11-Year Trend in Antibiotic Consumption in a South-Eastern European Country; the Situation in Albania and the Implications for the Future.

There are growing concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries. These concerns are enhanced by the increasing and inappropriate utilization of 'Watch' antibiotics with their greater resistance potential, AMR is further exacerbated by the increasing use of antibiotics to treat patients with COVID-19 despite little evidence of bacterial infections. Currently, little is known about antibiotic utilization patterns in Albania in recent years, including the pandemic years, the influence of an ageing population, as well as increasing GDP and greater healthcare governance. Consequently, total utilization patterns in the country were tracked from 2011 to 2021 alongside key indicators. Key indicators included total utilization as well as changes in the use of 'Watch' antibiotics. Antibiotic consumption fell from 27.4 DIDs (defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day) in 2011 to 18.8 DIDs in 2019, which was assisted by an ageing population and improved infrastructures. However, there was an appreciable increase in the use of 'Watch' antibiotics during the study period. Their utilization rose from 10% of the total utilization among the top 10 most utilized antibiotics (DID basis) in 2011 to 70% by 2019. Antibiotic utilization subsequently rose after the pandemic to 25.1 DIDs in 2021, reversing previous downward trends. Alongside this, there was increasing use of 'Watch' antibiotics, which accounted for 82% (DID basis) of the top 10 antibiotics in 2021. In conclusion, educational activities and antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed in Albania to reduce inappropriate utilization, including 'Watch' antibiotics, and hence AMR.

Healthcare professionals' beliefs regarding influenza vaccination: What has COVID-19 changed?

Background: Influenza poses a potential public health threat among healthcare professionals since an infected healthcare professional can spread the virus to patients at higher risk as well as his/her own family members and colleagues. Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect HCPs. Aim: This study was conducted to determine whether demand for and beliefs about influenza vaccination have changed among healthcare professionals in the COVID-19 era and the factors that might have influenced them in the early phase of the pandemic when COVID-19 vaccines were eagerly awaited. Patients and Methods: This observational descriptive study was conducted between November 16, and December 15, 2020. A total of 317 healthcare professionals completed an online survey. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Nineteen (6.0%) healthcare professionals were regularly vaccinated against influenza every year, and 199 (62.8%) had never been vaccinated. During the 2019-2020 season, 30 (9.5%) participants had been vaccinated and the proportion desiring to be vaccinated against influenza during the 2020-2021 season was 49.8% (n = 158). The results revealed that those with chronic diseases, those who believed they had adequate information about influenza vaccination and those who believed healthcare professionals should be vaccinated against influenza regularly every year, respectively, had 3.5 times, 4.7 times, and 11 times higher vaccination rates. Conclusion: Although the proportion of healthcare professionals with the intention to be vaccinated for influenza increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still not high enough. Influenza vaccination rates should be promoted by in-service training programs.

Hospital nurses' experiences and expectations of compassion and compassionate leadership.

RATIONALE AND AIM: Nurses caring for critically ill patients need compassionate attention and support, especially during exceptional times. The aim of this study was to provide a trustworthy description of nurses' experiences and expectations for compassionate leadership and compassion at a central hospital in Finland. The study was conducted during the early stage of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL: The voluntary nature and anonymity of the survey were stressed in the cover letter, to make sure that participants did not perceive any undue influence caused by participating in the study. METHODS: The participants were 50 intensive care and emergency nurses of a central hospital. An online survey tool with open questions was used to collect data on the meaning of compassion and on nurses' experiences and expectations of compassion and compassionate leadership. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The nurses reported a great variety of positive experiences of compassion, although the emphasis in this study seemed to be on the absence of compassion, especially in regard to leadership. The nurses expected individual attention and genuine physical and psychological presence from their immediate supervisors. STUDY LIMITATIONS: One researcher analysed the data, which can cause some bias in the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate supervisors express compassion by being physically present and by fostering an open dialogue. Compassion received from leaders and colleagues may be reproduced in patient contacts, which can increase patients' confidence and psychological safety. Participatory and simulation-based learning methods, which involve shared reflection, are recommended for compassionate leadership skills.

