health personnel

Patients’ complaints against hospital staff reflect dissatisfaction with care and service, indicating gaps in the healthcare delivery system. This study investigates the causes of complaints against medical staff referred to the Kerman healthcare organization before and after the COVID-19 epidemic.

This cross-sectional study examined claims filed against medical staff during two years—2018 (before COVID-19) and 2019 (after COVID-19). The data, collected from 154 forensic medical cases (120 in 2018, 34 in 2019), included the year of complaint, complaint outcome, reasons, and defendant’s education level.

Indictments were issued for 31.2% (48 cases), prohibition of prosecution for 63.6% (98 cases), and suspension of prosecution for 8.2% (8 cases). Complaints due to complications were 61% (94 cases), mostly before COVID-19 (74 cases). Complaints due to patient death increased post-COVID-19 (8.4%, 13 cases). After the epidemic, most complaints were against physicians (70.5%) and dentists (20.6%) (p=0.001). Before COVID-19, complaints were highest among gynecologists and obstetricians (18.3%), surgical specialists (14.2%), and general practitioners (9.2%). Post-COVID-19, the highest complaints were against surgical specialists (20.6%), dentists (20.6%), and orthopedic specialists (17.6%).

Complaints against medical staff decreased post-COVID-19 compared to the previous year. The highest complaints were against gynecologists and obstetricians, surgical specialists, dentists, and orthopedic specialists. Common causes included death, complications due to lack of skill, and carelessness. Monitoring the performance of specialties with the highest complaints is necessary.

The actions of healthcare workers in treating and caring for people with mental illness are influenced by various factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess beliefs, knowledge, and perception of Indonesian Mental Healthcare Workers (MHWs) regarding mental illness.

A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 173 MHWs in May 2021 using a newly developed questionnaire distributed through convenience sampling methods.

Most respondents were female (n = 135, 77.14%) and married (n = 148, 84.57%), with a mean (SD) of age of 37.57 (6.55) years old. Most believed that mental illness was caused by personal weakness (n = 131, 74.86%) and often led to mental retardation (n = 115, 65.71%). Furthermore, approximately half of this population believed mental illness could be cured through marriage (n = 80, 45.71%).

The evaluated MHWs commonly held misconceptions about the cause and treatments of mental illness. Consequently, relevant training was recommended to be performed for mental health literacy enhancement.

Insufficient nursing qualifications are among the factors contributing to clinical errors in care units. Additionally, frequent false alarms diminish nurses' trust in alarm systems and delay response times, potentially leading to alarm fatigue over time. This study aimed to investigate the association between alarm fatigue and clinical competence among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.

This descriptive correlational study included 140 NICU nurses from Kermanshah, Iran, during 2023-2024, selected using a census sampling method. Data collection tools comprised a demographic questionnaire, the "Nurse Competence Scale," and the "Alarm Fatigue Questionnaire." Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16, employing both descriptive and inferential methods, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

The mean alarm fatigue score was 21.61±7.45, indicating a level above average. Most participants (75%) demonstrated very good clinical qualifications. The average clinical competence score was 174.76±26.74, also rated at a very good level. A significant relationship was observed between alarm fatigue and clinical competence in the teaching-coaching subscale (p=0.019). However, no significant association was found overall.

As alarm fatigue increases, clinical competence specifically within the teaching-coaching subscale declines. However, no significant correlation is observed between overall clinical competence (excluding the teaching-coaching subscale) and alarm fatigue, nor between alarm fatigue and the individual subscales of clinical competence.

This scoping review aims to identify and summarize how Technology can help in the prevention of work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries of healthcare professionals.

Methods & Materials: 

We conducted a scoping review following the steps provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The PRISMA® - Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model was used to organize the information, following the recommendations described in PRISMA-ScR (PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews) for the article presentation. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was conducted for all articles in December 2023.

