Project description:ObjectivesHPV vaccination rates in the United States lag behind other developed countries. Educational interventions are primarily directed at patients and parents rather than healthcare providers (HCPs), despite evidence that provider recommendation is a key determinant of vaccine uptake. The objectives for this review are to synthesize the available evidence related to the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of HCPs surrounding HPV vaccination, to summarize provider-specific educational interventions which have been evaluated, and to review existing provider-specific educational resources from national organizations and whether they align with the gaps identified.MethodsA systematic search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ERIC with MeSH terms human papillomavirus, vaccine, education, workshop, training, knowledge, attitude, belief, intention, and healthcare provider. Full text articles were obtained for studies that described the knowledge and attitudes of providers and/or impact of educational interventions. Data extraction was performed by four independent reviewers. Websites of American organizations with an interest in HPV vaccination were manually searched for provider resources.Results1066 publications were identified, and 98 articles were fully reviewed with 40 ultimately included. Providers' knowledge on HPV was generally low with a correspondingly low vaccine recommendation rate. Provider-specific education (e.g., didactic session and communication training) with complimentary interventions demonstrated increased knowledge and vaccine series initiation and completion. Themes identified in descriptive studies highlighted providers' lack of general HPV and vaccine knowledge, low self-confidence in counselling and addressing parental concerns, and discomfort in discussing sexual issues related to vaccination. Many American organizations have provider-specific resources; however, the effectiveness of these materials has not been established.ConclusionsHPV knowledge among providers remains low. Educational interventions to improve knowledge and communication appear to be effective. A breadth of resources from national organizations are available but their efficacy and level of utilization is largely unknown. Coordinated efforts are needed to evaluate provider-specific educational resources to improve vaccine uptake in the US.
Project description:BackgroundThe prevalence rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are expected to increase with the rising trends in diabetes and obesity associated with aging populations. Considering the impacts of coexistent NAFLD and CKD on morbidity and mortality rates, screening strategies for groups at high-risk of CKD are needed in community-dwelling individuals with NAFLD. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and distribution of CKD in NAFLD, as well as the risk factors for CKD and the correlation with liver fibrosis in asymptomatic individuals with NAFLD at primary healthcare centers in Korea.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study used data from 13 health-promotion centers in 10 Korean cities. Liver steatosis and stiffness were assessed using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), respectively. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73m2, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio or proteinuria. CKD was categorized into four stages: no CKD, mild, moderate, and severe. Comparisons according to the CKD stages in NAFLD were performed using Student's t-test or the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for CKD and the correlation with liver fibrosis in NAFLD.ResultsThe prevalence of CKD was 12.4% in NAFLD. Albuminuria (16.2%) and proteinuria (8.0%) were more prevalent in NAFLD. NAFLD (odd ratio = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09-1.48, P = 0.003) was independently associated with CKD of at least mild stage. However, there was no significant association between CKD of at least moderate stage and NAFLD after adjusting for age and a metabolically unhealthy status. CKD was associated with significant liver fibrosis as measured by MRE in NAFLD.ConclusionThe presence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis were independent risk factors for CKD, but NAFLD was not an independent risk factor for the later stages of CKD.
Project description:BACKGROUND:In response to the rising burden of cardiovascular risk factors, the Malaysian government has implemented Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions in July 2017 at public clinic level to improve management and clinical outcomes of type 2 diabetes and hypertensive patients. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play crucial roles in healthcare service delivery and health system reform can influence HCPs' job satisfaction. However, studies evaluating HCPs' job satisfaction following primary care transformation remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EnPHC interventions on HCPs' job satisfaction. METHODS:This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 matched control clinics. We surveyed all HCPs who were directly involved in patient management. A self-administered questionnaire which included six questions on job satisfaction were assessed on a scale of 1-4 at baseline (April and May 2017) and post-intervention phase (March and April 2019). Unadjusted intervention effect was calculated based on absolute differences in mean scores between intervention and control groups after implementation. Difference-in-differences analysis was used in the multivariable linear regression model and adjusted for providers and clinics characteristics to detect changes in job satisfaction following EnPHC interventions. A negative estimate indicates relative decrease in job satisfaction in the intervention group compared with control group. RESULTS:A total of 1042 and 1215 HCPs responded at baseline and post-intervention respectively. At post-intervention, the intervention group reported higher level of stress with adjusted differences of - 0.139 (95% CI -0.266,-0.012; p = 0.032). Nurses, being the largest workforce in public clinics were the only group experiencing dissatisfaction at post-intervention. In subgroup analysis, nurses from intervention group experienced increase in work stress following EnPHC interventions with adjusted differences of - 0.223 (95% CI -0.419,-0.026; p = 0.026). Additionally, the same group were less likely to perceive their profession as well-respected at post-intervention (β = - 0.175; 95% CI -0.331,-0.019; p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that EnPHC interventions had resulted in some untoward effect on HCPs' job satisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can have detrimental effects on the organisation and healthcare system. Therefore, provider experience and well-being should be considered before introducing healthcare delivery reforms to avoid overburdening of HCPs.
