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AimsWith a social media analysis of the discourse surrounding the prevalence of Long COVID in children and young people (CYP), this study aims to explore healthcare workers perceptions concerning Long COVID in CYP in the UK between January 2021 and January 2022. This will allow to contribute to the emerging knowledge on Long COVID and identify critical areas and future directions for researchers and policymakers. DesignA mixed methods approach with a discourse, keywords, sentiment, and image analysis, using Pulsar and Infranodus. SettingA discussion of the experience of Long COVID in CYP in the UK shared on Twitter between 1 January 2021 and 31 January 2022. ParticipantsA sample of health workers with Twitter accounts whose bio has them identifying themselves as HCWs. ResultsWe obtained 2588 tweets. HCW were responsive to announcements issued by authorities regarding the management of COVID-19 in the UK. The most frequent feelings were negative. The main themes were uncertainty about the future, policies and regulations, managing and addressing COVID-19 and Long COVID in CYP, vaccination, using Twitter to share scientific literature and management strategies, and clinical and personal experiences. ConclusionsThe perceptions described on Twitter by HCW concerning the presence of Long COVID in CYP appear to be a relevant and timely issue and responsive to the declarations and guidelines issued by health authorities over time. We recommend further support and training strategies for health workers and school staff regarding the manifestations and treatment of Long COVID in CYP. Strengths and limitations of this study- Our online analysis of Long COVID contributes towards an emerging understanding of reported experiential, emotional and practical dimensions of Long COVID in CYP specifically, as well as questions of vaccine hesitancy in CYP with Long COVID. - We identify key policy areas that need considered attention and focus, such as: a) the provision of psychosocial support with access to quality mental health resources to alleviate the impact that Long COVID can have on the mental health of CYP; and b) the development of clear Long COVID pandemic recovery policies that are informed from a health equity perspective and how this affects CYP living with Long COVID. - This is one of few studies to collect healthcare workers perceptions regarding Long COVID in CYP in the UK, using information from Twitter. - This study is limited to the perception of those who identified as healthcare workers via their online biographies, and so is not representative of the general UK or the global population.
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BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the fractures of healthcare systems around the world, particularly in relation to the healthcare workforce. Frontline staff have been exposed to unprecedented strain and delivering care during the pandemic has impacted their safety, mental health and wellbeing. Rapid Research methods and big qualitative data offered a unique opportunity to gain insight into perceptions and experiences during this time. ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of Health Care Workers (HCWs) delivering care in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their wellbeing needs, experiences and strategies used to maintain wellbeing at individual and organizational levels. MethodsWe analysed 94 telephone interviews with HCWs and 2000 tweets about HCWs mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic applying Collaborative and Digital Analysis of Big Qualitative Data in Time Sensitive Contexts (LISTEN). ResultsResults fell under six themes: redeployment, clinical work, and sense of duty; wellbeing support and HCWs coping strategies; negative mental health effects; organisational support; social network and support; and public and government support. Redeployment generated anxiety mainly due to limited prior training and risk assessments, and the barriers of adapting to a new working environment while wearing PPE. HCWs struggled to access wellbeing support due to time constraints. In terms of ill mental health, mentions of feelings of trauma, PTSD and anxiety were prominent. HCWs mental health was particularly affected by the copious amount of bad news on media and at home and the fear of infecting their loved ones. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate a need for open conversations, where staff wellbeing needs and the strategies they adopted can be shared and encouraged, rather than implementing solely top-down psychological interventions. At the macro level, findings also highlighted the impact on HCWs wellbeing of public and government support, as well as the need for ensuring protection through PPE, testing, and/or vaccines for frontline workers.
