Academic literature on the topic 'Healthcare workers (HCWs)'
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Journal articles on the topic "Healthcare workers (HCWs)"
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Talbot, Thomas R., Suzanne F. Bradley, Sara E. Cosgrove, Christian Ruef, Jane D. Siegel, and David J. Weber. "Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers and Vaccine Allocation for Healthcare Workers During Vaccine Shortages." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 26, no. 11 (November 2005): 882–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/502512.
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AbstractInfluenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality annually, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, immunosuppressed individuals, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Healthcare-associated transmission of influenza contributes to this burden but is often under-recognized except in the setting of large outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended annual influenza vaccination for healthcare workers (HCWs) with direct patient contact since 1984 and for all HCWs since 1993. The rationale for these recommendations is to reduce the chance that HCWs serve as vectors for healthcare-associated influenza due to their close contact with high-risk patients and to enhance both HCW and patient safety. Despite these recommendations as well as the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase HCW vaccination rates, the percentage of HCWs vaccinated annually remains unacceptably low. Ironically, at the same time that campaigns have sought to increase HCW vaccination rates, vaccine shortages, such as the shortage during the 2004-2005 influenza season, present challenges regarding allocation of available vaccine supplies to both patients and HCWs. This two-part document outlines the position of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America on influenza vaccination for HCWs and provides guidance for the allocation of influenza vaccine to HCWs during a vaccine shortage based on influenza transmission routes and the essential need for a practical and adaptive strategy for allocation. These recommendations apply to all types of healthcare facilities, including acute care hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and ambulatory care settings.
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Kim, Rachel, Sharon Nachman, Rafael Fernandes, Kristen Meyers, Maria Taylor, Debra LeBlanc, and Adam J. Singer. "Comparison of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers." PLOS ONE 15, no. 12 (December 9, 2020): e0241956. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241956.
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Objectives Healthcare workers face distinct occupational challenges that affect their personal health, especially during a pandemic. In this study we compare the characteristics and outcomes of Covid-19 patients who are and who are not healthcare workers (HCW). Methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 2,842 adult patients with known HCW status and a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test presenting to a large academic medical center emergency department (ED) in New York State from March 21 2020 through June 2020. Early in the pandemic we instituted a policy to collect data on patient occupation and exposures to suspected Covid-19. The primary outcome was hospital admission. Secondary outcomes were ICU admission, need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and mortality. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes of Covid-19 adult patients based on whether they were or were not HCW using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results Of 2,842 adult patients (mean age 53+/-19 years, 53% male) 193 (6.8%) were HCWs and 2,649 (93.2%) were not HCWs. Compared with non-HCW, HCWs were younger (43 vs 53 years, P<0.001), more likely female (118/193 [61%] vs 1211/2649 [46%], P<0.001), and more likely to have a known Covid-19 exposure (161/193 [83%] vs 946/2649 [36%], P<0.001), but had fewer comorbidities. On presentation to the ED, HCW also had lower frequencies of tachypnea (12/193 [6%] vs 426/2649 [16%], P<0.01), hypoxemia (15/193 [8%] vs 564/2649 [21%], P<0.01), bilateral opacities on imaging (38/193 [20%] vs 1189/2649 [45%], P<0.001), and lymphocytopenia (6/193 [3%] vs 532/2649 [20%], P<0.01) compared to non-HCWs. Direct discharges home from the ED were more frequent in HCW 154/193 (80%) vs 1275/2649 (48%) p<0.001). Hospital admissions (38/193 [20%] vs 1264/2694 [47%], P<0.001), ICU admissions (7/193 [3%] vs 321/2694 [12%], P<0.001), need for IMV (6/193 [3%] vs 321/2694 [12%], P<0.001) and mortality (2/193 [1%] vs 219/2694 [8%], P<0.01) were lower than among non-HCW. After controlling for age, sex, comorbidities, presenting vital signs and radiographic imaging, HCW were less likely to be admitted (OR 0.6, 95%CI 0.3–0.9) than non HCW. Conclusions Compared with non HCW, HCW with Covid-19 were younger, had less severe illness, and were less likely to be admitted.
