社区医护人员实施居家安宁疗护促进及阻碍因素的质性研究

目的 了解社区医护人员实施居家安宁疗护的促进及阻碍因素,为有效推进居家安宁疗护提供依据。方法 采用描述性质性研究方法,以目的抽样法选取昆明市2所社区卫生服务中心的13名医护人员进行半结构访谈,采用内容分析法整理、分析资料。结果 提炼出社区医护人员实施居家安宁疗护促进及阻碍因素2个主题,促进因素主题的3个亚主题包括意识到居家安宁疗护的重要性、容易与居民取得联系、患者有居家安宁疗护的需求;阻碍因素主题的4个亚主题包括政策支持因素、医护人员因素、患方因素、风险因素。结论 社区医护人员实施居家安宁疗护的促进及阻碍因素是多维度的,应重视政府、社区医护人员、患者和家属共同参与居家安宁疗护的重要性,构建符合我国国情的居家安宁疗护服务模式。     

Abdominal surgical site infections: a prospective study of determinant factors in Harare,Zimbabwe

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are reported in lower frequencies in the developed countries than in the developing world. A prospective evaluation of risk factors in 285 patients undergoing abdominal surgery procedures in Zimbabwe was therefore undertaken. Overall infection rate was 26%. The age group 30–39 years had the highest number of dirty wounds and the highest rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Multivariate regression analysis showed a correlation between wound class and SSI (P < 0·05). This was also noted for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P < 0·05). HIV‐infected patients had 52% SSIs and non‐infected patients had 26% (P < 0·05). Patients receiving blood transfusion had 51% SSIs and those not transfused had 17% (P < 0·01). Patients receiving pre‐ and intra‐operative prophylactic antibiotics had 18% SSIs and those receiving postoperative administration had 37% (P < 0·01). Treatment ranged from dressings only in 11% to surgical intervention in 30% resulting in prolongation of median hospital stay from 8 to 18 days (P < 0·001). Mortality was 7%. High wound class, high ASA score, blood transfusion, HIV infection and delayed use of prophylactic antibiotics were risk factors for SSIs, resulting in surgical interventions, prolonged hospital stay and mortality.     

中青年脑卒中住院患者戒烟行为影响因素的质性研究

目的了解中青年脑卒中患者在不同戒烟行为阶段的影响因素,为戒烟干预提供参考。方法以行为转变理论为基础,采用质性研究中行为事件访谈法对12例中青年脑卒中住院患者进行访谈,使用Colaizzi内容分析法分析资料。结果提炼出两个主题群,分别是戒烟行为的促进因素和阻碍因素。结论不同戒烟行为阶段中青年脑卒中患者戒烟行为的影响因素不同,需根据患者的戒烟意愿和行为特点,采取相应的戒烟干预措施,以提高戒烟成功率。     

A comparison of outcome measures used to report clubfoot treatment with the Ponseti method: results from a cohort in Harare,Zimbabwe

Background

There are various established scoring systems to assess the outcome of clubfoot treatment after correction with the Ponseti method. We used five measures to compare the results in a cohort of children followed up for between 3.5 to 5?years.

Methods

In January 2017 two experienced physiotherapists assessed children who had started treatment between 2011 and 2013 in one clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe. The length of time in treatment was documented. The Roye score, Bangla clubfoot assessment tool, the Assessing Clubfoot Treatment (ACT) tool, proportion of relapsed and of plantigrade feet were used to assess the outcome of treatment in the cohort. Inter-observer variation was calculated for the two physiotherapists. A comparative analysis of the entire cohort, the children who had completed casting and the children who completed more than two years of bracing was undertaken. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for the five measures and compared to full clinical assessment (gold standard) and whether referral for further intervention was required for re-casting or surgical review.