Being a mother as a healthcare professional in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Objective: The aim of this research was to determine the changes in relationships between healthcare professional mothers and their preschool-aged children during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the second objective of this study was to propose a new phenomenon that explains "being a mother as a healthcare professional" during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: The participants of the research were 16 healthcare professional mothers (8 doctors and 8 nurses) who had worked in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic and had a preschool-aged child. The research was conducted in accordance with the phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative research designs. The research data were obtained through face-to-face interviews between the researchers and the participants using half-structured interview forms prepared by the researchers. Colaizzi's 7-step method was used for evaluation of the data.Results: According to the research findings, the phenomenon of "being a mother as a healthcare professional" was gathered under four main themes: emotional reactions, new normal in life, difficulties that pandemic brought in life and coping strategies with these difficulties.Conclusion: The findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused many changes in the lives of healthcare professional mothers and their children;these mothers and children built some emotional reactions, and they developed various strategies to overcome these emotional reactions.

COVID-19 in Canada, Vaccination, and the Effects of the Pandemic on Healthcare Workers and the Healthcare System

This chapter examines types and rates of vaccination in Canada as well as the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the healthcare system and the impacts on healthcare workers, including a systematic review of news articles reporting on stress in healthcare workers. Vaccination in Canada began in December 2020, using predominantly the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, with more than 60% of the population fully vaccinated by the end of summer in August 2021. In response to the threat of treating COVID-19 patients, surgeries were canceled, decreasing by 50% during the first wave in March–June 2020 compared to March–June 2019. This has created a backlog of surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and other appointments that will need substantially more money or time to clear. A systematic review of news articles and examination of several surveys of health professionals revealed that being overworked and understaffed has likely led to increased stress and, for nurses, a desire to leave the profession. © TheEditor(s) (ifapplicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021, 2022.

Psychological interventions for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.

Healthcare professionals were especially vulnerable to pandemic, both to become infected and to develop a psychological problem. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of psychological interventions for healthcare professionals in reducing the experienced psychological impact. From the 405 identified studies, 10 were included in this review. Four databases were searched and the risk of bias of included studies was assessed. The studies considered were randomized controlled trials. The screening and selection process was conducted by two independent reviewers. All studies presented results related with depression, anxiety, and stress during pandemic. Six were delivered using new technologies. The most effective were two psychological interventions with frequent contact and feedback provided by a mental health professional. The psychological interventions compared with non-intervention groups presented more significant results than those compared with another intervention. The highlights of this systematic review were the urgency of designing effectiveness psychological interventions for healthcare professionals to reduce the emotional burden associate with this job. These interventions should be maintained over the time, supported by a professional and provided from the workplace. These proposals presented promising results but were more psychological resources than psychological interventions.

Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) in healthcare professionals working at COVID-19 pandemic clinics.

