Role of Healthcare Professionals and Sociodemographic Characteristics in COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance among Uro-Oncology Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

At the time when mass COVID-19 vaccination began, providing appropriate vaccination advice to uro-oncology patients became a challenge. This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the rate of COVID-19 vaccination among uro-oncology patients receiving systemic therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Furthermore, we aimed to assess patients' attitudes and identify factors influencing their decision to vaccinate against COVID-19. Data on patients' sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, and awareness and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccination were collected from questionnaires completed by the patients. A total of 173 patients were enrolled in this study, and 124 (71.7%) of them completed the COVID-19 vaccination. Significantly higher vaccination rates were found in male patients, and also in older patients, highly educated patients, and those who lived with one household member. Furthermore, we found significantly higher vaccination rates in patients who had consulted with doctors involved in their treatment, particularly with urologists. A significant association was observed between COVID-19 vaccination and doctor's advice, family member influence, and personal beliefs toward the vaccination. Our study showed multiple associations of patients' sociodemographic characteristics with vaccination rates. Furthermore, consultation with doctors who are particularly involved in oncology treatment and advice received from them were associated with significantly higher vaccination rates among uro-oncology patients.

Vaccination against COVID-19: the opinion of healthcare professionals

A prerequisite for effective vaccination is the formation of proper collective immunity in society. The attitudes of healthcare professionals towards vaccination directly impact the population's adherence to this method. Objective. To study the attitude of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 vaccination. Material and methods. The sociological survey method with the author's questionnaire based on GoogleForm was used. In the sur-vey, 450 physicians aged 25 to 70 participated voluntarily. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the autumn of 2021. Results. Of those surveyed, the majority (86.8%) of physicians and almost all (96.1%) nurses were vaccinated against COVID-19. When studying the motivation for vaccine prophylaxis, a direct average strength of a statistically significant correlation between the adherence to COVID-19 vaccination and the emergence of a sense of safety was established (rxy =0.346;p<0.05). The most common reasons for the refusal of doctors from vaccination were the fear of complications, beliefs about low protection against infection and the subsequent decrease in immunity. According to healthcare professionals, the most effective means of prevention, in descending order, were a healthy lifestyle, the absence of fear of becoming ill, vaccination, drugs that stimulate immunity, the use of barrier measures, and other means. Conclusion. The ambiguous attitude of healthcare professionals towards vaccination against COVID-19 does exist and deserves the closest attention. Considering the issue's complexity, further research on the attitude of healthcare professionals toward vaccination is required.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of pharmacists and healthcare professionals about principles and methodology evaluation of pharmacoeconomic in the United Arab Emirates

Objectives The current work seeks to explore the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards the concept of pharmacoeconomics fundamental propositions and evaluation methodologies, among pharmacists and other healthcare providers in the UAE as the health expenditure is increasing. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the licensed physicians in all specialties, all pharmacists and other healthcare professionals with a minimum of three months of experience those registered with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and those working in the private sector in the UAE. Participants are sent an email containing a validated web-based electronic link to access the questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of three sections is used to assess the healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitude and perceptions regarding the concept, principles and methodology evaluation of pharmacoeconomics. Regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting healthcare providers' knowledge and attitude regarding the criteria used in methodology evaluation of pharmacoeconomics. Key findings A total of 866 respondents participated. The average age of respondents was 42.1 +/- 8.8 SD. The average knowledge score on the principle of pharmacoeconomic was 40.4% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [38.9%, 41.8%]. Of the total participants, 663 (76.6%) had poor knowledge on the principle of Pharmacoeconomic, 172 (19.9%) had moderate knowledge and only 31 (3.6%) had good knowledge. The average attitude score about criteria used in pharmacoeconomic methodology evaluation was 82.3% with a 95% CI of [81.9%, 83.7%]. Conclusions There is a need to raise their awareness on pharmacoeconomics fundamentals and evaluation methodologies by including pharmacoeconomics course in curriculum and continuous workshops and training.

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological well-being of oncology healthcare professionals.

