Leadership and Intention to Leave Among Public Health Sector Physicians in Cyprus: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

Physician shortage is a major concern in many health care systems globally, while healthcare leadership constitutes one of the most vital factors within human resource management. Our study examined the relationship between managers' leadership styles and physicians' intent to leave their current position. In this cross-sectional national survey, questionnaires were distributed to all physicians working in the public health sector of Cyprus. Most demographic characteristics evaluated by chi-square or Mann-Whitney test, were statistically significantly different between those who intended to leave their job and those who did not. The results of our study demonstrated that transformational leadership has a positive influence on retention of physicians in public hospitals, while non leadership infers a negative influence. Developing leadership skills in physician supervisors is of a great importance for organizations to make a large impact on health professionals' retention and overall performance.

eHealth Literacy Training Among Carers of Older People and People with Dementia: A Modified Delphi Survey.

New web-based services emerge to support carers in their role, but little is known regarding the way that carers use the internet or any related services. In an effort, to improve the health-related digital skills of carers aiming to support their caring role, we have developed eHealth Literacy Learning Skills among Carers of People with Dementia, the eLILY project. This paper presents the findings of a modified Delphi survey planned and delivered in the framework of the project as an effort to integrate stakeholders' knowledge and expertise in the proposed curriculum.

Vaccination Coverage and Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus Among Healthcare Students at a University in Cyprus.

INTRODUCTION: The risk for healthcare students to get infected by transmitting infectious viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), in a hospital setting is extremely high through exposure to blood and/or body secretions. AIM: The aim of this work was to evaluate both the vaccination history of healthcare students at a University in Cyprus and their serologic immunity against HBV. In addition, we assessed their knowledge and behaviors towards the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B (HB). RESULTS: Total amount of 168 students participated in this study and more than 50% of them provided complete documentation of vaccination history against HBV. Antibodies levels ×10 mIU/mL to HB surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected for the 98.8% of healthcare students while 1.2% of the participants tested positive for HBsAg and antibodies to HB core antigen indicating chronic infection. Our study also revealed significant gaps in the knowledge of healthcare students on the efficiency of the vaccine against HBV and in terms of the HBV transmission. CONCLUSIONS: More information needs to be provided to healthcare students in Cyprus regarding HBV transmission and vaccination. In addition, there is a need for intervention to provide a safer workplace environment.

Evaluation of the Integrated Health Information System (IHIS) in Public Hospitals in Cyprus Utilizing the DIPSA Framework.

INTRODUCTION: The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus has implemented an Integrated Health Information System (IHIS) in two hospitals. However, no evaluation of IHIS has been conducted to assess its safety, efficiency and effectiveness. The proper utilization of IHIS is essential for the provision of quality healthcare services. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current IHIS in public hospitals in Cyprus utilizing the DIPSA evaluation framework. METHODS: A total of 309 subjects, including doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, participated in the study. The DIPSA evaluation framework assessed the users' perception in five categories namely, satisfaction, collaboration, system quality, safety and procedures, using Likert scale and 3 open questions. Correlation between the categories was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and categories. Data analysis was done using SPSS v24. RESULTS: All five categories were rated moderately, between 2.5 and 3, by the participants. All categories were correlated (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis indicated the need for improvement between the professionals (mainly doctors and nurses) and the categories. The open questions pointed out the need for improvement in all 3 factors examined (Technology, Human Factor, Organization). DISCUSSION: The moderately rated categories, in the Cyprus IHIS, suggest that there is a lot of room for improvement. Some interventions are suggested that could positively and simultaneously affect one or more categories.

Development of an Evaluation Framework for Health Information Systems (DIPSA).

INTRODUCTION: Use of Integrated Health Information Systems (IHIS) for the provision of healthcare services benefits both healthcare professionals and patients, while requiring continuous evaluation and upgrading to fully support its role. AIM: The main purpose of the study was to develop an evaluation framework for hospitals utilizing IHIS, within the three main areas identified as Human factor, Technology and Organization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire consisted of 43 questions, with 17 questions (related to categories procedures, system quality and satisfaction), 25 questions (related to categories, safety and collaboration) and 1 question related to accessibility to the system (within the category system quality). Three open questions were added to evaluate users' perception on what was needed for the improvement of health services in their respective hospitals for all 3 variables being evaluated. The open questions were included to allow participants to express their opinion in a more detailed setting. A database was developed, and the data were processed and analyzed. RESULTS: Factor analysis formed 5 categories for the evaluation framework. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found in all categories to be above > 0.85. CONCLUSION: Evaluation frameworks can be designed, developed and implemented by using different methodologies. For an evaluation framework to be effective it should be designed and implemented based on the aims and purpose of the research and the specific needs of the particular healthcare setting or hospital. Considering the categories satisfaction, collaboration, safety, system quality, procedures, and by using Likert scale and open questions in the current study, DIPSA can provide a holistic image of IHIS by evaluating any hospital system.

Evaluation of an Integrated Health Information System (HIS) in a Public Hospital in Cyprus: A Pilot Study.

Health information systems can improve the quality of services in healthcare. Evaluation of health information systems in hospitals is a very complex process, and it is more effective when different aspects are considered. The present work aims to develop an evaluation framework of an integrated HIS in order to improve the quality of healthcare services provided in Cyprus. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used, that measured three aspects of the system: technology, human factor and organization. Preliminary results showed that while participants seem to agree with the potential benefits of the integrated HIS, safety of data within the HIS is seen as a problem. Qualitatively, the study pointed to 3 factors that might improve the current integrated HIS: increasing interdisciplinary cooperation, training of staff, and upgrading the infrastructure. Further studies will provide a comprehensive picture for Cyprus, so that appropriate measures can be proposed and put in action.