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Ogunremi, Toju, Katherine Defalco, B. Lynn Johnston, Isabelle Boucoiran, Maureen Cividino, Blaine Cleghorn, Melody Ann Isinger, et al. "1208. Preventing Transmission of Bloodborne Viruses from-Infected Healthcare Workers to Patients in Canadian Healthcare Settings: A National Guideline." Open Forum Infectious Diseases 6, Supplement_2 (October 2019): S434. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1071.
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Abstract Background Infectious agents, such as bloodborne viruses (BBVs), can potentially be transmitted from healthcare workers (HCWs) to patients. In an effort to reduce this risk to patients, this guideline, which provides a framework for policies on the management of HCWs infected with BBVs in Canada, was developed. Methods A total of six systematic reviews (1995–2016) were conducted to inform the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) from infected HCWs to patients and the infectivity of each virus related to source serum viral load. Three environmental scans were conducted to inform sections on disclosure of HCW’s serologic status, Expert Review Panels, and lookback investigations. Government partners and key stakeholder organizations were consulted and a Task Group provided technical expertise. Results The risk of HCW-to-patient BBV transmission is negligible, except during exposure-prone procedures where there is a risk of HCW injury and possible exposure of a patient’s open tissues to the HCW’s blood. Transmission rates were lowest with HIV and highest with HBV (Table 1). Rates varied with several factors including source viral load, nature of potential exposure, infection prevention and control breaches, susceptibility of exposed patient, and use of post-exposure prophylaxis where relevant. The extent of reporting bias for exposure incidents where transmission did not occur is unknown. Current antiviral therapy informed guideline recommendations, with viral load thresholds provided to assist treating physician, Expert Review Panels and regulatory authorities in determining a HCW’s fitness for practice. Conclusion Routine Practices (or Standard Precautions) are critical to prevent HCW-to-patient transmission of infections; including BBVs. Recommendations provided in this guideline aim to further reduce the already minimal risk of HCW-to-patient transmission. The guideline provides a pan-Canadian approach for managing HCWs infected with a BBV, with recommendations directly impacting clinical practice related to preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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Apisarnthanarak, Anucha, Rungrueng Kitphati, Pranee Tawatsupha, Kanokporn Thongphubeth, Piyaporn Apisarnthanarak, and Linda M. Mundy. "Outbreak of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection Among Thai Healthcare Workers." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 28, no. 4 (April 2007): 430–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/512639.
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Objective.To evaluate the correlation between self-report of a prior history of chickenpox and results of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin (Ig) G serologic test results in an outbreak of VZV infection among Thai healthcare workers (HCWs) and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of establishing routine VZV immunization as part of an occupational health program on the basis of the outbreak data.Methods.All exposed patients received prophylaxis and the HCWs in our 3 intensive care units (ICUs) were prospectively evaluated. HCWs were assessed for disease history and serologic evidence of VZV IgG. A cost-benefit analysis was performed.Results.After 140 HCWs and 18 ICU patients were exposed to VZV, 10 HCWs (7%) with active VZV infection were relieved from work until skin lesions were crusted. Acyclovir (ACV) was prescribed to all 10 HCWs with active disease, and all 18 exposed patients received prophylaxis with ACV. Of 140 HCWs, 100 consented to longitudinal follow-up. Twenty-three (100%) of the HCWs who reported a history of chickenpox also had serologic test results that were postive for VZV IgG, compared with 30 (39%) of 77 HCWs who reported no prior history of chickenpox, yet had test results that were positive for VZV IgG. Reported history of chickenpox had a sensitivity of 43%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 61% with respect to VZV infection immunity. The total cost estimate for this outbreak investigation was $23,087.Conclusions.An HCWs reported history of chickenpox was a reliable predictor of immunity; a report of no prior history of chickenpox was unreliable. Our cost-benefit analysis suggests that the costs of an occupational health program that included VZV surveillance and immunization for the next 323 HCWs would be approximately equal to the excess costs of $17,227 for the ACV therapy, HCW furloughs, and staff overtime associated with this outbreak.