AIMS: To explore how psychological well-being is maintained by healthcare professionals (HCPs) employed in a cancer setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A qualitative design using diaries and interviews to collect data was used to gain insights into how HCPs managed their well-being during the pandemic. METHODS: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse diaries and interviews completed by 66 HCPs during the second pandemic lockdown period (December 2020-April 2021). A total of 102 HCPs were recruited, drawn from five groups: nursing staff, radiographers, medical staff, allied health professionals (AHPs) (non-radiographers) and support staff. RESULTS: The majority of participants adjusted to the challenges of the pandemic using positive coping strategies, although difficult days required the mobilization of additional resources. Emotion management was regulated through peer relationships, professional roles and the workplace, sustained through communities of practice involving knowledge exchange, shared goals and social interactions. Maintaining high-quality patient care was a source of job satisfaction, providing a route through which positive emotions could be channelled; however, it was juxtaposed with threats to well-being from busy workloads and variable organizational responsiveness. Work routines provided a platform for well-being, underpinned by the sharing of problems and solutions within peer networks. CONCLUSION: This study has highlighted the dynamic nature of well-being amongst HCPs during the pandemic. Well-being interventions should build on the preferred coping strategies of HCPs, focusing on the way individuals coalesce in groups to learn from and support one another. IMPACT: HCPs may experience different psychological responses when exposed to a pandemic situation. This study identifies the strategies used by HCPs to maintain positive psychological well-being within professional roles, whilst adjusting to emerging well-being threats. Key components of HCP's well-being are addressed, which are relevant to clinical practice and the broader healthcare workforce. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Research team members included public representatives who contributed to the development, methods, data collection and analysis of the study. They supported the development of the Research Assistant by providing mock interview skills training.

Reflective, pragmatic, and reactive decision-making by maternity service providers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic health system shock: a qualitative, grounded theory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant and postpartum women were identified as having particular vulnerability to severe symptomatology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, so maternity services significantly reconfigured their care provision. We examined the experiences and perceptions of maternity care staff who provided care during the pandemic in South London, United Kingdom - a region of high ethnic diversity with varied levels of social complexity. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative interview study, as part of a service evaluation between August and November 2020, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a range of staff (N = 29) working in maternity services. Data were analysed using Grounded Theory analysis appropriate to cross-disciplinary health research. ANALYSIS & FINDINGS: Maternity healthcare professionals provided their views, experiences, and perceptions of delivering care during the pandemic. Analysis rendered three emergent themes regarding decision-making during reconfigured maternity service provision, organised into pathways: 1) 'Reflective decision-making'; 2) 'Pragmatic decision-making'; and 3) 'Reactive decision-making'. Whilst pragmatic decision-making was found to disrupt care, reactive-decision-making was perceived to devalue the care offered and provided. Alternatively, reflective decision-making, despite the difficult working conditions of the pandemic, was seen to benefit services, with regards to care of high-quality, sustainability of staff, and innovation within the service. CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making within maternity care was found to take three forms - where at best changes to services could be innovative, at worst they could cause devaluation in care being delivered, and more often than not, these changes were disruptive. With regard to positive changes, healthcare providers identified staff empowerment, flexible working patterns (both for themselves and collectively as teams), personalised care delivery, and change-making in general, as key areas to capitalise on current and ongoing innovations borne out of the pandemic. Key learnings included a focus on care-related, meaningful listening and engagement of staff at all levels, in order to drive forward high-quality care and avoid care disruption and devaluation.

SARS-CoV-2 testing, infection and places of contamination in France, a national cross-sectional study, December 2021.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the use of diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 in France until December 2021, the characteristics of people infected, and places of contamination. METHODS: Data were collected from the national 2021 Health Barometer cross-sectional study, which was conducted between February and December 2021 and included French-speaking individuals aged 18-85 years old selected through randomly generated landline and mobile phone numbers. Participants were interviewed about COVID-19-like symptoms in the previous 12 months, diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2, positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2, and the place(s) of contamination. Determinants of diagnostic testing and of infection were studied using univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions. RESULTS: A total of 24,514 persons participated in the study. We estimated that 66.4% [65.0-67.7] of persons had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 the last time they experienced COVID-19-like symptoms, and that 9.8% [9.3-10.3] of the population in France - with or without symptoms - had been tested positive. Diagnostic testing was less frequent in men, unemployed persons, and people living alone; it was also less frequent during the first months of the pandemic. The estimated proportion of the population infected was higher in healthcare professionals (PRa: 1.5 [1.3-1.7]), those living in large cities ( > = 200 000 inhabitants, and Paris area) (1.4 [1.2-1.6]), and in households comprising > 3 persons (1.7 [1.5-2.0]). It was lower in retired persons (0.8 [0.6-0.97]) and those over 65 years old (0.6 [0.4-0.9]). Almost two-thirds (65.7%) of infected persons declared they knew where they were contaminated; 5.8% [4.5-7.4] reported being contaminated outdoors, 47.9% [44.8-51.0] in unventilated indoor environments, and 43.4% [40.3-46.6] in ventilated indoor environments. Specifically, 51.1% [48.0-54.2] declared they were contaminated at home or in a family of friend's house, 29.1% [26.4-31.9] at their workplace, 13.9% [11.9-16.1] in a healthcare structure, and 9.0% [7.4-10.8] in a public eating place (e.g., cafeteria, bar, restaurant). CONCLUSIONS: To limit viral spread, preventive actions should preferentially target persons tested least frequently and those at a higher risk of infection. They should also target contamination in households, healthcare structures, and public eating places. Importantly, contamination is most frequent in places where prevention measures are most difficult to implement.

