RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oxygen therapy (OT) is a commonly prescribed essential medicine for people of all ages in the management of hypoxia. The adverse effects of inappropriate OT supplementation may be underestimated by health professionals and lead to poor health outcomes among hospitalised patients. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) assessments of medical staff members to OT guidelines are essential to ensure optimal patient care. AIMS: To perform a KAP assessment of OT administration among doctors and nurses employed at the national hospital of Fiji in 2021. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study design. KAP assessment was performed with an online questionnaire and clinical observation. RESULTS: The study population (N = 116) consisted of doctors (20.7%) and nurses (79.3%) representing the acute medical, burns, cardiac care, intensive care, surgical and postanaesthetic recovery units. Overall, the proportion of participants who obtained a good score (>70%) was 87% for knowledge, 87.93% for attitudes and 84% for practice. Best knowledge scores were obtained for general OT indications (71%) and scenarios where immediate oxygen application is required (70%). Lowest knowledge scores were for OT contraindications (14%) and oxygen saturation for acute myocardial infarction (32%), asthma (36%) and healthy newborns (43%). The most positive attitudes were in response to the statement that OT guidelines are essential (96%). A total of 78 (80.4%) patients were being cared for with good OT practice. CONCLUSIONS: Good KAP scores were obtained for medical staff in Fiji regarding OT administration. Ongoing professional education activities should include updated training of OT contraindications and optimal oxygen saturation levels for special patient groups.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Pacific Island Countries (PICs) record high rates of gender-based violence (GBV). COVID-19 has significantly increased the number of GBV cases globally. This research aims to understand educational pathways for PICs' healthcare workers (HCWs) to strengthen GBV clinical practices in the Pasifika Veilomani (sharing the love) project. METHOD: A literature review, content experts' discussion and review of stakeholder governance documents were used to inform the design of the telehealth training. HCWs were invited to share experiences, further exploring the capacity of online learning to meet clinical practice needs. RESULTS: Global health guidance was adapted by Pacific experts to deliver a 12-week multidisciplinary course. One hundred and thirty-six participants from nine PICs registered and participated in the telehealth sessions. Despite internet and technical difficulties, participants' responses were positive. Results indicated the online training improved their confidence, helped them to reflect on practice and that more training would be valued. CONCLUSIONS: The Pasifika Veilomani Project engaged HCW and clinical leaders to inform current practices, education, and public health approaches on GBV as a public health priority. This project demonstrates the potential for engaging and supporting HCW remotely across challenging geographic, service and cultural domains in the context of COVID-19 social and service demands.