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Shweta Dadarao Parwe, Avinash Sukhdeorao Ingle, Milind Abhimanyu Nisargandha, and Bharat Rathi. "Healthcare workers novel coronavirus (nCOVID 19) life-threatening situation during the pandemic." International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 11, SPL1 (November 17, 2020): 1222–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl1.3600.
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Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the professional workers directly acquired infection during this coronavirus outbreak. Coronavirus potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by nCOVID-19 has been declared by pandemic on 11th March 2020 by Word health organisation (WHO). The previous study has reported high susceptibility of respiratory infection in the HCWs. The HCWs are at increased risk for severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection. The spread of coronavirus became global public health event, threatening physical and Mental Health of HCWs. This study reviews the possible risk factors for being infected HCWs and avoid transmission of infection at the workplace. Spreading the coronavirus day by day is the life-threatening condition for Health care workers during a pandemic. The community should understand the HCW’s increased responsibility during this public health emergency and must provide the necessary social support as well. There should be enough protective and preventive measures for avoiding transmission in HCWs. Apart from heavy duties HCWs while using PPEs they also have physical and mental exhaustion along with the fear produced out of risk-specific exposures.
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Umegbolu, Emmanuel I., and Innocentia N. Ozoejike. "Management of solid healthcare wastes in some government healthcare facilities in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study." International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health 4, no. 11 (October 25, 2017): 4031. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20174813.
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Background: The significance of healthcare wastes (HCWs) consists in their hazardous component, which constitutes real danger to public health. In Nigeria, healthcare waste management (HCWM) has remained a problem yet to be properly recognized and so addressed. The study aimed to sensitise health workers and the public on the need for proper management of HCWs, considering the public health implications of not doing so.Methods: The waste management systems of ten healthcare facilities (HCFs) were assessed, using a modification of the WHO rapid assessment tool. In each HCF, segregated wastes were collected daily for ten days and quantified by weighing, using a spring balance.Results: Administratively, the HCWM system was poor in the ten HCFs (40.6%). 70% of them had satisfactory waste segregation, 81%, good waste treatment, and 26.7% adequate transportation methods for waste. None of the HCFs had budget allocation for HCWM, and 90% had inadequate storage facilities. Mean waste generation was 1.81 kg/day, 0.23 kg/patient/day, 0.16 kg/bed/day, and proportion of infectious wastes 16.8%. Correlation between the number of patients and proportion of infectious waste, was positive, strong and significant (r=0.80, p=0.01), and between bed occupancy rate and proportion of infectious waste, was positive too, but weak, and insignificant (r=0.34, p=0.34).Conclusions: In view of the identified weaknesses of the ten HCFs in HCWM, budget allocations for HCWM, improving waste storage facilities and transportation, with strengthening of waste segregation, collection, and treatment, would help to ensure adequate HCWM in the HCFs.
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Corpora, LMSW, Miranda, Andres F. Leone, MD, and Elena Liggett, LISW-CP. "Burnout prevention pilot intervention for healthcare workers during COVID-19." Journal of Emergency Management 19, no. 9 (July 1, 2021): 117–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.5055/jem.0600.
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Background: Burnout is often prevalent among healthcare workers (HCWs) given the stressful nature of their work. COVID-19 has intensified HCW burnout, and little is known about burnout prevention interventions that may help alleviate HCW burnout during COVID-19.Methods: This study adopted a pre-experimental post-test only design. The sample (n = 53) was adult HCWs at a large metropolitan-area hospital. The intervention consisted of a memorial service that included music by a music therapist, chaplain support, and mindfulness-promoting provisions.Results: Results showed that 33.9 percent of participants reported currently feeling burned out and 98.1 percent of participants found the intervention helpful. Feedback from participants showed that they thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to pause and remember.Conclusion: Given the promising results of this pilot study, coupled with increased burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout interventions for HCWs should be further explored.
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Apisarnthanarak, Anucha, Timothy M. Uyeki, Pilaipan Puthavathana, Rungrueng Kitphati, and Linda M. Mundy. "Reduction of Seasonal Influenza Transmission among Healthcare Workers in an Intensive Care Unit: A 4-Year Intervention Study in Thailand." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 31, no. 10 (October 2010): 996–1003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/656565.