Results

31% (68/218) of the cohort attended for examination and were assessed. Of the children who were assessed, 24 (35%) had attended clinic reviews for 4–5?years, and 30 (44%) for less than 2?years. There was good inter-observer agreement between the two expert physiotherapists on all assessment tools. Overall success of treatment varied between 56 and 93% using the different outcome measures. The relapse assessment had the highest unnecessary referrals (19.1%), and the Roye score the highest proportion of missed referrals (22.7%). The ACT and Bangla score missed the fewest number of referrals (7.4%). The Bangla score demonstrated 79.2% (95%CI: 57.8–92.9%) sensitivity and 79.5% (95%CI: 64.7–90.2%) specificity and the ACT score had 79.2% (95%CI: 57.8–92.9%) sensitivity and 100% (95%CI: 92–100%) specificity in predicting the need for referral.

Conclusion

At three to five years of follow up, the Ponseti method has a good success rate that improves if the child has completed casting and at least two years of bracing. The ACT score demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for the need for referral for further intervention (specialist opinion or further casting). All tools demonstrated good reliability.

     

Willingness to use pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia: findings from a qualitative study

Background : Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in Malaysia. Recent success has been observed within demonstration projects examining the efficacy of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral ‐based medication taken by HIV‐negative men to prevent sero‐conversion. In order for such promising findings to be translated in real‐world settings, it is important to understand the acceptability of PrEP, including perceived barriers to access or uptake. Methods : As part of a larger mixed‐methods study exploring acceptability and willingness to use PrEP among MSM in Malaysia, 19 men took part in audio‐recorded focus group discussions hosted by a community‐based HIV organization and facilitated by a trained researcher. Discussions focussed on awareness and potential information management, general perceptions of PrEP and potential motivations or barriers to the use of PrEP, including those at the personal, social, health system or structural level. Data were transcribed verbatim and underwent a detailed thematic analysis. Results : Rather than perceiving PrEP as a replacement for condoms in terms of having safer sex, many participants viewed it as an additional layer protection, serving as a crucial barrier to infection on occasions where condom use was intended, but did not occur. It was also perceived as more valuable to “at‐risk” men, such as those in HIV sero‐discordant relationships or those with a higher number of sexual partners. Elements of discussion tended to suggest that some men taking PrEP may be subject to stigma from others, on the assumption they may be promiscuous or engage in high‐risk sexual behaviours. Conclusions : This qualitative study indicates that, broadly speaking, PrEP may be acceptable to MSM in Malaysia. However, in order for its potential to be realized, and uptake achieved, educative interventions are required to inform the target population as to the efficacy and potential, positive impact of PrEP. Given concerns for how those taking it may be stigmatized, it is crucial that the use of PrEP is presented as a responsible course of action, and one of a range of strategies that men can use to keep themselves safe from HIV.     

Examining healthcare transition experiences among youth living with HIV in Atlanta,Georgia, USA: a longitudinal qualitative study

IntroductionVirtually all youth living with HIV in paediatric/adolescent care must eventually transition to adult‐oriented HIV care settings. To date, there is limited evidence examining the perspectives of youth living with HIV longitudinally through the healthcare transition process. The objective of our study was to examine attitudes and experiences of youth living with HIV regarding healthcare transition, including potential change in attitudes and experiences over time.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal qualitative interview study within a large, comprehensive HIV care centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA between August 2016 and October 2019.We interviewed 28 youth living with HIV as part of a longitudinal observational cohort study of youth undergoing healthcare transition. We conducted qualitative interviews both immediately prior to, and one year following the transition from paediatric to adult‐oriented care.ResultsSix distinct themes emerged from interviews conducted with youth living with HIV pre‐transition: (1) reluctance to transition; (2) paediatric spaces as welcoming, and adult spaces as unwelcoming; (3) varying levels of preparation for transition; and (4) expectation of autonomy in the adult clinic. Analysis of post‐transition interviews with the same youth demonstrated: (1) inconsistencies in the transition experience; (2) fear and anxiety about transition quelled by experience; (3) varying reactions to newfound autonomy and (4) communication as the most valuable facilitator of successful transition.ConclusionsThis study’s longitudinal perspective on the healthcare transition experience yields insights that can be incorporated into programming targeting this critically important population. Although our study was conducted in a USA‐based clinic with co‐located paediatric and adult care services, many of our findings are likely to have relevance in other settings as well. Interventions aiming to improve HIV care engagement through transition should seek to enhance patient–provider communication in both paediatric and adult clinics, improve preparation of patients in paediatric clinics and ease patients gradually into autonomous disease management.     

