ABSTRACT
Globally, nurses have experienced changes to the moral conditions of their work during coronavirus outbreaks. To identify the challenges and sources of support in nurses' efforts to meet their ethical responsibilities during SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 outbreaks a scoping review design was chosen. A search was conducted for eligible studies in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Embase Classic, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, OVID APA PsycInfo, ProQuest ASSIA, and ProQuest Sociological Abstracts on August 19, 2020 and November 9, 2020. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to ensure rigor. A total of 5204 records were identified of which 41 studies were included. Three themes were identified related challenges in meeting ethical responsibilities: 1) substandard care, 2) impeded relationships, 3) organizational and system responses and six themes relating to sources of support: 1) team and supervisor relationships, 2) organizational change leading to improved patient care, 3) speaking out, 4) finding meaning, 5) responses by patients and the public, 6) self-care strategies.Our review revealed how substandard care and public health measures resulted in nurses not being fully able to meet their ethical responsibilities of care. These included the visitation policies that impeded the support of patients by nurses and families, particularly with respect to face-to-face relationships. Organizational and system responses to the evolving outbreaks, such as inadequate staffing, also contributed to these challenges. Supportive relationships with colleagues and supervisors, however, were very beneficial, along with positive responses from patients and the public.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Nurses , COVID-19/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Humans , MoralsABSTRACT
This workshop will provide health science librarians and information professionals at any level/context with an overview of the best practices in finding and identifying the best scientific evidence during novel public health emergencies. Attendees will be presented with an overview of a best practices statement developed by the Librarian Reserve Corps. Attendees will then apply the recommendations from the best practices statement in designing a plan to respond to real-life case study/information request during a public health emergency. A discussion period will follow on how to apply the best practices in other contexts, environments, and cultures. Attendees will also be invited to share their own experiences and best practices during the discussion session. Through hands-on learning and discussion, librarians and information professionals at any level/context will develop strategies to find and critically appraise the best evidence in any novel public health emergency situation. Introduction: To inform the design of a consumer health strategy for a provincial health library system, the library sought to understand patient challenges and barriers in accessing quality sources of health information. Description: Over a period of three months in the winter of 2020-2021, the library engaged in semi-structured interviews with relevant clinical and corporate stakeholders. Program leads were asked about their role in consumer health information provision and support, and where they saw gaps and opportunities within the organization. Answers were themed and analyzed, and an internal report was produced to guide next steps in developing a consumer health strategy. Outcomes: The environmental scan showed that there are clear challenges and barriers for patients in accessing quality health information. Barriers include the duration of interaction with a healthcare practitioner;the specificity of patient information needs;and the organizational emphasis on a single enterprise-wide patient information resource. More significant challenges include language;lack of health information literacy skills;and low digital literacy among certain populations. Discussion: The environmental scan results provided strong rationale for developing a cohesive consumer health strategy for the library. They highlighted valuable but disjointed resources and programs throughout the organization. A Consumer Health Framework was drafted to guide the library in setting achievable goals and leveraging existing supports. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it was not possible to engage directly with patients for the initial scan, however consultation with patient advisory groups is now being planned to check and validate the library’s direction.