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Objective.To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an influenza control bundle to minimize healthcare-associated seasonal influenza transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs) in an intensive care unit (ICU) equipped with central air conditioning.Methods.A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 500-bed tertiary care center in Thailand from July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2009. The medical ICU (MICU) implemented an influenza control bundle including healthcare worker (HCW) education, influenza screening of adult community-acquired pneumonia patients, antiviral treatment of patients and ill HCWs who tested positive for influenza, promotion of influenza vaccination among HCWs, and reinforcement of standard infection control policies. The surgical ICU (SICU) and coronary care unit (CCU) received no intervention.Results.The numbers of influenza infections among HCWs during the pre- and postintervention periods were 18 cases in 5,294 HCW-days and 0 cases in 5,336 HCW-days in the MICU (3.4 vs 0 cases per 1,000 HCW-days; P < .001), 19 cases in 4,318 HCW-days and 20 cases in 4,348 HCW-days in the SICU (4.4 vs 4.6 cases per 1,000 HCW-days; P = .80), and 18 cases in 5,000 HCW-days and 18 cases in 5,143 HCW-days in the CCU (3.6 vs 3.5 cases per 1,000 HCW-days; P = .92), respectively. Outbreak-related influenza occurred in 7 MICU HCWs, 6 SICU HCWs, and 4 CCU HCWs before intervention and 0 MICU HCWs, 9 SICU HCWs, and 8 CCU HCWs after intervention. Before and after intervention, 25 (71%) and 35 (100%) of 35 MICU HCWs were vaccinated, respectively (P < .001); HCW vaccination coverage did not change significantly in the SICU (21 [70%] of 30 vs 24 [80%] of 30; P = .89) and CCU (19 [68%] of 28 vs 21 [75%] of 28; P = .83). The estimated costs of US $6,471 per unit for postintervention outbreak investigations exceeded the intervention costs of US $4,969.Conclusion.A sustained influenza intervention bundle was associated with clinical and economic benefits to a Thai hospital.
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Mirtskhulava, Veriko, Jennifer A. Whitaker, Maia Kipiani, Drew A. Harris, Nino Tabagari, Ashli A. Owen-Smith, Russell R. Kempker, and Henry M. Blumberg. "Determinants of Tuberculosis Infection Control–Related Behaviors Among Healthcare Workers in the Country of Georgia." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 36, no. 5 (February 4, 2015): 522–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ice.2015.5.
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OBJECTIVETo better understand tuberculosis (TB) infection control (IC) in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Georgia.DESIGNA cross-sectional evaluation of healthcare worker (HCW) knowledge, beliefs and behaviors toward TB IC measures including latent TB infection (LTBI) screening and treatment of HCWs.SETTINGGeorgia, a high-burden multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) country.PARTICIPANTSHCWs from the National TB Program and affiliated HCFs.METHODSAn anonymous self-administered 55-question survey developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) conceptual framework.RESULTSIn total, 240 HCWs (48% physicians; 39% nurses) completed the survey. The overall average TB knowledge score was 61%. Only 60% of HCWs reported frequent use of respirators when in contact with TB patients. Only 52% of HCWs were willing to undergo annual LTBI screening; 48% were willing to undergo LTBI treatment. In multivariate analysis, HCWs who worried about acquiring MDR-TB infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–2.25), who thought screening contacts of TB cases is important (aOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.35–8.65), and who were physicians (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.08–2.60) were more likely to accept annual LTBI screening. With regard to LTBI treatment, HCWs who worked in an outpatient TB facility (aOR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.11–0.58) or perceived a high personal risk of TB reinfection (aOR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.37–0.64) were less likely to accept LTBI treatment.CONCLUSIONThe concern about TB reinfection is a major barrier to HCW acceptance of LTBI treatment. TB IC measures must be strengthened in parallel with or prior to the introduction of LTBI screening and treatment of HCWs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
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Daskalaki, Irini, Patricia Hennessey, Robin Hubler, and Sarah S. Long. "Resource Consumption in the Infection Control Management of Pertussis Exposure Among Healthcare Workers in Pediatrics." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 28, no. 4 (April 2007): 412–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/513121.
