BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a rising issue worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is the third most common cause of death globally. Early diagnosis can lead to prevention and treatment, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to have proper knowledge about CRC screening.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, identify knowledge gaps, and update the knowledge of healthcare workers.
METHODS:  This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2023, in multiple tertiary care hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Responses were collected manually through a designed proforma of questionnaires.
RESULTS: A total of 164 participants (137 male and 27 female) took part in our study. Among the participants, 92.1% (n = 151) were aware that colonoscopy is used for CRC screening. Other screening methods known to them included a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (65.9%, n = 108), flexible sigmoidoscopy (48.2%, n = 79), stool DNA test (31.1%, n = 51), and virtual colonoscopy (34.1%, n = 56). Only 6.1% (n = 10) routinely recommended CRC screening for all patients, 22.6% (n = 37) recommended it occasionally, and 71.3% (n = 117) rarely or never recommended it. Regarding factors influencing the recommendation of CRC screening, 83.5% (n = 137) cited family history of CRC as the major factor, followed by patient age (68.3%, n = 112), availability of screening facilities (46.3%, n = 76), patient\'s overall health status (37.2%, n = 61), and patient\'s preference (20.7%, n = 34).
CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that only a small proportion of healthcare personnel regularly recommend CRC screening. In addition, a small proportion are familiar with CRC screening guidelines, although most are well-informed about the various investigations used for screening.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions and experiences of midwives caring for couples who experience a stillbirth.
METHODS: Qualitative study based on Gadamer\'s hermeneutic phenomenology.
METHODS: This study was conducted with midwives (n = 18) at the birth unit of a third-level public hospital in Jaén (Spain) in 2023. Personal semi-structured interviews were recorded in audio for later transcription by two researchers following steps described by Fleming.
RESULTS: Two themes were identified as important aspects of the practise of midwives in a situation of the birth of a stillborn child: (1) the importance of each action of the midwife, and (2) the availability of resources determines the care provided.
CONCLUSIONS: Having a stillbirth is a very complex experience, in which the psychological support and human and material resources involved are the basic tool for the care of these families. Acknowledging limitations of the available resources, the assistance and care provided by midwives are in line with the clinical practice guidelines, which can have an emotional impact on them.
UNASSIGNED: The care to be provided in stillbirth requires appropriate human and material resources for these families. Midwifery and nursing professionals are in a unique position for acting in cases of families with a stillbirth, updated protocols and, in general, the coordination of the different agents involved within the healthcare system. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: The midwives´ experiences in cases which end with the delivery of a stillborn. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FINDINGS?: Each action of the midwife is as important as the availability of resources to offer the most appropriate care. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: In each woman who receives the care of a midwife who attends the birth of a stillborn.
UNASSIGNED: COREQ checklist.
UNASSIGNED: No patient or public contribution occurred for this study as this research focused on exploring staffs\' perspectives from the specific viewpoint of their personal experience.

BackgroundHealthcare personnel (HCP) are at high risk for respiratory infections through occupational exposure to respiratory viruses.AimWe used data from a prospective influenza vaccine effectiveness study in HCP to quantify the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and their associated presenteeism and absenteeism.MethodsAt the start and end of each season, HCP at two Israeli hospitals provided serum to screen for antibodies to influenza virus using the haemagglutination inhibition assay. During the season, active monitoring for the development of ARI symptoms was conducted twice a week by RT-PCR testing of nasal swabs for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Workplace presenteeism and absenteeism were documented. We calculated incidences of influenza- and RSV-associated ARI and applied sampling weights to make estimates representative of the source population.ResultsThe median age of 2,505 participating HCP was 41 years, and 70% were female. Incidence was 9.1 per 100 person-seasons (95% CI: 5.8-14.2) for RT-PCR-confirmed influenza and 2.5 per 100 person-seasons (95% CI: 0.9-7.1) for RSV illness. Each season, 18-23% of unvaccinated and influenza-negative HCP seroconverted. The incidence of seroconversion or RT-PCR-confirmed influenza was 27.5 per 100 person-seasons (95% CI: 17.8-42.5). Work during illness occurred in 92% (95% CI: 91-93) of ARI episodes, absence from work in 38% (95% CI: 36-40).ConclusionInfluenza virus and RSV infections and associated presenteeism and absenteeism were common among HCP. Improving vaccination uptake among HCP, infection control, and encouraging sick HCP to stay home are important strategies to reduce ARI incidence and decrease the risk of in-hospital transmission.