Background: Healthcare professionals working at COVID-19 pandemic clinics have to work with masks during long hours. After the widespread use of masks in the community, many mask-related side effects were reported to clinics. The increase in the number of applicants with dry eye symptoms due to mask use in ophthalmology clinics has led to the emergence of the concept of mask-associated dry eye (MADE). We think that it would be valuable to evaluate ocular surface tests with a comparative study using healthcare professionals working in pandemic clinics, which we think is the right study group to examine the effects of long-term mask use. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the mask-associated dry eye (MADE) symptoms and findings in healthcare professionals who have to work prolonged time with face masks in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic clinics. Patients and Methods: In this prospective, observational comparative clinical study, healthcare professionals who use the mask for a long time and work in COVID-19 pandemic clinics were compared with an age and sex-matched control group consisting of short-term masks users, from April 2021 to November 2021. All participants underwent the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (T-BUT), Oxford staining score, Schirmer's test I, and meibography with infrared transillumination. Results: The long-term mask user group consisted of 64 people, while the short-term mask user group consisted of 66 people (260 eyes, total). The OSDI score and Schirmer I measurement were not statistically different between the two groups. T-BUT was statistically significantly shorter in the long-term group (P: 0.008); lid parallel-conjunctival fold, Oxford staining score, and upper and lower lid meibography score were found to be significantly higher in the long-term group (P < 0.001, P: 0.004, P: 0.049, P: 0.044, respectively). Conclusion: Healthcare professionals with longer mask-wearing times are at greater risk of ocular surface damage. It may be considered to prevent this damage by blocking airflow to the ocular surface, such as by wearing a face mask properly or fitting it over the nose with surgical tape. Those who have to work with a mask for a long time during the COVID-19 pandemic should keep in mind the ophthalmology follow-up for eye comfort and ocular surface health.

Perceptions of the COVID-19 Vaccination among Health-care Professional in Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang

AIM: It provides a comprehensive overview of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) vaccination perception of health-care professionals in Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia. METHOD(S): This study was conducted from August to September 2021. We assessed perceptions using a questionnaire survey of the health workers and disseminated using Google form. Data entry and analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26. RESULT(S): A total of 645 health-care professionals participated in this study. The average age is 36.95 years with 70.35% female. Nurse and general practitioner had the highest positive perception on Sinovac (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.130, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.406-14.927, p < 0.001). Survivor of COVID-19 participants had lower positive perception on Sinovac compared to non-survivor (AOR 0.347 95% CI 0.208-0.579 p < 0.001). General practitioner had the highest positive perception on Moderna booster (AOR 5.918, 95% CI 1.804-19.414, p = 0.003). Participant who had positive perception on Sinovac also had higher positive perception on Moderna booster (AOR 13.548, 95% CI 6.689-27.442, p < 0.001). Participant with positive perception on Sinovac and Moderna booster more recommends vaccination to other compared to participant with negative perception (AOR 7.699, 95% CI 2.987-19.842, p < 0.001 and AOR 10.545, 95% CI 4.106-27.081, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S): Occupation and survivor of COVID-19 affecting the perceptions of vaccination. The health-care professional who had positive perception of vaccination would tend to recommend COVID-19 vaccination.Copyright © 2022 Raveinal Raveinal, Dwitya Elvira, Alexander Kam, Afdol Rahmadi, Abdul Alim Rahimi, Rivani Sintia Suratman, Annisa Ul Husni, M. Ridho Azhari.