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Objective.To assess consumption of resources in the infection control management of healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to pertussis and to assess avoidability of exposure.Setting.Tertiary care children's medical center.Methods.Analysis of the extent of and reasons for HCW exposure to pertussis during contact with children with the disease, whether exposures were avoidable (because of the failure to recognize a case or to order or adhere to isolation precautions) or unavoidable (because the case was not recognizable or because another diagnosis was confirmed), and the cost of implementing exposure management.Interventions.Interventions consisted of an investigation of every HCW encounter with any patient who was confirmed later to have pertussis from the time of hospital admission of the patient, use of azithromycin as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for exposed HCWs, performance of 21-day surveillance for cough illness, testing of symptomatic exposed HCWs forBordetella pertussis, and enhanced preexposure education of HCWs.Results.From September 2003 through April 2005, pertussis was confirmed in 28 patients (median age, 62 days); 24 patients were admitted. For 11 patients, pertussis was suspected, appropriate precautions were taken, and no HCW was exposed. Inadequate precautions for 17 patients led to 355 HCW exposures. The median number of HCWs exposed per exposing patient was 9 (range, 1-86 HCWs; first quartile mean, 2; fourth quartile mean, 61). Exposure was definitely avoidable for only 61 (17%) of 355 HCWs and was probably unavoidable for 294 HCWs (83%). The cost of 20-month infection control management of HCWs exposed to pertussis was $69,770. The entire cohort of HCWs involved in direct patient care at the facility could be immunized for approximately $60,000.Conclusions.Exposure of HCWs to pertussis during contact with children who have the disease is largely unavoidable, and management of this exposure is resource intensive. Universal preexposure vaccination of HCWs is a better utilization of resources than is case-based postexposure management.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Healthcare workers (HCWs)"
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Taylor, Guy O. "Perspectives of Sierra Leoneans Healthcare Workers' Mental Health During the Ebola Outbreak." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7086.
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The mental health of healthcare workers during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa was a serious concern for healthcare professionals and the mental health field. One area in West Africa where healthcare workers played a significant role during the Ebola outbreak of 2014 and 2015 was Sierra Leone. This qualitative research study was designed to explore the perceptions of Sierra Leoneans healthcare workers' mental health, how they coped, and treatment they received while providing care for Ebola virus patients. This study, with a phenomenological research approach, used purposeful sampling to recruit 10 healthcare workers to participate in semi structured, open-ended interviews. The stress theory model and a hermeneutic phenomenology conceptual framework were used as a lens of analysis to understand the views of healthcare workers who worked directly with Ebola virus patients in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The results of the analysis of the collected data produced 9 major themes. The major themes suggest that healthcare workers experienced mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety, personal thoughts and feelings such as insomnia, and suicidal ideation. Strategies for coping included using the Bible; and the detrimental impact included facing discrimination after the Ebola outbreak. Most of the healthcare workers blame the government for not providing adequate coping resources, which led to the personal consequence of hopelessness. This study may benefit mental health professionals working in an epidemic. Additionally, this study may contribute to social change by providing a deeper understanding of the mental health system and healthcare workers in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
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Roberts, Erin. "Exploring the guidance and attitudes regarding infant feeding options provided by Healthcare workers (HCWs) to HIV positive mothers of infants 0 – 12 months of age in South Africa." University of the Western Cape, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/8014.