Project description:BackgroundIn response to an increased health burden from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primary health care (PHC) is effective platform to support NCDs prevention and control. This study aims to assess Thailand's PHC capacity in providing NCDs services, identify enabling factors and challenges and provide policy recommendations for improvement.MethodsThis cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Two provinces, one rich and one poor, were randomly selected and then a city and rural district from each province were randomly selected. From these 4 sites in the 2 provinces, all 56 PHC centres responded to a self-administrative questionnaire survey on their capacities and practices related to NCDs. A total of 79 participants from Provincial and District Health Offices, provincial and district hospitals, and PHC centres who are involved with NCDs participated in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews.ResultsStrong health infrastructure, competent staff (however not with increased workload), essential medicines and secured budget boost PHC capacity to address NCDs prevention, control, case management, referral and rehabilitation. Community engagement through village health volunteers improves NCDs awareness, supports enrolment in screening and raises adherence to interventions. Village health volunteers, the crucial link between the health system and the community, are key in supporting health promotion and NCDs prevention and control. Collaboration between provincial and district hospitals in providing resources and technical support enhance the capacity of PHC centres to provide NCDs services. However, inconsistent national policy directions and uncertainty related to key performance indicators hamper progress in NCDs management at the operational level. The dynamic of urbanization and socialization, especially living in obesogenic environments, is one of the greatest challenges for dealing with NCDs.ConclusionPHC centres play a vital role in NCDs prevention and control. Adequate human and financial resources and policy guidance are required to improve PHC performance in managing NCDs. Implementing best buy measures at national level provides synergies for NCDS control at PHC level.
Project description:BackgroundDelivery of effective healthcare is contingent on the quality of communication between the patient and the healthcare provider. Little is known about primary healthcare providers' perceptions of communication with patients in Rwanda.AimTo explore providers' perceptions of patient-provider communication (PPC) and analyse the ways in which providers present and reflect on communication practice and problems.MethodsQualitative, in-depth, semi structured interviews with nine primary health care providers. An abductive analysis supplemented by the framework method was applied. A narrative approach allowed the emergence of archetypical narratives on PPC.ResultsProviders shared rich reflections on the importance of proper communication with patients and appeared committed to making their interaction work optimally. Still, providers had difficulty critically analysing limitations of their communication in practice. Reported communication issues included lack of communication training as well as time and workload issues. Two archetypes of narratives on PPC issues and practice emerged and are discussed.ConclusionWhile providers' narratives put patients at the centre of care, there were indications that patient-provider communication training and practice need further development. In-depth exploration of highlighted issues and adapted strategies to tackle communication drawbacks are prerequisites to improvement. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge related to communication between the patient and the provider in a resource-limited setting.
Project description:BackgroundPatients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) often struggle with blood pressure control. In team-based models of care, pharmacists and primary care providers (PCPs) play important roles in supporting patients' blood pressure management.ObjectiveTo describe whether PCPs' acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations impacts systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 36 months.DesignAn observational analysis of a subset of participants randomized to the intervention arm of the Simultaneous risk factor control using Telehealth to slOw Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease (STOP-DKD) study.ParticipantsSTOP-DKD participants for whom (1) the pharmacist made at least one recommendation to the PCP; (2) there were available data regarding the PCP's corresponding action; and (3) there were SBP measurements at baseline and 36 months.InterventionParticipants received monthly telephone calls with a pharmacist addressing health behaviors and medication management. Pharmacists made medication-related recommendations to PCPs.Main measuresWe fit an unadjusted generalized linear mixed model to assess the association between the number of pharmacists' recommendations for DKD and blood pressure management and PCPs' acceptance of such recommendations. We used a linear regression model to evaluate the association between PCP acceptance and SBP at 36 months, adjusted for baseline SBP.Key resultsPharmacists made 176 treatment recommendations (among 59 participants), of which 107 (61%) were accepted by PCPs. SBP significantly declined by an average of 10.5 mmHg (p < 0.01) among 47 of 59 participants who had valid measurements at baseline and 36 months. There was a significant association between the number of pharmacist recommendations and the odds of PCP acceptance (OR 1.19; 95%CI 1.00, 1.42; p < 0.05), but no association between the number of accepted recommendations and SBP.ConclusionsPharmacists provided actionable medication-related recommendations. We identified a significant decline in SBP at 36 months, but this reduction was not associated with recommendation acceptance.Trial registrationNCT01829256.