BACKGROUND: Despite a longstanding Israel Ministry of Health recommendation that all healthcare personnel (HCP) receive a seasonal influenza vaccine, vaccine uptake among HCP remains below the country\'s target of 60% coverage. To understand factors related to vaccine hesitancy, we used data from a prospective three-year (2016-2019) influenza vaccine effectiveness study among Israeli HCP to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about influenza vaccination and their association with vaccine uptake.
METHODS: At the start of each influenza season, all participating HCP completed a questionnaire that included questions about socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, health status, and KAP related to seasonal influenza vaccination. We extracted vaccination history from electronic medical records and employee vaccination registries. We used logistic regression models to identify demographic and occupational factors, and KAP about influenza vaccination, associated with receipt of vaccination.
RESULTS: A total of 2,126 HCP were enrolled and had available data on vaccination history. Their median age was 42 years [IQR 35-52], and 73 % self-identified as female. Influenza vaccine uptake in 2016, 2017 and 2018 was 46 %, 48 % and 47 %, respectively. Overall, 36 % of HCP had received an influenza vaccine in ≥ 4 of the eight years prior. HCP aged 35-49 years were less likely to receive influenza vaccine compared to HCP aged ≥ 50 years (OR: 0.81 [95 % CI: 0.67-0.98]). Nurses and allied personnel were less likely to receive influenza vaccine compared to physicians (OR: 0.63 [95 % CI: 0.50-0.78] and OR: 0.53 [95 % CI: 0.40-0.70], respectively). The emotional benefit of vaccination (e.g., anticipating regret if not vaccinated) and the perception of vaccine safety were factors associated with vaccine uptake (OR: 7.60 [95 % CI: 6.27-9.22] and OR: 3.43 [95 % CI:2.91-4.03], respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Among HCP at two hospitals in Israel, less than half received an annual influenza vaccine. Older HCP, physicians, and those who reported the emotional benefit of vaccination or agreed that influenza vaccines are safe were more likely to be vaccinated. Future influenza vaccination campaigns could focus on these demographic groups and tailor messages emphasizing the emotional benefits of vaccination and vaccine safety to increase seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among HCP in Israel.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method in the risk management of needlestick injuries among oral healthcare personnel.
METHODS: A total of 37 healthcare workers from the dental department of Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, were selected as study subjects. Routine risk management procedures were followed from January 2021 to December 2021, serving as the control group, while FMEA-based risk management was implemented from January 2022 to December 2022, representing the research group. The Risk Priority Number (RPN) was calculated, and interventions were implemented for the top five identified failure modes. The RPN score, incidence of needlestick injuries, healthcare personnel\'s knowledge and awareness levels, prevention behavior, and rate of satisfaction with management were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: FMEA-based risk management identified weak knowledge of protection, disorganized placement of sharp instruments, failure to adhere to operational standards, improper operational procedures, and insufficient regulations for preventing needlestick injuries as the top five failure modes. The RPN scores for these modes were significantly lower in the research group (P<0.05). The research group also experienced a lower frequency and incidence of needlestick injury (P<0.05), along with higher levels of healthcare knowledge, awareness of prevention, and prevention behavior (P<0.05). Additionally, satisfaction with management was higher in the research group compared to the control group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: FMEA-based risk management can improve the ability of oral healthcare personnel to prevent needlestick injury, reduce the occurrence of such incidents, and enhance satisfaction with management. This approach holds promise for wider adoption.

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most effective way to curb the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Nonetheless, healthcare personnel encounter difficulties in adhering to WHO HH recommendations. This study aimed to investigate HH compliance and adherence after the implementation of an action plan in a municipal hospital in Moscow. An initial evaluation of HH compliance among clinical health workers was carried out in June 2022 according to the WHO HH guidelines followed by a 3-month re-audit of HH practices. The results were compared to the baseline to evaluate compliance and adherence to HH among healthcare personnel. From June to September 2022, there were 2,732 moments of contact with patients or their immediate surroundings. The HH total compliance rate significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 52.3% in June 2022 to 83.3% in September 2022 with a 75% overall total compliance rate. The profession-specific total compliance rate was highest among nurses (79.6%) and lowest among ancillary staff (69.7%). Staff were also more adherent to the before-moments compared to the after-moments of the HH guidelines. Monthly re-audits and providing feedback resulted in a significant improvement in compliance and adherence with HH guidelines after implementation of the action plan.