Domestic violence: A cross-sectional study among pregnant and postpartum women.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, aggressors, types of violence and associated factors in women who attend an antenatal and postnatal care service in a public hospital in Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We interviewed women attending antenatal and postpartum care services in a Brazilian public tertiary woman's hospital in Campinas, São Paulo, between July 2019 and September 2021. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires previously used in healthcare settings: Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS); Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed (HITS). We evaluated the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of women and domestic/intimate violence using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 600 pregnant and postpartum women interviewed, 138 (23%) had suffered any abuse. Some participants disclosed physical violence during pregnancy (2.3%) and during the last 12 months (5.3%). The partner was identified as the main aggressor in most of the cases (60%). When women had a partner, 3.5% reported domestic violence and 6.7% disclosed intimate partner violence during pregnancy or postpartum period. Women with non-white skin colour (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.34; p = .048), gestational age ≤ 13 weeks (OR = 3.41; 95% CI 1.03-11.25; p = .044) and in postpartum period (OR = 2.81; 95% CI 1.32-5.99; p = .008) were more likely to experience domestic violence at some time in their lives. Women interviewed before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to disclose that they had suffered any abuse. CONCLUSION: Experience of violence during pregnancy and postpartum period was more frequent in women with non-white skin colour, in their first gestational trimester and in the postpartum period, and was more reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. Antenatal and postpartum care services could be safe places to support violence survivors. IMPACT: Pregnant and postpartum women are a vulnerable group to experiencing domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Violence can negatively affect women's and children's health and well-being. Antenatal and postpartum care should be considered as a moment to routinely inquiry women about past and current violence experiences. Regular contact among healthcare professionals and women during this period offers a window of opportunities for implementing psychosocial interventions among women at risk of violence. Healthcare providers (i.e., physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses and midwives) have an important role in identifying survivors, offering support and providing quality information to women.

Workplace violence against Bangladeshi registered nurses: A survey following a year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of workplace violence and its associated factors among Bangladeshi registered nurses. BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is prevalent among nurses, particularly in developing countries. However, the issue has never been examined in Bangladeshi nurses. METHODS: Between February 26 and July 10, 2021, this cross-sectional survey involving 1264 registered nurses was conducted. Workplace violence was determined by the Workplace Violence Scale (WVS). A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to find the factors associated with workplace violence. This study complies with the EQUATOR (STROBE) checklist. RESULTS: Of the 1264 nurses, 885 (70%) nurses reported being exposed to workplace violence in the previous year. Three hundred twenty-four (324; 25.6%) nurses reported physical violence, whereas 902 (71.4%) nurses reported nonphysical violence. According to the multivariable logistic regression model, male nurses, nurses in the Sylhet division, emergency department nurses, nurses working extended hours, and non trained nurses to tackle workplace violence were prone to physical violence. Furthermore, public hospital nurses and non trained nurses to tackle workplace violence were more likely to be exposed to nonphysical violence. Nurses who had not been exposed to workplace violence were satisfied with their current job, but those who had been exposed to workplace violence were dissatisfied and intended to leave their current job. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: High prevalence of workplace violence underscores nurses' current working conditions, which are particularly poor in public hospitals and emergency departments. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented pressure on the whole healthcare system and caused various difficulties for healthcare workers. To develop a zero-violence practice environment, health authorities should implement policy-level interventions. Healthcare staff should be guided to deal more successfully with patients and coworkers to create a positive working environment.