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ObjectivesTo explore healthcare workers (HCWs) perceptions and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK, including their expectations, concerns and views on whether to promote vaccination to others. To understand the key factors shaping HCWs attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in the UK. DesignThis study was designed as a rapid qualitative appraisal integrating data from a review of UK policies and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination with data from in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews with frontline HCWs in the UK. Data were analysed using framework analysis. ParticipantsInterviews were carried out with a purposive sample of HCWs from two large London-based hospital Trusts (n=24) and 24 government policies and guidelines on the vaccination programme were reviewed. ResultsThe level of uncertainty about the vaccines long-term safety and efficacy against mutant strains made it difficult for HCWs to balance the benefits against the risks of vaccination. HCWs felt that government decisions on vaccine rollout had not been supported by evidence-based science and this impacted their level of trust and confidence in the programme. The spread of misinformation online also impacted HCWs attitudes towards vaccination, particularly among junior level and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) HCWs. Most HCWs felt encouraged to promote vaccination to their patients and the majority said they would advocate vaccination or engage in conversations about vaccination with others when relevant. ConclusionIn order to improve HCWs trust and confidence in the UKs COVID-19 vaccination programme, there needs to be clarity about what is known and not known about the vaccines and transparency around the evidence-base supporting government decisions on vaccine rollout. Effort is also needed to dispel the spread of vaccine-related misinformation online and to address specific concerns, particularly among BAME and junior level HCWs. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis is the first qualitative study to understand the factors influencing healthcare workers (HCWs) attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in the UK C_LIO_LIThis study integrated interview and policy data and captured HCWs perceptions and attitudes in real-time as the vaccination programme was being rolled out in the UK C_LIO_LIOur interview study sample was limited in its representation of junior level HCWs and areas of the UK C_LIO_LIThis research may have been impacted by selection bias as those with stronger views on vaccination may have been more likely to participate in the study C_LI
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ObjectivesTo report frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) experiences with personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. To understand HCWs fears and concerns surrounding PPE, their experiences following its guidance and how these affected their perceived ability to deliver care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA rapid qualitative appraisal study combining three sources of data: semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews with frontline HCWs (n=46), media reports (n=39 newspaper articles and 145,000 social media posts) and government PPE policies (n=25). HCWs interviewed were from secondary care, primary care and specialist community clinics. Media and policy data were from across the UK. ResultsA major concern was running out of PPE, putting HCWs and patients at risk of infection. Following national-level guidance was often not feasible when there were shortages, leading to re-use and improvisation of PPE. Frequently changing guidelines generated confusion and distrust. PPE was reserved for high-risk secondary care settings and this translated into HCWs outside these settings feeling inadequately protected. Participants were concerned about inequitable access to PPE for community, lower seniority, female and ethnic minority HCWs. Participants continued delivering care despite the physical discomfort, practical problems and communication barriers associated with PPE use. ConclusionThis study found that frontline HCWs persisted in caring for their patients despite multiple challenges including inappropriate provision of PPE, inadequate training and inconsistent guidance. In order to effectively care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline HCWs need appropriate provision of PPE, training in its use, as well as comprehensive and consistent guidance. These needs must be addressed in order to protect the health and well-being of the most valuable healthcare resource in the COVID-19 pandemic: our HCWs. O_TEXTBOXWhat is already known?- PPE is an important component of infection prevention and control to protect HCWs delivering care on the frontline of an infectious disease outbreak. - Frontline HCWs have reported challenges delivering care in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Research understanding how HCWs responded to these challenges are lacking. What are the new findings?- HCWs faced multiple challenges delivering care including inadequate provision of PPE, inconsistent guidance and lack of training in its use. - HCWs persisted delivering care despite the negative physical effects, practical problems, lack of protected time for breaks and communication barriers associated with wearing PPE. - In the face of training, guidance and procurement gaps, HCWs improvised by developing their own informal communication channels to share information, they trained each other and bought their own PPE. - HCWs reported inequalities accessing PPE based on the healthcare sector, gender, level of seniority and ethnicity. What do the new findings imply?- To feel safe and confident caring for patients, frontline HCWs need to be provided with appropriate size, quality and level of PPE, as well as training in its use. - PPE guidance should be consistent, clearly communicated, and reflect the most up-to-date evidence-base for the safest level of PPE. - Regular breaks for staff working in full PPE should be prioritised even in contexts of understaffing and PPE shortages as these are key aspects of well-being. C_TEXTBOX
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Circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (CPMN) functions were studied in patients with widespread psoriasis as well as in persons with chronic alcoholic liver disease (CALD), paracoccidioidomycosis, diverse granulomatous diseases, and normal individuals. We were unable to find stimulation or increase in CPMN functions in patients with psoriasis compared to normal individuals. Leukocytes from individuals with CALD had a lowering of their metabolic activation, chemotaxis, random movement, and adherence. CPMNs from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis showed a significant deficiency in their ability to digest Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Our results are against the concept that functions of circulating PMNs are stimulated in psoriatics.
