Quality of care in Hunan Province nursing homes: relationship to staffing and organizational climate

Our objective was to examine the quality of care perceived by nursing staff and its relationship with the staffing and organizational climate in nursing homes. The participants in this cross-sectional study included 358 nursing staff from 26 nursing homes in Hunan Province, China. This study found that the interaction effect between nursing staff to resident ratio and physician to resident ratio exerted a significant effect on quality of care (p < 0.05). Higher scores on the relationships and communication scale (OR = 4.771, p = 0.002) and lower scores on the work stress scale (OR = 0.980, p = 0.050) were also associated with better quality of care. More work experience was related to lower quality of care (OR = 0.944, p = 0.048), and work experience was associated with relationships and communication (Beta = 0.172, p = 0.002) and work stress (Beta= = 0.259, p = 0.000). Staffing level, work experience, work stress, relationships and communication are key factors in providing higher quality of care in nursing homes.     

Nursing home staff perceptions of challenges and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic in China

BackgroundFirst-line nursing staff are responsible for protecting residents, the most vulnerable population, from COVID-19 infections. They are at a high risk of being infected with COVID-19 and experience high levels of psychological distress.AimsTo explore the challenges and coping strategies perceived by nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.MethodsIn April,2020, we conducted a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with nursing staff. Participants were selected from seven nursing homes in three cities in Hunan Province, China.ResultsA total of 21 nursing staff participated in the study, including seven nurse managers, seven registered nurses and seven nursing assistants. Three main themes were identified. Different groups encountered different sources of stress and adopted various coping strategies to fulfil their responsibilities.ConclusionsNursing home staff were underprepared for dealing with COVID-19-related challenges. Educational programs to improve the ability to deal with COVID-19 prevention and control are needed.     

Are evidence-based criteria addressed during counseling on over-the-counter products? An observational study in community pharmacies

ObjectiveWe examined whether evidence-based criteria were addressed during counseling on over-the-counter products (OTCs) in community pharmacies.MethodsConsultations were observed in 10 community pharmacies. We analyzed communications about OTCs to determine if any information on three evidence-based criteria (outcome variables: scientific evidence such as clinical study results, pharmaceutical staff’s experience, and customer’s experience) was mentioned. Two groups of communications were compared with Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate: The communications about OTCs recommended by the pharmaceutical staff vs. the communications about OTCs requested by customers.ResultsIn 379 observed consultations, 300 OTCs were recommended by staff and 390 OTCs were requested by customers. The least included criterion was scientific evidence (in OTCs recommended by pharmaceutical staff – 1% vs. requested by customers – 0%), followed by pharmaceutical staff’s experience (5% vs. 1%). The customer’s experience was addressed more frequently (14% vs. 41%). Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found for all criteria (p < 0.05).ConclusionEvidence-based criteria were rarely addressed during counseling on OTCs.Practice implicationsPharmaceutical staff should be encouraged to include the three evidence-based criteria more frequently. Additionally, customers should be encouraged to request such information from the staff in community pharmacies.