Health Care Workers: The Most Blown Away in the COVID-19 Pandemic Hurricane

Objective: We conducted a questionnaire to reveal the stress, anxiety and burnout that health professionals have experienced during the pandemic period, and the social, economic and work-related problems encountered. Material and Method: A total of 416 healthcare professionals participated in the study. They were reached via an electronic questionnaire form through social media groups and given detailed information abıut the study. They were asked 8 sociodemographic questions, 6 questions for health status of HCW, 8 questions about the changes in working and economic conditions, 11 questions for social and psychological changes of HCW. Results: Ninetyfive percent of the employees felt burnout along with tension, anxiety and restlessness. Despite this, 88% did not receive any psychological support. There have also been changes in the family and social arrangements of the majority of the HCW (94%). Nearly 90% of the HCW worked under pressure. Only 18% of the health professionals who participated in our study did not hesitate to continue their current profession. There is a significant relationship between the participants' decreased willingness to choose the same profession again and their tension/anxiety and burnout (p <0.05). Conclusion: HCW are effected socially, economically and psychological with the rapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic. They experienced stres, anxiety and burnout besides fatigue. This may lead to problems such as taking care of patients and quality in health care even collapses in the health sector. We suggest that providing and sustaining psychological, economical, social and behavioral support for HCW and health sector. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Pandemi döneminde sağlık çalışanlarının yaşadığı stres, kaygı ve tükenmişlik ile karşılaştıkları sosyal, ekonomik ve işle ilgili sorunları ortaya çıkarmak için bir anket gerçekleştirdik. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya toplam 416 sağlık çalışanı katılmıştır. Sosyal medya grupları aracılığıyla elektronik anket formu kullanılarak kendilerine ulaşılmış ve çalışma hakkında detaylı bilgi verilmiştir. Katılımcılara 8 sosyodemografik soru, sağlık durumları ile ilgili 6 soru, çalışma ve ekonomik koşullardaki değişikliklerle ilgili 8 soru, sosyal ve psikolojik değişiklikleri ile ilgili 11 soru sorulmuştur. Bulgular: Çalışanların %95'i gerginlik, kaygı ve huzursuzluk ile birlikte tükenmişlik hissettiğini belirtmiştir. Buna rağmen %88'i herhangi bir psikolojik destek almamıştır. Sağlık çalışanlarının çoğunluğunun (%94) aile ve sosyal düzenlemelerinde de değişiklikler olmuştur. Sağlık çalışanlarının yaklaşık %90'ı baskı altında çalıştığını söylemiştir. Çalışmamıza katılan sağlık çalışanlarının sadece %18'i mevcut mesleğine devam etmekten çekinmemiştir. Katılımcıların aynı mesleği tekrar seçme isteklerinin azalması ile gerginlik/kaygı ve tükenmişlik durumları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki vardır (p <0.05). Sonuç: COVID-19 pandemisinin hızla yayılması ile sağlık çalışanları sosyal, ekonomik ve psikolojik olarak etkilenmişlerdir. Yorgunluğun yanı sıra stres, kaygı ve tükenmişlik yaşamışlardır. Bu durum sağlık sektöründe hasta bakımı ve sağlıkta kalite gibi sorunlara yol açabilmekte, hatta sağlık sektöründe çökmelere neden olabilmektedir. Bu sıkıntıları önlemek için psikolojik, ekonomik, sosyal ve davranışsal desteğin sağlanması ve sürdürülmesinin sağlık sektörü ve sağlık çalışanları için faydalı olacağını düşünüyoruz. (Turkish) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Firat Tip Dergisi is the property of Firat University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"Working Together": Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals in Providing Virtual Care to Youth with Chronic Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The onset of the coronavirus disease in 2019 necessitated a rapid transition to virtual care for chronic pain treatment. METHODS: A mixed methods design was implemented using qualitative interviews and quantitative satisfaction surveys. Interviews were conducted in February 2021 with a sample of healthcare professionals (HCPs; n = 6) who had provided multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) through an outpatient hospital pediatric chronic pain program. Satisfaction surveys were distributed to all MDT professionals employed by the clinic in April 2021 (n = 13 of 20 eligible; 65% response rate). Participants represented medicine, rehabilitation, and mental health professionals. RESULTS: Analysis of interviews generated five themes: (1) adaptation to virtual care, (2) benefits of virtual care, (3) limitations of virtual care, (4) shifting stance on virtual care over time, and (5) considerations for implementing virtual care. The satisfaction survey data revealed that respondents were able to effectively provide appropriate diagnoses, recommendations, and/or care plans for pediatric chronic pain via virtual care (n = 12, 92.3%). Detailed survey responses are presented by discipline. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a rich exploration of HCPs' experiences in providing MDT for pediatric chronic pain within a virtual care model. The current results may contribute to the future development of guidelines for virtual care delivery with pediatric chronic pain populations.