Of the 964 initial articles identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies highlight the effectiveness of various technological interventions in reducing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare professionals. Wearable technologies, such as inertial measurement units, have been effective in promoting correct posture and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. However, the studies also identified significant challenges, including the generalizability of findings, the need for more robust empirical evidence, and issues related to the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of these technologies.

The conclusion of this analysis highlights the need for scalable, effective, and customized therapies and calls for more study and development in gamification, wearable technologies, and tailored mobile applications.

Patient’s privacy protection is a challenging ethical issue. The complex situation of the COVID-19 pandemic was a probable predictor of breaching confidentiality. This study aimed to assess the viewpoints of COVID-19-confirmed patients, who were hospitalized, and their healthcare providers about the compliance of different aspects of patient’s privacy. This cross-sectional study included 3433 COVID-19-confirmed patients who were hospitalized in Kerman, between 2020 and 2021, and about 1228 related physicians, nurses, and paraclinical staff. Two separate validated researcher-made questionnaires were developed, each including subscales for physical, informational, and spatial privacy, as well as a satisfaction rate of privacy protection. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26, with independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney-U, Kruskal Wallis, and Multiple Linear Regression tests at a 95% confidence interval. The mean percentages of the patients’ privacy scores in physical, spatial, and informational areas were significantly lower (P<0.001) than the average of the medical staff’s scores in all three areas (Difference: 10.27%, 14.83%, and 4.91%, respectively). Physical and spatial privacy scores could be predicted based on the participants’ classification, patients or medical staff, and sex. The mean patients’ satisfaction score was 9.25% lower than the medical staff’s (P<0.001). Moreover, only academic hospitals showed a statistically significant difference between the patient’s satisfaction with privacy protection and medical staff’s viewpoints (P<0.001). Although this study indicated the benefits of protecting patients’ privacy in the healthcare setting, patients’ privacy scores and satisfaction were lower than their healthcare providers. The pandemic conditions might have been an obstacle to preserving patients’ rights. These findings demonstrated the importance of sensitizing healthcare providers to manage these ethical challenges in a complicated critical state such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human beings are faced with numerous behavioral options in different situations, but they can only choose a limited number of them. Ethical beliefs, values, and principles guide individuals in decision-makings. This study focuses on medical residents' perspectives towards four ethical principles (Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue, and Principlism) in various clinical situations. This descriptive-analytical study was performed cross-sectional basis among a population of medical residents of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered by multi-stage cluster sampling method using a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and five different clinical scenarios. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS22. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between gender, specialty, year of study, and the four ethical principles mentioned in the participants. However, a significant correlation was observed between the types of scenarios and their alignment with a particular type of decision or ethical theory. The ethical philosophy of medical residents has been evolving gradually over time, even before entering the residency period. Therefore, focusing on practical ethics training and the commitment of residents to implementing the principles and values of professional ethics can shape the ethical philosophy of residents towards professional ethics and humanity.

Volcanic eruptions can harm pregnant women in the absence of disaster risk management. Health personnel have not adequately prepared pregnant women for disaster-prone eruptions.

This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a disaster risk management model in enhancing the preparedness of pregnant women in anticipation of the eruption of Mount Agung.

The research employed a quasi-experimental design, utilizing a pre-test-post-test control group method. Conducted in Bali, Indonesia, in 2022, the study involved a sample of 200 participants, divided equally into two groups of 100 each. Participants were selected using quota sampling. Preparedness questionnaires were administered before the educational intervention (pre-test) and again after two weeks of education (post-test). The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Mann-Whitney U test.

It was found that in the intervention group, the preparedness of most pregnant women was categorized as fair (55%) before the intervention and high (65%) after the intervention (p < 0.001). In the control group, most pregnant women's preparedness remained in the fair category both before (66%) and after (65%) the intervention (P = 0.085). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the preparedness levels between the groups after the intervention (P = 0.015).

Health workers can enhance the eruption emergency preparedness of pregnant women through educational classes specifically designed for them.