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Magister Public Health - MPHSouth Africa’s Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) policy guidelines of 2013 and its 2017 amendments recommend that mothers, including those living with HIV, exclusively breastfeed their infants until 24 months of age, followed by their gradual weaning. The 2013 changed policy guidelines occurred to align with global WHO recommendations of six-month exclusive breastfeeding for all HIV positive mothers, and consequently no longer recommended free formula feed as an option for HIV-positive mothers attending public sector services, except in limited circumstances. Despite these policy guidelines, less than a third of South African mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants. The other two thirds of mothers either formula feed or mixed feed their infants. Mixed feeding or exclusive breastfeeding by HIV positive mothers who have either not been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) long enough or are insufficiently adherent to ART to suppress their viral loads, can potentially lead to increased risk of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since healthcare workers (HCWs) play a key role in promoting the IYCF policy guidelines and encouraging its practice among HIV-positive mothers, it is crucial to determine the extent to which HCWs understand and subscribe to this important policy. Using purposeful sampling and in-depth qualitative interview techniques, this qualitative study explored the attitudes of HCWs towards different infant feeding options, especially for HIV positive mothers, against the background of their understanding of the changes in IYCF policy guidelines between 2013 and 2017. The participants in this study included ten HCWs selected from three primary health care facilities in Khayelitsha (Western Cape, South Africa), and two programme coordinators based at the Western Cape’s Department of Health Khayelitsha substructure office. By interviewing this diverse sample of HCW cadre, the study aimed to explore their perceptions related to the factors which facilitate IYCF policy implementation versus those that hinder the implementation of this policy. The findings revealed that HCWs interviewed had good overall familiarity with the IYCF policy guidelines. However, their depth of understanding and acceptability of the policy varied, especially in the context of high HIV MTCT risk. Suboptimal implementation of the policy occurred due to inadequate policy dissemination, diverse views on the limitations of the policy, such as the promotion of only exclusive breastfeeding as an option and an unclear rationale for recent policy changes. Additionally, HCWs high workload and insufficient training on the changed 2017 guidelines were identified as barriers to effectively implementing the new infant feeding policy guidelines. HCW further perceived that personal, socio-cultural and health system factors influenced new mothers’ decisions and/or ability to breastfeed. These findings highlight that improved policy dissemination strategies and training should be used to increase HCWs knowledge regarding infant feeding counselling content, including HIV MTCT risk. Western Cape Department of Health alignment and implementation of relevant National Department of Health HIV policies should occur to decrease MTCT risk while breastfeeding. Peer support groups could provide maternal support for continued postnatal ART adherence and for sustained safer feeding practices. Finally, while exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal feeding choice generally for mothers, future revision of the 2017 IYCF policy should consider allowing HCW to act more flexibly in the maternal guidance they provide on infant feeding options. This could allow greater discretion for HCW in infant feeding counselling of mothers, particularly for those women who are HIV positive. This would promote improved patient-centred counselling that takes into account both maternal socio-cultural context and the right to make individualised decisions regarding infant feeding.
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Kieser-Muller, Christel. "Needle stick injury and the personal experience of health care workers." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01302006-144425.
Full textBooks on the topic "Healthcare workers (HCWs)"
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Van Buynder, Paul, and Elizabeth Brodkin. Healthcare worker screening for nosocomial pathogens. Oxford University Press, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199600830.003.0284.
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Health care organizations and their staff have a responsibility to prevent occupationally-acquired infections and avoid transmitting disease to patients. As well as being a known source of nosocomial infections, health care workers (HCWs) are at risk themselves of becoming infected in the workplace. Regulatory authorities in many countries advise or mandate screening for key blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) in settings where transmission between patients and staff is possible. Staff infected with a BBP are restricted from performing certain procedures. In addition to screening for BBP, health care organizations require a tuberculosis infection control programme. Routine screening of health care workers for other organisms such as MRSA is usually not indicated. Health care organizations should have robust policies to immunize health care workers against Hepatitis B and respiratory diseases. Many organizations now make immunization against key respiratory diseases a pre-requisite for employment as a key infection control patient safety strategy.
Book chapters on the topic "Healthcare workers (HCWs)"
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Mosolova, Ekaterina, Dmitry Sosin, and Sergey Mosolov. "Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Burnout in Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia." In Origin and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Originating From SARS-CoV-2 Infection Across the Globe [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98292.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been subject to increased workload while also exposed to many psychosocial stressors. Most studies reported high levels of depression and anxiety among HCWs worldwide. Our study is based on two online surveys of 2195 HCWs from different regions of Russia during spring and autumn epidemic outbreaks revealed the rates of anxiety, stress, depression, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and perceived stress as 32.3%, 31.1%, 45.5%, 74.2%, 37.7%,67.8%, respectively. Moreover, 2.4% of HCWs reported suicidal thoughts. Revealed risk factors included: female gender, younger age, working for over 6 months, living outside of Moscow or Saint Petersburg, the fear of getting infected or infecting family and friends. These results demonstrate the need for urgent supportive programs for HCWs fighting COVID-19 that fall into higher risk factors groups.