Project description:Improving access to culturally appropriate mental healthcare has been recognised as a key strategy to address the often greater burden of mental health issues experienced by Indigenous populations. We present data from the evaluation of a national attempt at improving access to culturally appropriate mental healthcare for Indigenous Australians through a mainstream primary mental healthcare program, the Access to Allied Psychological Services program, whilst specifically focusing on the implementation strategies and perspectives of service providers.We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 service providers (primary care agency staff, referrers, and mental health professionals) that were analysed thematically and descriptively.Agency-level implementation strategies to enhance service access and cultural appropriateness included: the conduct of local service needs assessments; Indigenous stakeholder consultation and partnership development; establishment of clinical governance frameworks; workforce recruitment, clinical/cultural training and supervision; stakeholder and referrer education; and service co-location at Indigenous health organisations. Dedicated provider-level strategies to ensure the cultural appropriateness of services were primarily aimed at the context and process of delivery (involving, flexible referral pathways, suitable locations, adaptation of client engagement and service feedback processes) and, to a lesser extent, the nature and content of interventions (provision of culturally adapted therapy).This study offers insights into key factors underpinning the successful national service implementation approach. Study findings highlight that concerted national attempts to enhance mainstream primary mental healthcare for Indigenous people are critically dependent on effective local agency- and provider-level strategies to optimise the integration, adaptation and broader utility of these services within local Indigenous community and healthcare service contexts. Despite the explicit provider focus, this study was limited by a lack of Indigenous stakeholder perspectives. Key study findings are of direct relevance to inform the future implementation and delivery of culturally appropriate primary mental healthcare programs for Indigenous populations in Australia and internationally.
Project description:ObjectivesProviding cultural competence training is recommended as a way to improve patient-centered care and reduce health disparities. Increasing awareness of implicit biases and understanding internal motivations for overcoming these biases can influence provider decisions and communications with patients. This study aims to provide a health equity and implicit bias training to healthcare providers and assess knowledge and attitude gains.MethodsMid-career primary healthcare providers (n = 21) with at least 5 years of primary care experience participated in the training as a prerequisite for providing patient care in a telehealth primary care practice that overwhelmingly serves patients of color.ResultsThere was a significant increase in knowledge (p < .001) as well as attitudes (p < .001) in healthcare providers from pretest to posttest. Almost none (4.5%) of the providers were distracted during the training, which may be due to the interactive nature of the training that included group-based reflection discussions.ConclusionA virtual training for primary healthcare providers on health equity and implicit bias improved knowledge and equitable attitudes and had high satisfaction. Additional research is needed to determine if this type of training can influence providers' ability to actively address known disparities in care.
Project description:BackgroundThe Saudi Arabian Vision 2030 encompasses the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), an initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care. To achieve this vision, the government has been providing training to Primary Healthcare (PHC) centers on patient-centered care, recognizing that spending quality time with patients is crucial for making informed clinical decisions. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate provider satisfaction with the quality of services they provide and assess the impact of organizational factors on care quality. This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of job satisfaction among PHC providers in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. It seeks to gauge job satisfaction among PHC providers and explore its associated impact on the quality of care they deliver.MethodsThis study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a modified version of the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), supplemented by three newly added dimensions. Additionally, questions addressing general characteristics were incorporated into the survey instrument. Data analysis involved calculating frequencies and percentages for univariate analysis, employing t-tests for comparisons between two groups, and utilizing ANOVA for comparisons among multiple groups (bivariate analysis).ResultsA total of 143 PHC providers took part in this study. Of these, 48% reported high satisfaction, while the rest were either dissatisfied or neutral. PHC providers were highly satisfied with supervision (17%, N=94). On the other hand, they were dissatisfied with contingent rewards (3%, N=15). There was a significant difference found between the intention to leave the job (yes, no) and job satisfaction scores (mean (SD)= 83.58 (16.174) vs. mean (SD)=101.64 (16.209), p-value < 0.001). There were also significant relationships between general characteristics and the dimensions such as co-workers, promotion, responsibility, nature of work, operating procedure, and communication (p-value< 0.05).ConclusionThe main findings of this study suggest that PHC providers working in PHC centers in the Eastern region were satisfied with their work, especially with supervision and patient care. However, the findings also revealed that there are many areas of the job of PHC providers that require planned reform, such as contingent reward and communication. Furthermore, intention to leave the job was significantly related to job satisfaction score and all the dimensions. The study findings will help policymakers and the Ministry of Health to develop an employee engagement and satisfaction program to track the PHC providers' levels of satisfaction.