This study aimed to assess the operating room (OR) staff’s perception of patient safety culture in a dynamic and demanding setting where reducing human errors is critical.
This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between June and October 2022, employed a census sampling method involving surgical technologists and anesthesia technicians. Data collection instruments included the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) questionnaire and demographic information. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.
The findings revealed a moderate level of patient safety culture, with 85.4% of respondents reporting no errors in the past year. Supervisor/manager expectations and actions received the highest mean score, while non-punitive response to errors scored the lowest. The overall patient safety culture was determined to be at a moderate level, with an average score of 116.26 ± 12.98.
This study highlights the crucial need for strategic management interventions to improve patient safety culture, particularly in operating rooms. Health policymakers and nursing managers must prioritize implementing standardized and updated checklists for every surgical procedure, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. By fostering cooperation, empathy, and a non-punitive response to errors, significant improvements in patient safety can be achieved. Recognizing and addressing these needs is essential for health policymakers and nursing managers to ensure safer operating environments and enhance overall healthcare quality.

Endotracheal intubation is a potentially high-risk aerosol-generating procedure. So, an intubation box (I-Box) is designed for personal protection during intubation. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of endotracheal intubation with and without an I-box in COVID-19 patients.

In this study, 60 COVID-19 patients (30 patients in each group) with and without I-box groups were included. outcomes of intubation including duration of intubation, first-pass success intubation, suitable visibility of airways, restriction of movement in the neck, the need to surface maneuvering of the airway, and the number of attempts for successful intubation were compared between the two groups.

The time of intubation was significantly longer in the I-box group (15.27±2.6 seconds) than without the I-box group (8.37±1.3 seconds) (p<0.001). All patients (100%) were intubated in the first attempt in the without I-box group while the rate of first-pass success intubation was 50% in the I-box group (p <0.001). The visibility of the airway was significantly better in the without I-box group than the I-box group (without I-box: 23 patients (76.7%), I-box: 15 patients (50%), p= 0.032). The frequency of need to optimizing maneuver of the airway was in without and with I-box was 23.3% and 50% respectively (p=0.032).

However, the I-box as a physical barrier can protect healthcare workers but its use increased the time to intubation and the number of attempts for successful intubation and reduced the rate of first-pass success intubation and visibility.

In today’s world, numerous healthcare organizations are embracing new forms of work organization that offer their employees increased flexibility and independence, a particularly crucial aspect in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home has become indispensable for healthcare organizations to maintain competitiveness in the global market. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Working from home perception on employees’ performance at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional study was carried out among the personnel of three medical training centers affiliated with the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The study population comprised employees working in administrative and support departments. Using Morgan’s table, a statistical sample of 140 employees was chosen to participate in the study by completing a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed online through systematic random sampling from December 2021 to June 2022. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 and Smart PLS 3 software.

The majority of participants were women aged between 31 and 40 years with a bachelor’s degree. The results of the mean test indicated that both individual performance (3.25±0.48) and organizational performance (3.51±0.51) among employees were above average, reaching a favorable level. According to the t-statistic, the average perception of working from home was below 3 (1.68±0.39), indicating limited adoption of working from home. The study revealed that the perception of working from home significantly influenced both individual performance (t=9.623>1.96) and organizational performance (t=6.368>1.96). Specifically, the perception of Working from Home accounted for 42.2% of the variations in job performance and 26.7% of the changes in organizational performance.

Enabling healthcare workers to work from home has a substantial impact on their performance.

Infection prevention, control, and health workers’ safety in the face of biological agents are among the vital issues in healthcare systems worldwide. Considering the high prevalence of COVID-19 infection and its high mortality rate, this epidemic can be tackled to some extent through infection control in the general population and promoting the safety of health centers.

The aim of this study was to scrutinize the literature regarding measures adopted for infection control and safety of healthcare workers in health centers during the beginning of COVID-19.

