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Health Personnel (health + personnel)
Kinds of Health Personnel Selected AbstractsYouth and Tattoos: What School Health Personnel Should KnowJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 9 2000Kelli McCormack Brown ABSTRACT: Though tattooing has been practiced by various cultures for centuries, this art form has undergone dramatic changes the past few decades. Today, tattoos appeal to diverse populations and mainstream culture. The proliferation of tattooing prompted increased concern for safety and awareness of hazardous conditions. Transmission of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, and theoretically, HIV, can occur when proper sterilization and safety procedures are not followed. While there are many populations at risk, a critical at-risk group is adolescents. Tattooing among adolescents is a risk-taking behavior that warrants the attention of health education in assisting adolescents in becoming informed decision-makers. Teaching and advocacy strategies are suggested, and roles for school health personnel are presented. [source] Dermatological problems in dental health personnelCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2004Raghavendra Rao No abstract is available for this article. [source] Dental hygiene regulation: a global perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 3 2008PM Johnson Abstract:, Occupational regulation of health personnel is important to professional associations and their members, the public that relies on their services and the regulatory agencies responsible for their conduct. There is increasing interest in ensuring that dental hygiene regulation fosters the continuing evolution of the profession and its contribution to oral health. The keynote address for the 2007 Regulatory Forum on Dental Hygiene, this paper discusses the rationale for and issues pertaining to occupational regulation, outlines the evolvement of dental hygiene and identifies regulatory options for the profession. Professional regulation exists to ensure public safety, health and welfare. However, negative political-economic side effects coupled with environmental pressures have resulted in increased scrutiny for health professionals. One such profession is dental hygiene. Its evolution has been dramatic, in particular over the past few decades, as illustrated by its rapidly increasing numbers and broader distribution globally, gradual shift to the baccalaureate as the entry-level educational requirement and increase in postgraduate programs and expanding scope of practice and increased professional autonomy. Regulatory changes have been more gradual. Regulation is mandatory for the vast majority of dental hygienists. Of the options available, the practice act , the most rigorous type, is predominant. Globally, regulation tends to be administered directly by the government (n = 9 countries) more so than indirectly through a dental board (n = 4) or self-regulation (n = 3). Whether regulated directly or indirectly, dental hygienists increasingly are seeking a greater role in shaping their professional future. Self-regulation, its responsibilities, misperceptions and challenges, is examined as an option. [source] Anthrax: the challenges for decontaminationJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2006Richard J Sharp Abstract Anthrax remains endemic in many parts of the world with regular infections of livestock presenting a consequent risk to public health. In the United Kingdom anthrax has diminished as a significant threat to human health with only sporadic outbreaks in farm animals derived from ingestion of spores from soil at sites associated with previous outbreaks and the burial of carcasses. Occupationally-derived anthrax, associated with industries involved in the processing of animal products, has historically had an impact on the occurrence of outbreaks of infection. The introduction, in 1965, of vaccination for workers in high-risk occupations contributed significantly to the eradication of the disease from the UK. During 2001 the deliberate release of anthrax spores in the USA, disseminated through the postal system, resulted in the infection of 22 people, five of which resulted in death through inhalational anthrax. At that time anthrax was unheard of in many clinical practices and there was a lack of training and preparedness to handle such incidents; the emergency resulted in medical and public health personnel across the world having a significantly raised awareness of both the organism and the clinical symptoms of infection, and the new threat posed by bioterrorism. In the USA, the immediate public health emergency was followed by the legacy of contaminated buildings and facilities. There had been little previous systematic study of the issues surrounding sampling and decontamination of areas contaminated with Bacillus anthracis. The decontamination of large complex buildings and the equipment they contained required the urgent development and validation of new procedures for both sampling and decontamination. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Hand hygiene among nurses in Turkey: opinions and practicesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3 2007Asiye D. Akyol RN Aims and objectives., This study aims to identify nurses' practices and opinions of handwashing during routine patient care. Background., Transmission of microorganisms from the hands of healthcare workers is the main source of cross-infection in hospitals and can be prevented by handwashing. Design and methods., A questionnaire survey was used for this study. A total of 129 clinical nurses at University of Ege Faculty of Medicine Application and Investigation Hospital at Internal Medicine Clinics was surveyed with a response rate of 100%. