Articles: pandemics.
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Use of telehealth has been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there has been much investigation of telehealth use in the context of replacing in-person visits, there has been limited study of patients' motivations for using telehealth. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate patient characteristics associated with telehealth use and (2) evaluate patients' motivations for using telehealth. ⋯ Identifying patients' motivations may help decision makers better understand the perceived value of telehealth among patients and may help policy makers and administrators create opportunities for increased patient choice around visit modality to maximize health care access, value, and quality. Consideration of patient motivations for telehealth use may support practitioners in making tailored and person-centered decisions when recommending telehealth vs in-person visits.
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We conducted a service evaluation of the medical support worker (MSW) role at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust following the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim was to explore the roles of MSWs, their contributions to the NHS, factors influencing their career choices, and the goals of the MSW position, to inform quality improvement in relation to their integration into the Trust. The perspectives of MSWs, their supervisors and recruiters were analysed through nine semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions involving 18 participants. ⋯ At the meso-level, participants emphasised the importance of a comprehensive induction by the hospital, to clarify responsibilities and familiarise MSWs with the health system. At the macro-level, the role facilitated MSW integration within the NHS, with the aim of practising as doctors. The importance of comprehensive hospital induction, with role clarity for both MSWs and their teams, supportive supervision and assistance with applying for registration with the General Medical Council, were highlighted as key quality improvement areas.
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The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with olfactory dysfunction in individuals with COVID-19 in the first 2 years of the pandemic in Brazil. ⋯ The prevalence of olfactory disorders was lower compared to other studies, with cough and fever being negatively related to olfactory dysfunction and headache, coryza, and taste disorders being positively related. Obesity was the only associated comorbidity.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the Bulut Index-Beta method and Global Health Security Index: results from the world's countries.
The Global Health Security Index (GHSI), which is used to assess the global health security preparedness levels of countries, and the Bulut Index-Beta (BI-β) method, developed as a multicriteria decision-making method, were compared in terms of global health security in the context of the world's countries. It was aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the BI-β method by testing it on GHSI datasets and contribute to the methodological development of the GHSI. ⋯ Since the GHSI scoring system is not consistent or questionable, the weighting process needs to be objectively reconsidered and the reasons for the weighting process need to be explained. The GHSI was conceptualized based on a narrow and technical framework. Therefore, it is recommended that the social and political determinants of public health be taken into account in the GHSI. On the other hand, the BI-β method can be easily used in solving other multicriteria decision-making problems, especially in public health areas such as global health security.
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Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg · Jan 2024
The impact of curfews on emergency departments and orthopedic traumas.
The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of curfews imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits, orthopedic trauma frequencies, and types of trauma. ⋯ The impact of curfews on the density of emergency departments and trauma patients will guide the health management policies to be followed in future curfews to be implemented for different reasons. In the light of this information, more effective resource management and better quality health service planning will be ensured.