Psychosocial distress and psychosocial support for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic What have employees of a university hospital experienced as helpful?

Background: The starting point of the study is the high psychosocial distress of healthcare professionals and the low utilization of a counselling and support service specifically developed for employees of a university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.Objective: The present study examines the degree of psychosocial distress experienced as well as knowledge, utilization, and evaluation of in-house psychosocial care structures based on a large sample of healthcare professionals (n = 859) at a university hospital.Material and methods:Within the framework of an online survey (21 July 2021-19 October 2021), the subjectively perceived stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms (PHQ-8) of the healthcare professionals as well as knowledge, utilization, and evaluation of possible care services offered by the university hospital were collected. In addition, qualitative data were collected on the source of knowledge, the provision of information and the type of contact with the in-house care structures.Results: Despite high psychosocial distress and predominant knowledge about the existence of in-house psychosocial care services, the utilization of these services is low among healthcare professionals. In particular, contact with patients was a risk factor for the psychosocial distress. The qualitative analysis shows that employees would prefer to be informed via email and newsletter and that they miss a clear presentation of care structures.Conclusion: A revision of the presentation of offers and contact channels according to the wishes of the staff could improve the acceptance of in-house services.

Knowledge of Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Professionals

Infections can be treated with antibiotics, which have also saved countless lives. But whenever antibiotics are administered, they run the risk of having negative side effects and fueling antibiotic resistance that was a significant public health issue. The current study aimed to describe healthcare workers' knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance during the COVID-19 epidemic in the city of Riyadh and included an online survey that was disseminated on social media. About 78% of the healthcare providers in the present study had an average knowledge score of more than 75%, so most of them had good knowledge. Most of the healthcare professionals in the present study had good knowledge about bacterial resistance and antibiotic use, but there was still a knowledge gap on antibiotic use. Therefore, it is crucial to raise their awareness by attending conferences, lectures, and workshops.

Impact of Using Health Information Systems (HIS) among HealthcareProfessionals during Pandemic COVID-19

The emergence of updated and accurate big health data through information systems becomes crucial for fast decision and strategizing planning in fighting the pandemic war. A qualitative survey was conducted among healthcare professionals using the Hospital Information System during the pandemic to explore the insight of HIS experience among users and identify scope and categories available for further detailed study. Specifically, this study explores the current practice of HIS, observing the policies and guidelines and to identify the challenges and its limitations. Six areas have been identified;system implementation, policy and guidelines, challenges, system advantages and disadvantages, and system characteristics.

Effects of eHealth interventions on stress reduction and mental health promotion in healthcare professionals: A systematic review.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions to reduce stress and promote mental health in healthcare professionals, and to compare the efficacy of different types of programs (guided vs. self-guided; 'third-wave' psychotherapies vs. other types). BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers present high levels of stress, which constitutes a risk factor for developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. eHealth interventions have been designed to reduce these professional's stress considering that the characteristics of this delivery method make it a cost-effective and very appealing alternative because of its fast and easy access. DESIGN: A systematic review of quantitative studies. METHODS: A comprehensive database search for quantitative studies was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane (until 1 April 2022). The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA and SWiM reporting guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tools. RESULTS: The abstracts of 6349 articles were assessed and 60 underwent in-depth review, with 27 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The interventions were classified according to their format (self-guided vs. guided) and contents ('third-wave' psychotherapies vs. others). Twenty-two interventions emerged, 13 of which produced significant posttreatment reductions in stress levels of health professionals (9 self-guided, 8 'third wave' psychotherapies). Significant effects in improving depressive symptomatology, anxiety, burnout, resilience and mindfulness, amongst others, were also found. CONCLUSION: The evidence gathered in this review highlights the heterogeneity of the eHealth interventions that have been studied; self-guided and 'third-wave' psychotherapy programs are the most common, often with promising results, although the methodological shortcomings of most studies hinder the extraction of sound conclusions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022310199. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on CSR Activities of Healthcare Providers.