Facilitators and barriers of using digital technology for the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A qualitative systematic review

The use of digital technology has been shown to be effective in managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine and mobile application are two common applications of digital technology in managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The facilitators and barriers of using it for DFU management are yet to be explored. This is a qualitative systematic review. Five bibliography databases and grey literature sources were searched (2000‐2019). Two reviewers independently screened the citations, extracted the data, assessed the quality of the included studies, and performed thematic synthesis. Three studies on patients and five studies on healthcare practitioners (HCPs) were included. Two studies focused on the use of mobile applications and six on telemedicine. In studies on patients, four analytical themes were generated: the relationships with HCPs; the attitude towards the usage of digital technology; the role of wound image taking; and impact of digital technology on DFU care, encompassing 15 facilitators (eg, enabling community support, improving wound care knowledge) and 12 barriers (eg, lack of technological savviness, difficulty reading on smartphones). Three analytical themes were generated from studies on HCPs: the impact of digital technology on HCPs; the role of digital technology in DFU care; and organisation of DFU care delivery, encompassing 17 facilitators (eg, adequate wound care training, digital technology enables holistic care) and 16 barriers (eg, lack of multidisciplinary approach in caring for DFU, lack of direct contact in care provision). Patients and HCPs reported various barriers and facilitators relating to different aspects of using digital technology in DFU management. Our findings can help inform future research as well as the adoption of digital technology in DFU management.     

Nutritional status and outcome of surgery: A prospective observational cohort study of children at a tertiary surgical hospital in Harare,Zimbabwe

BackgroundUndernutrition contributes to nearly 50% of all child deaths in the world, yet there is conflicting evidence regarding the association between nutritional status and postoperative complications. The aim was to describe the preoperative nutritional status among pediatric surgery patients in Zimbabwe, and to assess if nutritional status was a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcome of mortality, surgical site infection, reoperation, readmission, and longer length of stay.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study included 136 children undergoing surgery at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Zimbabwe. Nutritional status was standardized using Z-scores for BMI, length, weight, and middle upper arm circumference. Primary outcomes after 30 days included mortality, surgical site infection, reoperation, and readmission. Secondary outcome was length of stay. Univariate and multivariable analyses with logistic regression were performed.ResultsOf the 136 patients, 31% were undernourished. Postoperative adverse outcome occurred in 20%; the mortality rate was 6%, the surgical site infection rate was 17%, the reoperation rate was 3.5%, and readmission rate was 2.5%. Nutritional status, higher ASA classification, major surgical procedures, and lower preoperative hemoglobin levels were associated with adverse outcome. Univariate logistic regression identified a seven-fold increased risk of postoperative complications among undernourished children (OR 7.3 [2.3–22.8], p = 0.001), and there was a four- to six-fold increased adjusted risk after adjustment for ASA, major surgery, and preoperative hemoglobin.ConclusionA third of all pediatric surgery patients were undernourished, and undernourished children had a considerably higher risk of adverse outcome. With a positive correlation identified between undernourishment and increased postoperative complications, future aims would include assessing if preoperative nutritional treatment could be especially beneficial for undernourished children.Levels of EvidenceLevel II treatment study.     

Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kingston,Jamaica: a qualitative study

