-face PFA training session than for the four online group PFA sessions. Participants rated the PFA training as very helpful (86%), with a satisfaction rate of 74.25%, and 47% reported being able to apply their PFA skills in responding to public health emergencies or providing front-line clinical care. Positive outcome changes were observed in PFA knowledge, skills, attitudes, resilience, self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, and post-traumatic growth. Their scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout measures all declined. Most of these changes were sustained over 3 months (p < .05). Repeated measures analysis of variance found statistically significant interaction effects on depression (F2,232 = 2.874, p = .046, η p 2 = .031) and burnout (F2,211 = 3.729, p = .018, η p 2 = .037), indicating a greater reduction in symptoms of depression and burnout with PFA compared to psychoeducation training.Conclusion: This culturally adapted PFA training intervention was highly acceptable among Chinese HCWs and was feasible in a front-line care setting. Preliminary findings indicated positive changes for the PFA training intervention on knowledge, skills, attitudes, resilience, self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, and post-traumatic growth, especially a reduction of depression and burnout. Further modifications are recommended and a fully powered evaluation of PFA training is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ian Norman
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yamin Li
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Xizhao Li
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ting Liu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjian Wang
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lina Zeng
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ziqing Zhong
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Chengzhu Jian
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mary Leamy
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Kerrigan V, McGrath SY, Doig C, Herdman RM, Daly S, Puruntatameri P, Lee B, Hefler M, Ralph AP. Evaluating the impact of 'Ask the Specialist Plus': a training program for improving cultural safety and communication in hospital-based healthcare. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:119. [PMID: 38254093 PMCID: PMC10804863 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10565-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND First Nations peoples in colonised countries often feel culturally unsafe in hospitals, leading to high self-discharge rates, psychological distress and premature death. To address racism in healthcare, institutions have promised to deliver cultural safety training but there is limited evidence on how to teach cultural safety. To that end, we created Ask the Specialist Plus: a training program that focuses on improving healthcare providers intercultural communication skills to improve cultural safety. Our aim is to describe training implementation and to evaluate the training according to participants. METHODS Inspired by cultural safety, Critical Race Theory and Freirean pedagogy, Ask the Specialist Plus was piloted at Royal Darwin Hospital in Australia's Northern Territory in 2021. The format combined listening to an episode of a podcast called Ask the Specialist with weekly, one-hour face-to-face discussions with First Nations Specialists outside the clinical environment over 7 to 8 weeks. Weekly surveys evaluated teaching domains using five-point Likert scales and via free text comments. Quantitative data were collated in Excel and comments were collated in NVivo12. Results were presented following Kirkpatrick's evaluation model. RESULTS Fifteen sessions of Ask the Specialist Plus training were delivered. 90% of participants found the training valuable. Attendees enjoyed the unique format including use of the podcast as a catalyst for discussions. Delivery over two months allowed for flexibility to accommodate clinical demands and shift work. Students through to senior staff learnt new skills, discussed institutionally racist systems and committed to behaviour change. Considering racism is commonly denied in healthcare, the receptiveness of staff to discussing racism was noteworthy. The pilot also contributed to evidence that cultural safety should be co-taught by educators who represent racial and gender differences. CONCLUSION The Ask the Specialist Plus training program provides an effective model for cultural safety training with high potential to achieve behaviour change among diverse healthcare providers. The training provided practical information on how to improve communication and fostered critical consciousness among healthcare providers. The program demonstrated that training delivered weekly over two months to clinical departments can lead to positive changes through cycles of learning, action, and reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Kerrigan
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia.
| | - Stuart Yiwarr McGrath
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Cassandra Doig
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Rarrtjiwuy Melanie Herdman
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Shannon Daly
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Pirrawayingi Puruntatameri
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Bilawara Lee
- Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Marita Hefler
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
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Foxlee ND, Taleo SA, Mathias A, Townell N, McIver L, Lau CL. The Impact of COVID-19 on Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of Ni-Vanuatu Health Workers Regarding Antibiotic Prescribing and Antibiotic Resistance, 2018 and 2022: A Mixed Methods Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:477. [PMID: 37888605 PMCID: PMC10611053 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100477] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is included in the ten most urgent global public health threats. Global evidence suggests that antibiotics were over prescribed during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Inappropriate use of antibiotics drives the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Ni-Vanuatu health worker knowledge, beliefs, and practices (KBP) regarding antibiotic prescribing and awareness of antibacterial AMR. A mixed methods study was conducted using questionnaires and in-depth interviews in 2018 and 2022. A total of 49 respondents completed both baseline (2018) and follow-up (2022) questionnaires. Knowledge scores about prescribing improved between surveys, although health workers were less confident about some prescribing activities. Respondents identified barriers to optimal hand hygiene performance. More than three-quarters of respondents reported that COVID-19 influenced their prescribing practice and heightened their awareness of ABR: "more careful", "more aware", "stricter", and "need more community awareness". Recommendations include providing ongoing continuing professional development to improve knowledge, enhance skills, and maintain prescribing competency; formalising antibiotic stewardship and infection, prevention, and control (IPC) programmes to optimise prescribing and IPC practices; and raising community awareness about ABR to support more effective use of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola D. Foxlee
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Siti Aishah Taleo
- Dispensary, Vila Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Private Mail Bag, Port Vila 9009, Vanuatu
| | - Agnes Mathias
- Curative Services, Ministry of Health, Private Mail Bag, Port Vila 9009, Vanuatu
| | - Nicola Townell
- Pacific Region Infectious Diseases Association, Kenmore Hills, QLD 4069, Australia
| | | | - Colleen L. Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
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Essuman MA, Addy NA, Essien-Baidoo S, Donkoh IE, Botchway FA, Afrifa J, Agyeman P, Amaama LA, Amoah S, Sorvor FBK, Ephraim RKD. Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:74. [PMID: 37700340 PMCID: PMC10498610 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00859-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey in February 2022 using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Respondents were asked questions that collected demographic and work-related data about them, their participation, preference, and challenges in being part of CPDs. Finally, a list of topics based on (i) quality management systems, (ii) technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, (iv) pathophysiology, and (iv) data interpretation and research were asked with the option to rate them on a 3-point scale (most, moderate, and least) in order of importance. RESULTS A total of 316 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Overall, the most frequently selected topics for training based on domains for CPD training and ranking as most important were (i) quality management systems, (mean = 80.59 ± 9.024; 95% CI = 73.04-88.13); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research (mean = 78.0 ± 6.973; 95% CI = 73.97-82.03); (iii) technical competence (mean = 73.97 ± 10.65; 95% CI = 66.35-81.59); and (iv) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (mean = 72.82 ± 9.719; 95% CI = 67.44-78.2). The factors affecting the choice of training needs included the medical laboratory professionals' current place of work, years in service, the reason for attending CPD activities, the period for attending the last CPD, being in a supervisory role, and the number of staff being supervised. Face-to-face presentations, training workshops, and hands-on workshops were the most preferred modes of CPD delivery with financial implications and workload/time constraints being the main challenges impeding CPD participation. CONCLUSION The identified needs will help in developing CPD programs that address what medical laboratory professionals prioritize as training needs. Stakeholders should incorporate these training needs into future programs and address the challenges highlighted in this study to have more relevant training for medical laboratory professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainprice Akuoko Essuman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nii Armah Addy
- Institute of Leadership and Management in Education (InLaME), Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Essien-Baidoo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Irene Esi Donkoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Felix A Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Justice Afrifa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Prince Agyeman
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Leticia Awontayami Amaama
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Amoah
- Laboratory Department, University Health Services, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Richard K D Ephraim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
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