(1) Background: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is important for every company that cares for sustainable structures. Healthcare providers especially have made social responsibility their goal. However, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted different activities within the healthcare sector including CSR and its monitoring. However, theory-driven CSR research within the healthcare sector is scarce and monitoring requires a structured understanding of the processes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the CSR practices and activities which healthcare providers have implemented in an exemplified country namely Germany and the effect of the pandemic in this process. (2) Methods: Participants were sampled based on their field of care (general, psychiatric, or rehabilitation), the type of organization (public, private, or non-profit), and group membership. A total of 18 healthcare providers were initially recruited, out of which nine participated in the interviews. They represent companies with yearly revenue of between EUR 110 million and EUR 6 billion, and have between 900 and 73,000 employees. (3) Results: CSR-related activities were postponed due to times of crisis. There was a necessity to rapidly digitalize processes. Frequent and precise communication turned out to be important for keeping employees' well-being, motivation, and satisfaction levels high. Environmental efforts were counteracted by new hygienic requirements and a shift in priorities. Many study participants expressed the hope that after the pandemic, newly established methods, processes, and structures (e.g., digital meetings, quicker and more inclusive communication) would be maintained and developed further. (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has been challenging and at the same time, these challenges also created opportunities to strike a new path using the learnings to overcome future health-related or economic crises.

[Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Health Workers During the Second Year of the Pandemic in Latin America: Cross-Sectional Survey Study]. / Impacto psicológico del COVID-19 en los trabajadores sanitarios durante el segundo año de pandemia en Latinoamérica: estudio de encuesta transversal.

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the mental health of healthcare personnel in Latin America (LA). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of psychological disturbances and associated risk factors for mental health in healthcare personnel in LA during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This multicenter cross-sectional study included a total sample of 5437 healthcare professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and a brief demographic questionnaire were used. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was estimated based on the cut-off points of the instruments. Two multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results: A population burden of anxiety (40.1%) and depression (62.2%) was found in healthcare personnel in LA. Among professionals in Argentina (OR = 1.374; P<.001), those working in state hospitals (OR = 1.536; P<.003), frontline healthcare workers for COVID patients (OR = 1.848; P<.001), general practitioners (OR = 1.335; P<.001), and specialists (OR = 1.298; P<.001), a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders was observed. Among women, younger personnel, and administrative staff, a higher probability of experiencing anxiety and depression was identified. Conclusions: The burden of mental disorders on healthcare personnel in Latin America is alarming. Psychological support services are necessary, aimed at providing measures for professionals to develop healthy coping mechanisms that mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their well-being and facilitate post-crisis adjustment.

Gratitude as a protective factor against burnout in healthcare professionals: a systematic review

Burnout is one of the most insidious challenges for healthcare professionals, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gratitude is emerging as an intervention to reduce burnout. However, to the authors' best knowledge, no systematic review has previously been carried out to explore the impact of gratitude on burnout among healthcare professionals. The present study aimed to address this gap. A total of 95 publications were identified, of which 13 were included in the review. These studies provide preliminary evidence for the inverse association between gratitude and burnout, and the effectiveness of gratitude interventions in reducing burnout among healthcare professionals. Limitations of the current research and future directions are discussed, along with the implications for practice. © 2023 MA Healthcare Ltd.

INFLUENCE OF DEATH ANXIETY ON THE PREVENTIVE PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the degree of death anxiety in healthcare professionals and their preventive practices during the ongoing pandemic and to find correlations between these two variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare professionals working in Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from July 2020 to February 2021. A descriptive online questionnaire was distributed to measure demography, death anxiety using Collette-Lester Fear of Death Scale Revised and preventive practices using the prevention section of WHO European Region COVID-19 survey tool and guidance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: Out of 136 subjects, 65 (47.8%) were male and 71 (52.2%) were female. Median (IQR) age of the participants was 28 (26-40) years. Median total degree of death anxiety was 83 (66-107). The four subscales showed Median (IQR) scores as follows: your own death 18 (12-27), your own dying 20 (15-27), the death of others 23 (18-28), and the dying of others 22 (16-29). Death anxiety was mild in 55 (40.4%), moderate in 65 (47.8%) and high in 16 (11.8%) participants. Significant association of female gender (p=0.002), experience of death of a patient (p=0.001) or loved one (p=0.001) was found with death anxiety. Zero participants recorded a high preventive practice score. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of healthcare professionals suffered from undiagnosed moderate levels of death anxiety. The level of preventive practices amongst healthcare professionals was moderate to low. Death anxiety had no correlation with preventive practices. Further study is required to investigate the reason behind these unconventional findings. © 2022, Khyber Medical University. All rights reserved.

