ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the era of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health care systems wish to harness the advantage of distant care provision to transcend barriers to access health care facilities. This study aims to investigate general population perceptions (acceptance, comfort, perceived ease of use and perceived quality of care) toward telehealth. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. The questionnaire investigated the general population's familiarity and experience with virtual provision of health care (telehealth) in Kuwait. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 484 responses were received. Of those, 65% (N = 315) showed high acceptance of telehealth of which 73.5% (N = 119) were comfortable using it and 48.2% (N = 78) perceived themselves capable of utilizing its systems. Multivariate analysis showed that participants with moderate or high comfort score and those who perceived equal quality of care received from Virtual Visits (VV) are more likely to accept a virtual call from their health care provider compared to those with low comfort score (odds ratio (OR): 4.148, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.444-11.91, P = 0.008, OR: 20.27, 95% CI: 6.415-64.05, P < 0.0001, OR: 2.585, 95% CI: 1.364-4.896, P < 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of telehealth were overall positive, indicating a tendency to accept the implementation of such technology.
ABSTRACT
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate and assess the burnout effect among pharmacists during COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021. The questionnaire included demographic questions as well as items from the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to assess burnout in three domains: personal burnout, work-related burnout and client-related burnout. Descriptive statistics, correlations and comparative analysis were performed. Key findings A total of 277 completed responses were received. The overall mean (SD) score for the respondents’ burnout was 52.8 (19.1). The mean (SD) burnout scores for the three CBI domains (personal, work-related and client-related) were 56.6 (21.7), 53.9 (21.4) and 47.0 (23.8), respectively. It was found that younger age, female, Kuwaiti, Kuwait University graduates and less experienced participants had higher personal, work-related, client-related burnout scores. Personal and work-related scores were more strongly correlated (r = 0.81);in comparison with their correlation with the client-related score (r ≈ 0.55). Conclusions High burnout scores for pharmacists in Kuwait on a personal, work-related and client-related level during the COVID-19 pandemic were found. Strategies for early identification of burnout and recognition of modifiable factors that affect pharmacists’ work in Kuwait are needed to promote pharmacists’ psychological well-being.
ABSTRACT
To date, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected more than 5 million people and caused around 350 000 deaths globally. In most countries, the world as we knew it came to a sudden stop and this led to the biggest shift of employees to remotely conduct their work. Academic institutions were extensively affected, as teaching and assessment activities were hampered, and graduation ceremonies were cancelled. In addition, there was an imminent disruption in academic and research activities including face-to-face conferences and conventions. Among many challenges, academics had to grapple to remain engaged professionally and socially with students and colleagues. Digital technology being an integral part of life has become essential for connectivity and communication. In this commentary, multidisciplinary academics from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia share perspectives and experiences in adapting to the COVID-19 reality. From healthcare sciences to engineering, and from business to education, this paper highlights the role academics play in combating professional and social challenges during COVID-19.