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 10. Results., The study revealed that nurses have a poor level of knowledge concerning quality of hand washing. All nursing actions related to ,clean' and ,dirty' activities were evaluated using the Fulkerson scale. The majority of nurses reported that they always wash hands after contact with contaminated and non-contaminated patients, equipment and environment. It was found that they did need to wash their hands often but that they were not able to do this because of dense working conditions, insufficiency of necessary materials and drying and sore of hands after frequent washing. Conclusion., To improve hand hygiene and quality of handwashing compliance, additional factors must be considered. These factors include improving healthcare workers , especially nurses', skin conditions, hand hygiene techniques and disinfections substantially. Relevance to clinical practice., Hospitals need to develop and implement innovative educational and motivational programmes tailored to specific groups of health personnel. [source] SARS , a perspective from a school of nursing in Hong KongJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2004David R. Thompson PhD Background., Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease with significant morbidity and mortality that has had a major impact on health and health care services worldwide. Hong Kong has had a significant number of cases and deaths. Nurses, at the vanguard of the clinical health care team, have been particularly affected by it. The outbreak prompted the health authorities to implement a series of public health measures and hospital policies, including a guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with SARS. Aims and objectives., This paper aims at providing an overview of what is known about SARS and the impact it has had in Hong Kong and to highlight from the perspective of a school of nursing the major clinical, educational and public health implications. Conclusions., The lack of understanding and uncertainty about the disease led to significant variation in the provision of information, contributing to the confusion and anxiety in the community. Therefore, there is a need to revise the nursing curriculum, to provide continuing education to all health care professionals, particularly with regard to infection control measures, and to revisit the range of public health policies to ensure the health of the community is protected by these policies. There also has been a reaffirmation of the importance of health promotion that highlights the importance of the partnership between nurses, health policy makers and public health personnel. It is evident that the organization and delivery of clinical practice, teaching and health promotion have to be flexible and responsive to a changing health scenario. Relevance to clinical practice., Nurses must play a crucial role in the prevention, detection and containment of SARS. They will need to implement and ensure strict adherence to infection control measures and, in some circumstances, isolation and quarantine may be warranted. Attention to the psychological state of patients and family members should not be overlooked. Paramount is education of patients, families and members of the public at large. [source] A cervical cancer prevention programme in rural Mexico: addressing women and their contextJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Martha Givaudan Abstract This article reports on the development and administration of a programme in seven rural villages in the Mexican state of Oaxaca to address high rates of cervical cancer. The rationale and strategy are described on which the programme is based. The development and administration of the programme (to 1513 women) is presented, aimed at enabling women to take better care of themselves. Various additional activities that were added in the course of the programme in order to facilitate contextual factors are also described, including community campaigning, programmes with men and the training of health personnel. Effectiveness was evaluated in terms of both process and impact indices, showing high rates of attendance at programme sessions by enrolled women, an increase in knowledge and a substantial increase in the number of preventive diagnostic tests. The final section reflects on both the achievements, and the scope and the limitations of the programme. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The HPV Vaccine: Framing the Arguments FOR and AGAINST Mandatory Vaccination of All Middle School GirlsJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 6 2008Cheryl A. Vamos MPH ABSTRACT Background:, Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer, is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection in the United States. A vaccine was approved in 2006 that is effective in preventing the types of HPV responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Proposals for routine and mandatory HPV vaccination of girls have become sources of controversy for parents of school-aged youth, legislators, members of the medical community, and the public at large. Methods:, The purpose of this article was to articulate the arguments used by advocates who either oppose or endorse routine, mandatory administration of the vaccine to