The psychological impact on perioperative healthcare workers during Victoria's second COVID-19 wave: A prospective longitudinal thematic analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound psychological impact on our frontline healthcare workers. Throughout the entire second COVID-19 wave at one major tertiary hospital in Melbourne Australia, longitudinal qualitative data between perioperative staff members, and analyses of intrapersonal changes were reported. Inductive analysis of three open-ended questions generated four major themes: Organisational Response to the Pandemic, Psychological Impact, Changes in Feelings of Support Over Time and Suggestions for Changes. Understanding the challenges, perception and suggestions from this longitudinal study allows us to provide a range of support services and interventions to minimise the long-term negative psychological impact and be better prepared should another similar situation arises again.

Interprofessional weaning boards for invasively ventilated patients in intensive care units: Qualitative interview study with healthcare professionals in Germany.

Numbers of mechanically ventilated patients are increasing worldwide. Weaning Boards could support weaning from the ventilator by facilitating interprofessional consultations between Weaning Centers and nonpneumological intensive care units. This study, which is linked to the project Prevention of invasive Ventilation, aimed to explore the design and implementation of future Weaning Boards. Semistructured interviews were conducted with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists of intensive care units and Weaning Centers in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Participants were asked to share their views on (a) required characteristics of Weaning Boards and (b) the current care of weaning patients in their wards. Qualitative data analysis included inductive and deductive steps referring to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The 14 interviewed healthcare professionals addressed characteristics of future Weaning Boards including (a) preconditions, (b) procedure, (c) interprofessional participants, (d) type of performance, and (d) time frame. Identified determinants for successful implementation were related to (a) individual characteristics of healthcare professionals, (b) ward characteristics, and (c) healthcare system characteristics. Weaning Boards could be a useful tool to advance knowledge sharing between professionals, improve education about weaning protocols, and support patient-oriented care. The implementation of Weaning Boards can be influenced by individual characteristics of participating professionals, difficulties in the interaction between professional groups, the present workplace culture, and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Qualitative evaluation of reasons for healthcare professionals being unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Background and Aim: The importance of immunization has increased even more during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the reasons for healthcare professionals not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and to develop solutions for the causes. Subject and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out with in-depth interviews between July 2021 and October 2021, with 32 healthcare professionals and five key people who had never been vaccinated against COVID-19. Results: The most common reasons that healthcare professionals were not vaccinated against COVID-19 were concerns about vaccine side effects, believing that the vaccine is not effective, distrust of the vaccine content and COVID-19 treatment methods, the rapid production of the vaccine, the fact that the vaccine is produced with a new technology, thinking that the vaccine is not the definitive solution, seeing themselves as healthy and young, and the belief that they would have a mild case of the disease and recover. The main themes were COVID-19 vaccine-related reasons, individual reasons/group effects, contextual reasons, and vaccination-related general issues. The main sub-themes were vaccine production, distrust, risk perception, policies and infodemic. Conclusion: It has been seen that the uncertainty, infodemic, and insecurity that emerged especially during the pandemic period are related to each other. As knowledge and awareness about the disease increase, there is an increase in risk perception. For this reason, social information studies should be increased and physicians should be enabled to use media tools more effectively. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01822-7.

Does Post-COVID-19 Erectile Dysfunction Improve over Time?

BACKGROUND: Some studies have shown that there may be an increase in the frequency of erectile dysfunction after COVID-19. However, no long-term study has investigated whether this is permanent or temporary. In this study, we aimed to examine whether there was an increase in the frequency of erectile dysfunction among individuals with a history of COVID-19, and, if there was, whether their condition improved over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 125 healthy male healthcare workers, 95 with and 30 without a history of COVID-19, were evaluated in terms of erectile function. Four study groups were formed. The first three groups consisted of individuals with a history of COVID-19 confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at different times, who recovered from the disease (time elapsed since COVID-19 positivity: <6 months for Group 1, 6 to 12 months for Group 2, and >12 months for Group 3). The individuals in Group 4 did not have a history of COVID-19 diagnosis. In order to evaluate the erectile function of the participants, they were asked to complete the five-item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5). Then, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate whether there was a difference between the groups in terms of the IIEF-5 scores. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the IIEF-5 scores (p < 0.001), and this difference was determined to be caused by the significantly higher IIEF-5 scores of Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the IIEF-5 score of Group 4 was statistically significantly higher than that of Group 2 (p < 0.001). However, the IIEF-5 scores did not statistically significantly differ between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 2 and 3, and Groups 3 and 4 (p > 0.999, p = 0.204, and p = 0.592, respectively). CONCLUSION: There may be deterioration in erectile function after COVID-19; however, this tends to improve over time, especially from the first year after active infection. Given that vascular, hormonal, and/or psychogenic factors may lead to the development of erectile dysfunction after COVID-19, we consider that in order to easily manage this process, it is important to determine the underlying cause, initiate appropriate treatment, and inform couples that this situation can be temporary.