A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Keywords related to the study namely, “prevention and control”, “safety”, “coronavirus”, “COVID-19”, and “health personnel” in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar using AND/OR functions from February 2020 to July 2020 were searched. To select the documents, the titles of the retrieved studies were first evaluated for relevance; then, the abstracts and full texts of the papers with relevant titles were inspected.

Out of 136 retrieved studies, 10 were relevant and their data were analyzed. Four articles highlighted the importance of prevention, three enunciated the importance of control, and three related to care providers’ safety. The results showed that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the healthcare providers’ health; however, it is possible to prevent a catastrophe through strategic planning, prevention, and control measures.

 Considering the importance of healthcare workers’ health, it is necessary to implement COVID-19 prevention and control management principles based on scientific evidence.

In times of pandemic and quarantine, it is necessary to use new educational methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia and booklet educational methods on knowledge, attitude, and job performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID-19 in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia and booklet educational methods on knowledge, attitude, and job performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID-19 in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

The population of this quasi -experimental study consisted of 90 Iranian health care providers in the community health centers of Gonabad city in eastern Iran) 2021, who were selected using the non-probability, purposive sampling method and randomly divided into three groups using a permuted block randomization design: Control group, Multimedia group and Textbook group. Knowledge, attitude and work performance were measured and compared before, after and four weeks after the intervention. The educational content was based on the Iranian Ministry of Health guidelines for the management of Covid-19 in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

The results showed a significant difference between the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and work performance of the multimedia group and booklet group before and after the intervention (P<0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference between the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and work performance of the control group before and after the intervention (P<0.05).

Multimedia teaching increases the knowledge, attitude and work performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID.

This study evaluated the effect of a flipped oral health educational program for primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) on their knowledge, attitude, and practice.

This field trial was conducted on PHCPs (N=118; 61 cases and 57 controls) in District Health Centers (DHCs) of Tehran, Iran in 2012. The participants filled out a self-report questionnaire with questions on knowledge (N=34), attitude (N=8), and oral health practice (N=14). The intervention included an educational booklet delivered to the staff followed by a brief educational session using the flipped approach and a reminder pamphlet after 1 month. After 4 months, the questionnaire was completed again by the participants. Statistical analysis included paired sample t-test, ANCOVA, and linear and logistic regression.

Most participants were females (N=114), and the mean age was 37±8 years. The scores of the three domains of knowledge and also the total knowledge score, the attitude score, and the practice score significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Knowledge about the oral health of children (P=0.001) and the total knowledge score (P<0.05) significantly increased in the control group, but the increase in other domains was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

The oral health knowledge of PHCPs was insufficient, and their practice and attitude were not desirable. The oral health educational program with the flipped approach had a positive impact on the PHCPs’ knowledge, attitude and practice, and may be utilized in the academic curriculum or continuing medical education (CME) courses.

Hospital-acquired infections represent a significant global health challenge, leading to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers at Ghaem Hospital’s special care units concerning the control of hospital-acquired infections.

This descriptive-analytical research employed a comprehensive approach, encompassing all nursing and patient-care staff in the special care units of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. Conducted from 2022 to 2023, the study utilized a census and sampling method to gather data, which were collected via two questionnaires-one capturing demographic details and the other assessing knowledge and practices related to infection control.

A total of 96 individuals participated in the study, predominantly nurses (62.5%), followed by paramedics (24%), and doctors (13.5%). Practices of hand hygiene before procedures varied in different groups. 30% of doctors, 34% of nurses, and 30% of paramedics thoroughly washed all parts of their hands; 63% of doctors, 57% of nurses, and 50% of paramedics used soap; complete fingernail washing was done by 43% of doctors, 45% of nurses, and 56% of paramedics, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Post-procedure hygiene responses were positive from 44% of doctors, 33% of nurses, and 50% of paramedics. Knowledge regarding the transmission of urinary and ventilator-associated respiratory infections was generally high among doctors and nurses but lower among paramedics.

Healthcare staff adheres to infection control guidelines to varying degrees, with doctors and nurses generally performing better than paramedics.