1.Responding to a measles outbreak in a Pacific island community in western Sydney: community interviews led to church-based immunization clinics
Scott Nicola ; Gabriel Salwa ; Sheppeard Vicky ; Peacock Alisa ; Scott Caroline ; Flego Kristina ; Forssman Bradley ; Seale Holly
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2015;6(2):51-57
Introduction:There are large Pacific island communities in western and south-western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In 2011 and 2012, measles outbreaks disproportionally affected children and youth within these communities. The objectives of this study were to explore barriers to immunization in a Pacific island community from the perspectives of community members and health professionals and to conduct a pilot programme whereby immunization catch-up clinics were held in a Samoan church in western Sydney.Methods:Interviews were conducted with Pacific island community members (
2.Cardiac morphology and function of hyperthyroid patients admitted at De La Salle University Medical Center.
Pagsisihan Daveric A. ; Andag-Silva Aimee ; Piores-Roderos Olivia ; Gurango Jose Armand ; Escobin Ma. Alisa
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2014;52(4):175-181
BACKGROUND: Most characteristics and common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the effects of thyroid hormones on the heart and cardiovascular system. With the advent of echocardiography, characterizing the effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart has been described mainly for overt hyperthyroidism. Data on subclinical hyperthyroidism are still conflicting.
OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the cardiac morphology and function of Filipino patients with uncontrolled overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism through echocardiogram, admitted at De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) for a period of five years and six months.
METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective descriptive study that utilized review of medical records. Seventy-five hyperthyroid patients were included; 56% with overt hyperthyroidism and 44% with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Cardiac morphology and systolic and diastolic functions were determined in the population and compared between overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism using 2-dimensional echocardiogram.
RESULTS: Cardiac morphology was slightly compromised due to slight thickening of interventricular septum (IVSTd) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at diastole (LVPWTd). There was also an increase in left ventricular mass (LVM), more pronounced in overt hyperthyroidism. Systolic function parameters such as fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were normal. Impaired left ventricular myocardial relaxation manifested as low early mitral peak flow velocity, low E/A ratio and prolonged isovolumetricrelaxation time (IVRT) was observed in most patients, particularly in overt hyperthyroidism.
CONCLUSION: Abnormalities noted were comparable between the two groups of hyperthyroidism. With cardiac parameters affected even in subclinical hyperthyroidism, treatment might be indicated regardless if hyperthyroidism is overt or subclinical.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged 80 And Over ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Academic Medical Centers ; Diastole ; Echocardiography ; Heart ; Hyperthyroidism ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Systole
3.A Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Interventions to De-escalate Workplace Violence against Nurses in Healthcare Settings
Rozina SOMANI ; Carles MUNTANER ; Edith HILLAN ; Alisa J. VELONIS ; Peter SMITH
Safety and Health at Work 2021;12(3):289-295
Workplace violence (WPV) is an increasing cause of concern around the globe, and healthcare organizations are no exception. Nurses may be subject to all kinds of workplace violence due to their frontline position in healthcare settings. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and consider different interventions that aim to decrease the magnitude/prevalence of workplace violence against nurses. The standard method by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2009) has been used to collect data and assess methodological quality. Altogether, twenty-six studies are included in the review. The intervention procedures they report on can be grouped into three categories: stand-alone trainings designed to educate nurses; more structured education programs, which are broader in scope and often include opportunities to practice skills learned during the program; multicomponent interventions, which often include organizational changes, such as the introduction of workplace violence reporting systems, in addition to workplace violence training for nurses. By comparing the findings, a clear picture emerges; while standalone training and structured education programs can have a positive impact, the impact is unfortunately limited. In order to effectively combat workplace violence against nurses, healthcare organizations must implement multicomponent interventions, ideally involving all stakeholders.