BACKGROUND: In the context of pediatric palliative care, where the quality of life of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions is of utmost importance, the integration of health technology must support the provision of care. Research has highlighted the role of healthcare personnel when utilizing health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care, but specific knowledge of healthcare personnel\'s views on the technological relevance remains limited. Therefore, our study has explored potentials and limitations of health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care from the perspectives of healthcare personnel.
METHODS: Our study utilized a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design, including five focus groups with a total of 22 healthcare personnel. The participants were selected from various health regions in Norway and were experienced in providing home-based pediatric palliative care. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we interpreted data obtained from focus groups, identified patterns, and developed themes.
RESULTS: The analysis resulted in the development of three intersecting themes: balancing in-person interaction and time in home-based pediatric palliative care; exchange of information can improve timely and appropriate care; and the power of visual documentation in pediatric palliative care. The healthcare personnel acknowledged difficulties in fully replacing in-person interaction with health technology. However, they also emphasized potentials of health technology to facilitate information sharing and the ability to access a child\'s health record within interdisciplinary teams.
CONCLUSIONS: The results underscored that technology can support pediatric palliative care but must be thoughtfully integrated to ensure an individualized patient-centered approach. To maximize the benefits of health technology in enhancing home-based pediatric palliative care, future research should address the limitations of current health technology and consider the opinions for information sharing between relevant healthcare team members, the child, and their family.

This study aimed to analyze the communication process of healthcare professionals for the promotion of health literacy. It is a qualitative study that utilized individual online interviews with 46 healthcare professionals working in Brazil. The thematic content analysis technique proposed by Bardin was employed, and Atlas Ti software assisted in the assessment and interpretation of the texts. Content categorization revealed 26 sub-themes, and the coding of these identified nine themes and three categories. The communication process in health literacy education was composed of a set of interdependent and interrelated variables termed emotions, professional preparedness, interprofessional collaboration, patient needs assessment, building rapport, family inclusion in the educational process, environmental aspects, strategies, and resources for teaching and learning. These data may support the analysis of health communication in healthcare services, the creation of data collection instruments, and the development of training programs to enhance skills within the context of the identified variables.

Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) in high TB-burdened countries continue to be at high risk of occupational TB due to inadequate implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control (TB-IPC) measures and a lack of understanding of the context and relevance to local settings. Such transmission in the healthcare workplace has prompted the development and dissemination of numerous guidelines for strengthening TB-IPC for use in settings globally. However, a lack of involvement of healthcare personnel in the conceptualisation and development of guidelines and programmes seeking to improve TB-IPC in high-burden countries generally has been observed. Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore the inclusion of HCP in decision-making when designing the TB-IPC guidelines, in healthcare settings. Methods: A scoping review methodology was selected for this study to gain insight into the relevant research evidence, identifying and mapping key elements in the TB-IPC measures in relation to HCP as implementors. Results: Studies in this review refer to factors related to HCP\'s knowledge of TB-IPC, perception regarding occupational risks and behaviours, their role against a background of structural resource constraints, and guidelines\' adherence. They report several challenges in TB-IPC implementation and adherence, particularly eliciting recommendations from HCP for improved TB-IPC practices. Conclusions: This review highlights a lack of participation in decision-making by the implementers of the policies and guidelines, yet adherence to TB-IPC measures is anticipated. Future research needs to focus more on consultations with users to understand the preferences from both within individual healthcare facilities and the communities. There is an urgent need for research on the participation of the implementers in the decision-making when developing TB-IPC policies and guidelines.

Medical residents constitute a vulnerable population susceptible to mental health disorders. In Italy, this was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical residents served on the front line and provided significant support to healthcare services. Therefore, the working group on \"Public Mental Health\" of the Medical Residents\' Council of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health (S.It.I.) designed the \"Residents\' mental health investigation, a dynamic longitudinal study in Italy\" (ReMInDIt). This longitudinal study aims to assess the mental status of medical residents and to explore potential cause-effect relationships between risk/protective factors (identified among sociodemographic, residency program, and lifestyle characteristics) and mental health outcomes (anxiety and depressive symptoms). Data will be collected from a study population of 3615 residents enrolled in Italian residency programs in public health, occupational medicine, and forensic medicine through an online questionnaire that includes validated tools, requires 10 min for completion, and is disseminated by the residents\' Councils. It will be followed by a follow-up administration after 12 months. The ReMInDIt study will play a significant role in generating evidence crucial for enhancing mental health services and promoting protective factors for the mental well-being of this important segment of healthcare professionals.