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Sharif, Salman, and Faridah Amin. "COVID-19 Pandemic; Anxiety and Depression among frontline healthcare workers: Rising from the Ashes." In Anxiety, Uncertainty, and Resilience During the Pandemic Period - Anthropological and Psychological Perspectives [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98274.
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This chapter gives an insight into the psychological journey of the essential healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The catastrophe which started off with uncertainty, provoked fear-related behaviors among the frontline doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. With meager resources and lack of a disaster plan, fire-fighting was a reflex response of healthcare institutions. Though the whole world seemed to be unprepared for the calamity, developing countries with fragile healthcare systems were more vulnerable to collapse. The negative aura was complicated by mistrust among the general population, regarding healthcare workers, institutions and government. Furthermore, with economic downfall; balancing work and protecting the family was a challenge for HCWs, especially during the pandemic peak. The psychological distress translated to rising incidence of depression and anxiety among them. As institutions gained insight into psychosocial issues of HCWs; support and therapies were offered to them. Positive messages labelling HCWs as “Heroes of the Pandemic” were circulated and structured programs developed to address their needs. With the advent of COVID-19 vaccine, a ray of hope emerged, although there are still apprehensions about its efficacy and side-effects. The whole world now eagerly awaits the calamity to perish while normality can rise from ashes.
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Goldenberg, Don L. "The Way Forward." In COVID's Impact on Health and Healthcare Workers, 143–65. Oxford University Press, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780197575390.003.0008.
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The optimal rollout of an effective vaccine will depend upon correcting the flaws in our healthcare system laid bare during the pandemic. Public health must be prioritized and the CDC and WHO provided with the resources to work effectively, devoid of political interference. Healthcare inequities must be tended to, racism acknowledged and erased. Every American has the right to affordable healthcare. The care of the elderly must be rethought and rehumanized. Primary care should be the fulcrum of the US healthcare system with reimbursement based on value. Preventative, rather than reactive, healthcare, employing team collaboration with adequate mental health resources, and reaching across arbitrary boundaries, is essential. The pandemic has raised awareness of healthcare worker safety and well-being, an essential goal for hospitals. Physicians, scientists and all HCWs must rely on science and speak out against misinformation.
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Vergara-Buenaventura, Andrea, and Carmen Castro-Ruiz. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Dentists." In Anxiety, Uncertainty, and Resilience During the Pandemic Period - Anthropological and Psychological Perspectives [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98591.
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Since March 2020, the COVID-19 disease has declared a pandemic producing a worldwide containment. For months, many people were subjected to strict social isolation away from family and loved ones to prevent disease transmission, leading to anxiety, fear, and depression. On the other hand, many had to close down their businesses and stop working, resulting in financial issues. Previous studies have reported that pandemics, epidemics, and some diseases can lead to mental disorders such as fear, anxiety, stress, and depression. Among those most affected, healthcare workers (HCWs), especially those on the front line, often develop mental health problems. Although there is data available on the management and care of HCWs, little attention has been paid to the mental health and well-being of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this chapter aims to review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dentists’ mental health and mental health-related symptoms. Finally, to recommend specific measures to avoid consequent potential implications for dentists, dental students, and dental patients.
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Babanyara, Y. Y., Abdulkadir Aliyu, B. A. Gana, and Maryam Musa. "A Review of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Wastes Workers (HCWS) on Medical Waste in Developing Countries." In Risks and Challenges of Hazardous Waste Management: Reviews and Case Studies, 25–45. BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/9789811472466120010005.
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Shin, Gee Yen. "Vaccination of Specific Groups." In Tutorial Topics in Infection for the Combined Infection Training Programme. Oxford University Press, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198801740.003.0063.