4.A Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Interventions to De-escalate Workplace Violence against Nurses in Healthcare Settings
Rozina SOMANI ; Carles MUNTANER ; Edith HILLAN ; Alisa J. VELONIS ; Peter SMITH
Safety and Health at Work 2021;12(3):289-295
Workplace violence (WPV) is an increasing cause of concern around the globe, and healthcare organizations are no exception. Nurses may be subject to all kinds of workplace violence due to their frontline position in healthcare settings. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and consider different interventions that aim to decrease the magnitude/prevalence of workplace violence against nurses. The standard method by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2009) has been used to collect data and assess methodological quality. Altogether, twenty-six studies are included in the review. The intervention procedures they report on can be grouped into three categories: stand-alone trainings designed to educate nurses; more structured education programs, which are broader in scope and often include opportunities to practice skills learned during the program; multicomponent interventions, which often include organizational changes, such as the introduction of workplace violence reporting systems, in addition to workplace violence training for nurses. By comparing the findings, a clear picture emerges; while standalone training and structured education programs can have a positive impact, the impact is unfortunately limited. In order to effectively combat workplace violence against nurses, healthcare organizations must implement multicomponent interventions, ideally involving all stakeholders.
5.Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally
Diana CHANG ; Austin LUI ; Alisa MATSOYAN ; Michael SAFAEE ; Henry ARYAN ; Christopher AMES
Neurospine 2024;21(2):487-501
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non– peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
6.Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally
Diana CHANG ; Austin LUI ; Alisa MATSOYAN ; Michael SAFAEE ; Henry ARYAN ; Christopher AMES
Neurospine 2024;21(2):487-501
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non– peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
7.Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally
Diana CHANG ; Austin LUI ; Alisa MATSOYAN ; Michael SAFAEE ; Henry ARYAN ; Christopher AMES
Neurospine 2024;21(2):487-501
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non– peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
8.Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally
Diana CHANG ; Austin LUI ; Alisa MATSOYAN ; Michael SAFAEE ; Henry ARYAN ; Christopher AMES
Neurospine 2024;21(2):487-501
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non– peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
9.Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally
Diana CHANG ; Austin LUI ; Alisa MATSOYAN ; Michael SAFAEE ; Henry ARYAN ; Christopher AMES
Neurospine 2024;21(2):487-501
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non– peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
10.Factors Contributing to Increased Workplace Violence Against Nurses During COVID-19 in the Healthcare Settings of a Lower Middle-income Country: A Qualitative Study
Rozina SOMANI ; Carles MUNTANER ; Alisa J. VELONIS ; Peter SMITH ; Edith M. HILLAN
Asian Nursing Research 2024;18(2):148-158
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to provide the perceptions of nurses, nursing supervisors, and nursing administrators about factors contributing to increased workplace violence (WPV) against nurses within the healthcare settings in Pakistan during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
This study used a Descriptive Qualitative design, with a purposive sampling technique. From September to December 2021, In-depth interviews of 45 to 60 minutes, using a semistructured interview guide, we collected data from a private and a public healthcare setting in Pakistan. Given the travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, these interviews were conducted online, using Zoom audio features. Bedside nurses, nursing supervisors, and nursing administrators with at least six months of work experience participated in this study.
Results:
The qualitative data analysis steps suggested by Braun and Clarke (2013) were used for thematic analysis. The overarching theme emerging from the data was “Factors perceived by nurses that contributed to increased WPV in their work settings during the first wave of COVID-19, in a lower middle-income country” The subthemes from the participants' narrations were (a) highly stressed patients, attendants, and healthcare workers; (b) the financial burden on patients and their families; (c) lack of resources and shortage of staff; (d) restricted visiting policy and a weak security system; (e) lack of awareness about the seriousness of COVID-19; (f) misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines and nurses' role in disseminating awareness.
Conclusions
The current pandemic increased the intensity of WPV against nurses in healthcare settings in Pakistan. Despite any supposed reasons for WPV, exposure to violence should never be an acceptable part of nursing. The healthcare system in Pakistan needs to pay equal attention to funding, resource provision, and ensuring a safe working environment for healthcare workers.