Critical success factors of smart card technology in South African public hospitals

Background: Even though the government has set several admirable targets for raising the standard of healthcare, as highlighted by communities and media reports, public health institutions' services continue to fall short of patients' expectations and basic standards of care. For this reason, the general public has lost faith in the healthcare system. The public healthcare system in South Africa is completely dysfunctional and urgently needs to be transformed to serve the majority of those who use public hospitals. Objectives: The study aimed to improve healthcare for the majority of South Africans by investigating the critical success factors (CSFs) that influence the adoption of smart card technology (SCT) in South African public hospitals. Methods: A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to determine potential barriers to adopting SCT. Furthermore, a hybrid model that combines the Health Unified Technology of Acceptance Theory (HUTAUT) model, DeLone and McLean IS success model (D&M) and the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory will be developed, validated and tested to identify the CSFs adoption of SCT in public hospitals in South Africa. Results: The validated research model has been developed to be adopted by nurses at public hospitals. Conclusion: This research will contribute to the development of a new framework that identifies the CSFs for SCT adoption in South African public hospitals. Contribution: The study's results will make a special contribution to the body of knowledge in the fields of health informatics, particularly e-health.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals in intensive care.

Since late 2019, Covid-19 has rapidly spread worldwide, generating a pandemic, and health care professionals have mobilized massively to cope with it. In intensive care units, the usually difficult working conditions have become even more difficult, with a marked increase in workload, but also with a reorganization of care delivery, complex admission decisions, and changes in how families are welcomed;all in a climate of uncertainty and insecurity. This article focuses on the psychological impact of this crisis on intensive care professionals, and possible support systems, based on recent literature.Copyright © SRLF 2021.

Control of COVID 19: Knowledge and Practices of Health Professionals in Hospitals Towards Patients and the Environment in Morocco (Meknes)

Coronavirus 2019 is considered the health disaster of the century and has caused a wave of global panic. Healthcare professionals were at the forefront of this pandemic to provide quality care respecting the safety of patients and the environment. The objective of this study is to determine the preventive measures applied by healthcare professionals towards patients and the environment to combat Covid19. The study was realized during April and May 2020 at the public hospital dedicated to the care of Covid patients in central Morocco in Meknes. Convenience sampling was used to collect the data. 104 people participated in the study, including 61 (58.7%) nurses and 12 (11.5%) doctors. Also, 73 (70.2%) of the healthcare professionals were men and 35 (33.7%) contracted the Coronavirus during their healthcare activity. According to the participants, the causes of this infection lie mainly in their interaction with their professional environment (71.4%). The main preventive measures applied by healthcare professionals were regular hand washing and wearing 104 masks (100%), of which 88 (84.6%) used the FFP2 mask and wore personal protective equipment. However, healthcare professionals were found to adopt other environmental practices, including surface disinfection 95 (91.3%), ventilation and sterilization of premises 46 (44.2%), maintenance and sterilization of equipment 78 (75%), and effective management of hospital waste 75 (72.1%). The study concluded that the preventive measures applied by the professionals were sufficient and complied with global recommendations to minimize the risk of contamination and maintain a healthy healthcare environment for themselves and their patients. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Vaccination against COVID-19: the opinion of healthcare professionals.

A prerequisite for effective vaccination is the formation of proper collective immunity in society. The attitudes of healthcare professionals towards vaccination directly impact the population's adherence to this method. Objective. To study the attitude of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 vaccination. Material and methods. The sociological survey method with the author's questionnaire based on GoogleForm was used. In the sur-vey, 450 physicians aged 25 to 70 participated voluntarily. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the autumn of 2021. Results. Of those surveyed, the majority (86.8%) of physicians and almost all (96.1%) nurses were vaccinated against COVID-19. When studying the motivation for vaccine prophylaxis, a direct average strength of a statistically significant correlation between the adherence to COVID-19 vaccination and the emergence of a sense of safety was established (rxy =0.346;p<0.05). The most common reasons for the refusal of doctors from vaccination were the fear of complications, beliefs about low protection against infection and the subsequent decrease in immunity. According to healthcare professionals, the most effective means of prevention, in descending order, were a healthy lifestyle, the absence of fear of becoming ill, vaccination, drugs that stimulate immunity, the use of barrier measures, and other means. Conclusion. The ambiguous attitude of healthcare professionals towards vaccination against COVID-19 does exist and deserves the closest attention. Considering the issue's complexity, further research on the attitude of healthcare professionals toward vaccination is required.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.