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While the UK immunisation schedule is a national immunisation policy for the general population, several groups of patients and persons require a different approach to be taken. For example, some groups of patients cannot safely receive certain vaccine because they may be allergic (anaphylaxis) to some vaccine components and some patients cannot receive, e.g. live attenuated vaccines because they are severely immunocompromised. Other patients require additional vaccines to protect them from vaccine preventable diseases because they are immunocompromised in some way, e.g. asplenia. The following groups require special consideration: ● Pregnant women; ● Severely immunocompromised patients; ● Asplenic patients or those with dysfunctional spleens; ● Severe allergy to vaccine components; ● healthcare workers (HCWs); ● Patients with certain chronic medical conditions; ● Morbid obesity; and ● Persons travelling abroad, especially to developing countries. In general, giving vaccines to pregnant women is not recommended due to the potential risk of medicines and vaccines harming the foetus. Specifically, live attenuated vaccines should not be given to pregnant women. It is relatively safer to give inactivated/killed vaccines to pregnant women, but most vaccines can and should be postponed until after delivery. However, in the UK it is recommended that pregnant women receive two particular vaccines during pregnancy in order to protect the mother and foetus from avoidable harm. These are the inactivated influenza vaccine and a vaccine against Bordetella pertussis infection. For these two vaccines, the benefits of vaccination for the pregnant women and the foetus or newborn baby outweigh any theoretical risks of harm. Severely immunocompromised patients should not receive live attenuated vaccines due to a risk of uncontrolled viral replication resulting in clinical disease. Patients who are considered to be severely immunocompromised include: ● Severe primary immunodeficiency, e.g. severe combined immunodeficiency; ● Patients receiving cancer chemotherapy and those within six months of completing chemotherapy; ● Patients who have received a solid organ transplant and are on immunosuppressive therapy; ● Patients who have received a bone marrow transplant until twelve months after all immunosuppressive therapy has stopped; and ● Patients receiving high-dose systemic corticosteroids until at least three months after treatment ends.
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"Ethical, medico-legal & sociocultural issues." In Oxford Handbook of Genitourinary Medicine, HIV, and Sexual Health, edited by Laura Mitchell, Bridie Howe, D. Ashley Price, Babiker Elawad, and K. Nathan Sankar, 15–40. Oxford University Press, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198783497.003.0002.
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This chapter on ethical, medico-legal, and sociocultural issues provides an overview of ethical, legal and cultural challenges that may face any healthcare professional (HCP), but are of particular relevance to those working in sexual health services or caring for people living with HIV. This chapter includes sections on confidentiality and consent, child sexual exploitation (CSE), pertinent legislation, sexual offences, female genital mutilation (FGM), intimate examinations and the use of chaperones, the use of electronic technology, partner notification issues, the official recommendations for people living with HIV working as HCPs in the UK (HIV-infected healthcare workers), and some practical advice in relation to providing written legal statements and court appearances.
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Gürsel, Güney. "Perceived Importance of User Expectations from Healthcare Information Systems." In Healthcare Informatics and Analytics, 84–95. IGI Global, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-6316-9.ch005.
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Health institutions invest huge amounts in Information Systems (IS). Despite the huge budgets of investments, it is estimated that nearly 60-70% of Information Technology (IT) implementation projects fail in healthcare. In the literature, success factors and the failure reasons have largely been discussed. One of these, both in failure reasons and success factors, is the User Expectations. Expectation Failure, which can be defined as the gap between expectations of the end users from the system and actual performance of it, is introduced as one of the failure reasons of IS. The expectations of users must be well understood and discreetly worked out to design and implement a successful, acceptable, and useful IS. There is no study about the expectations from Healthcare Information System (HCIS) in the literature. The aim of this chapter is to investigate the end user expectations from HIS and their rankings. Seventeen potential end user expectations in four dimensions are examined and ranked according to the importance of expectations to the users.
Conference papers on the topic "Healthcare workers (HCWs)"
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Vijayasaratha, Kesavaperumal, Karthik Basumani, and Akshaya Sasank. "Influenza vaccination uptake, awareness, and barriers among healthcare workers (HCWs) at tertiary care setting in India." In ERS International Congress 2019 abstracts. European Respiratory Society, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2019.pa4548.
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Chin, K., E. M. Wickwire, D. R. Glick, and S. E. Hines. "Occupational Stress and Moral Injury in US Healthcare Workers (HCW) with Caregiving Duties During the COVID-19 Pandemic." In American Thoracic Society 2021 International Conference, May 14-19, 2021 - San Diego, CA. American Thoracic Society, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3084.
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