The Effects of the Performance Evaluation System Applied to Healthcare Professionals on Employee Motivation

This study aims to reveal the effect of the performance appraisal system applied to healthcare professionals on motivation. Questionnaire method, one of the data collection techniques, was used in the study. Questionnaires were applied to a total of 954 health employees with convenience sampling method. In the study, the screening model, which reveals the effect of the performance appraisal system on motivation, was preferred. The reliability of the measurement tool;Performance Evaluation is 0.95 and Job Motivation is 0.90. In the study, it was determined that there is a positive and significant relationship between performance appraisal and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. It has been determined that performance appraisal has a positive and significant effect on the general motivation level. It has been concluded that the performance evaluation system applied to health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic process has a positive effect on motivation.

Post -traumatic stress disorder and stigma perception among healthcare professionals caring for COVID-19 patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and internalized stig-ma among healthcare workers caring for patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) during the height of the pandemic.Methods: The data of this descriptive, cross-sectional study were collected online using a personal information form and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-DSM-5).Results: The mean PCL-DSM-5 score of the healthcare professionals evaluated was 38.143 +/- 17.30765. When asked about their perception of stigma related to COVID-19, half of those who tested positive for COVID-19 concealed the diagnosis from neighbors and family, 91% of the participants felt the need to isolate themselves when potentially symptomatic, 60% stated that other people were trying to avoid them, and 66% reported symptoms of COVID-19.Conclusion: Healthcare professionals who experienced possible symptoms of COVID-19 and chose to isolate them-selves and those who felt that others were trying to stay away from them experienced more symptoms of PTSD. Our findings indicated that many healthcare workers who cared for patients with COVID-19 reported signs of internalized stigma and PTSD. These findings and other literature reports emphasize the need to provide healthcare professionals with appropriate emotional support in order to ensure employee welfare, retention, and quality care.

Healthcare professionals' perception and satisfaction with mental health tele-medicine during the COVID-19 outbreak: A real-world experience in telepsychiatry.

Background: The use of telemedicine is increasingly being implemented, showing numerous benefits over other methods. A good example of this is the use of telemedicine following the breakdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous experiences with telemedicine (TM) have not been significantly explored in relation to the professionals' own perspectives. Objective: Identify and explore the perceptions and interests of mental health professionals who have performed TM during the period of pandemia. Methods: A questionnaire on mental health professionals' perceptions of and satisfaction of TM, the Font Roja Work Satisfaction Questionnaire, was adapted and used. Data collected included 112 Psychiatric Service professionals who conducted TM in March 2020, after the country had been under lockdown for 10 weeks. Over 12.000 medical consultations were carried out by the phone, showing an overwhelming response to this method. Results: High levels of satisfaction were recorded amongst professionals. TM would function as a complement to the traditional system of face-to-face visits (n-112, f-109, 96.5%). Only 9.7% (f-11) believed that digital or virtual interventions would completely replace face-to-face visits. 60.8% did not consider this monotonous work. The older the health workers were, the more satisfied they felt during their follow-up telephone consultation. The greater the previous experience, the more satisfaction was shown. There were gender differences: female mental health workers reported a greater level of comfort. Conclusion: TM can be implemented with less effort, but it requires time, methods, and resources to be managed. Satisfaction among professionals is high, especially among those with more clinical experience. Patient satisfaction must be contrasted against this.