Introduction : Young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica have the highest HIV prevalence in the Caribbean. There is little information about HIV among transgender women in Jamaica, who are also overrepresented in the Caribbean epidemic. HIV‐related stigma is a barrier to HIV testing among Jamaica's general population, yet little is known of MSM and transgender women's HIV testing experiences in Jamaica. We explored perceived barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among young MSM and transgender women in Kingston, Jamaica. Methods : We implemented a community‐based research project in collaboration with HIV and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) agencies in Kingston. We held two focus groups, one with young (aged 18–30 years) transgender women (n = 8) and one with young MSM (n = 10). We conducted 53 in‐depth individual semi‐structured interviews focused on HIV testing experiences with young MSM (n = 20), transgender women (n = 20), and community‐based key informants (n = 13). We conducted thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report themes. Results : Participant narratives revealed social‐ecological barriers and facilitators to HIV testing. Barriers included healthcare provider mistreatment, confidentiality breaches, and HIV‐related stigma: these spanned interpersonal, community and structural levels. Healthcare provider discrimination and judgment in HIV testing provision presented barriers to accessing HIV services (e.g. treatment), and resulted in participants hiding their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Confidentiality concerns included: clinic physical arrangements that segregated HIV testing from other health services, fear that healthcare providers would publicly disclose their status, and concerns at LGBT‐friendly clinics that peers would discover they were getting tested. HIV‐related stigma contributed to fear of testing HIV‐positive; this intersected with the stigma of HIV as a “gay” disease. Participants also anticipated healthcare provider mistreatment if they tested HIV positive. Participants identified individual (belief in benefits of knowing one's HIV status), social (social support) and structural (accessible testing) factors that can increase HIV testing uptake. Conclusions : Findings suggest the need for policy and practice changes to enhance confidentiality and reduce discrimination in Jamaica. Interventions to challenge HIV‐related and LGBT stigma in community and healthcare settings can enhance access to the HIV prevention cascade among MSM and transgender youth in Jamaica.     

Improving ART initiation among men who use HIV self‐testing in Malawi: a qualitative study

IntroductionHIV self‐testing (HIVST) increases HIV testing uptake among men; however, the linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIVST users is low. Innovative strategies for ART initiation are needed, yet little is known about the unique barriers to care experienced by male HIVST users, and what ART‐related interventions men desire.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with cisgender men (≥15 years) in Malawi who tested HIV positive using HIVST between 2018 and 2020, as well as interviews with their female partners (≥15 years) who distributed the HIVST kits. Medical records from seven facilities were used to identify respondents. We included men who received HIVST from a health facility (primary distribution) and from sexual partners (secondary distribution). Interview guides focused on unique barriers to ART initiation following HIVST and desired interventions to improve linkage and initiation. Interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed to English, and analysed using constant comparison methods in Atlas.ti v.8.4. Themes were compared by HIVST distribution strategy. Data were collected between 2019 and 2020.ResultsTwenty‐seven respondents were interviewed: eight male/female dyads (16 respondents), eight men without a female partner and three women who represented men who did not participate in the study. Among the 19 men represented (16 men interviewed in person, three represented by secondary report from female partners), seven received HIVST through primary distribution, 12 through secondary distribution. Six men never initiated ART (all secondary HIVST distribution). Barriers to ART initiation centred on the absence of healthcare workers at the time of diagnosis and included lack of external motivation for linkage to care (men had to motivate themselves) and lack of counselling before and after testing (leaving ART‐related fears and misconceptions unaddressed)––the latter was especially true for secondary HIVST distribution. Desired interventions were similar across distribution strategies and included ongoing peer mentorship for normalizing treatment adherence, counselling messages tailored to men, outside‐facility services for convenience and privacy, and facility navigation to help men understand how to navigate ART clinics.ConclusionsMale HIVST users face unique challenges to ART initiation, especially those receiving HIVST through secondary distribution. Male‐tailored interventions are desired by men and may help overcome barriers to care.     

高年资专科护士自我超越驱动力的质性研究

目的 了解高年资专科护士自我超越的促进因素。方法 对15名高年资专科护士就自我超越的动力因素进行深入访谈,对访谈资料采用内容分析法进行归纳和提炼。结果 归纳出2个主题和9个副主题,包括内在驱动力（思维结构改变、个性特征、目标导向、反馈寻求行为、反思与自我激励）和外在驱动力（团队支持、领导授权、外源性压力和社会认可）。结论 促进高年资专科护士自我超越的因素是多方面的,建议护理管理者采取相应措施,重视发挥专科护士的内在动力,优化外力支持环境,以促进专科护理队伍建设。