Mental health status of doctors and nurses in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: A COVID-19 experience.

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) working to save lives during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are under tremendous physical and psychological pressure, therefore facing the risk of developing challenges with mental health. Aim: This study aimed primarily to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among HCPs in a tertiary hospital in Lagos State during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between June and July 2021 among 1452 doctors and nurses in LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, selected by the multistage sampling method. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Results: The majority of respondents were female (72.5%), with two-thirds being nurses. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.8%, 5.0% and 62.4%, respectively. Nurses showed a higher prevalence of these mental health conditions as compared with doctors. Younger HCPs, nurses, those that lost a colleague to COVID-19, and those whose family members were infected with COVID-19 were more likely to be depressed. Nurses and those afraid of being infected were more likely to experience anxiety. Younger HCPs, nurses, history of anxiety and/or depression and previous COVID-19 infection were identified as factors associated with stress. Conclusion: Stress was the most prevalent mental health condition with nurses being the most affected of the HCPs and at a greater risk of developing challenges with mental health. Psychosocial interventions and stress management techniques are recommended to minimise the risks. Contribution: This study adds to the few studies on the mental health of HCPs during COVID-19 and calls for in-depth surveys to understand psychosocial challenges among HCPs in Nigeria.

The perceived impact of project ECHO networks in Northern Ireland for health and social care providers, patients, and the health system: A qualitative analysis.

This study assesses the perceived impact and benefits of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a tele-mentoring intervention for health and social care providers, patients and the health system in Northern Ireland. Having access to a specialist, a space to share experiences, and being able to disseminate up-to-date best practice were all cited as improving provider knowledge as well as improving quality of care for patients. Healthcare providers reported being more confident in managing patients and that relationships had been improved between different levels of the health system. ECHO was described as improving access to education and training by removing geographic and time barriers. This is one of the first studies to qualitatively analyse impact across a number of different clinical and social care ECHO networks. The results strongly indicate the perceived benefit of ECHO in improving provider, patient and health system outcomes such as increased healthcare provider knowledge and confidence to manage patients at primary levels of the health system. This has implications for future service design, particularly within the context of COVID-19 in which virtual and online training is necessitated by social distancing requirements.

Psychological distress among the nursing workforce in the United Arab Emirates: Comparing levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Nurses make up the majority of the healthcare workforce. They contribute to the development of healthcare systems and the provision of high-quality, effective, and patient-centered healthcare services. However, nurses need good mental and emotional well-being to provide adequate care and the necessary physical and mental health support for their clients. This study aimed to determine the level of generalized psychological distress among nurses in the United Arab Emirates. As this study was initiated before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we were able to compare data gathered before and during the pandemic. METHOD: This study used a cross-sectional correlational design. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure generalized psychological distress. Nurses' distress levels were measured and compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In total, 988 participants completed the questionnaire. The majority (n = 629, 63.7%) were employed in hospitals and the remainder worked in primary healthcare settings (n = 359, 36.3%). The mean distress score was 27.1 ± 13.7; 42.1% (n = 416) of participants had a severe level of distress, and only 36.4% (n = 360) reported no distress. More participants had severe stress levels before COVID-19 (59.5%, n = 386) compared with during COVID-19 (10.9%, n = 30). CONCLUSIONS: Participants' K10 scores suggest that nurses experience significant distress, which may compromise their ability to care for their clients. This study emphasizes the importance of supporting nurses as a preliminary step to improving patient care. Despite the pressure of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants' general distress scores were lower during than before the pandemic. Organizational, governmental, and global support and appreciation may have contributed to relieving the distress nurses experienced. This may be a useful ongoing approach for enhancing healthcare systems.