school-aged girls, thereby assisting school health personnel in being effective participants in framing the relevant issues. Results:, Controversy is grounded in moral, religious, political, economic, and sociocultural arguments including whether concerns that the vaccine increases sexual risk taking, sends mixed messages about abstaining from sexual intercourse, usurps parental authority, and increases the potential for development of new health disparities are offset by the value of administering a cost-effective, age-appropriate public health measure targeting a life-threatening problem. Conclusions:, Careful consideration of the medical evidence and public health implications is critical but understanding the context of the debate is no less important to the task of responding to public concerns. School health personnel have a role in the discussion about HPV immunization. Being able to articulate the arguments presented herein can help authorities' responsiveness to parents and community groups as the dialogue about this particular health issue evolves further. [source] Residential Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: Recommendations for Collaboration Between School Health and Substance Abuse Treatment PersonnelJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 9 2002Ralph J. Wood ABSTRACT: Thousands of youth participate in residential substance abuse treatment each year. After completing treatment, many of these youth return to school. This study analyzed the process of substance abuse treatment at the Generations Youth Program, and identified opportunities for collaboration with school health personnel. A qualitative case study design was employed. Analysis of the treatment process revealed the primary goal of treatment was to assist youth in developing a belief in their ability to remain sober. This goal was achieved through a peer support network, development of self-control, and acquisition of treatment knowledge. Youth who develop these skills are successfully discharged from treatment and return to home and school. Opportunities exist for collaboration between school health and substance abuse treatment personnel to enable discharged youth to remain drug free. [source] Youth and Tattoos: What School Health Personnel Should KnowJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 9 2000Kelli McCormack Brown ABSTRACT: Though tattooing has been practiced by various cultures for centuries, this art form has undergone dramatic changes the past few decades. Today, tattoos appeal to diverse populations and mainstream culture. The proliferation of tattooing prompted increased concern for safety and awareness of hazardous conditions. Transmission of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, and theoretically, HIV, can occur when proper sterilization and safety procedures are not followed. While there are many populations at risk, a critical at-risk group is adolescents. Tattooing among adolescents is a risk-taking behavior that warrants the attention of health education in assisting adolescents in becoming informed decision-makers. Teaching and advocacy strategies are suggested, and roles for school health personnel are presented. [source] The ParkinsonNet concept: Development, implementation and initial experience,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 7 2010Maarten J. Nijkrake PT Abstract The quality and efficiency of allied health care in Parkinson's disease (PD) must be improved. We have developed the ParkinsonNet concept: a professional regional network within the catchment area of hospitals. ParkinsonNet aims to: (1) improve PD-specific expertise among allied health personnel, by training a selected number of therapists according to evidence-based guidelines; (2) enhance the accuracy of referrals by neurologists; (3) boost patient volumes per therapist, by stimulating preferred referral to ParkinsonNet therapists; and (4) stimulate collaboration between therapists, neurologists, and patients. We describe the procedures for developing a ParkinsonNet network. Our initial experience with this new concept is promising, showing an increase in PD-specific and a steady rise in the patient volume of individual therapists. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [source] Rates of caesarean section: analysis of global, regional and national estimatesPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Ana P. Betrán Summary Rates of caesarean section are of concern in both developed and developing countries. We set out to estimate the proportion of births by caesarean section (CS) at national, regional and global levels, describe regional and subregional patterns and correlate rates with other reproductive health indicators. We analysed nationally representative data available from surveys or vital registration systems on the proportion of births by CS. We used local non-parametric regression techniques to correlate CS with maternal mortality ratio, infant and neonatal mortality rates, and the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel. Although very unevenly distributed, 15% of births worldwide occur by CS. Latin America and the Caribbean show the highest rate (29.2%), and Africa shows the lowest (3.5%). In developed countries, the proportion of caesarean births is 21.1% whereas in least developed countries only 2% of deliveries are by CS. The analysis suggests a strong inverse association between CS rates and maternal, infant and neonatal mortality in countries with high mortality levels. There is some suggestion of a direct positive association at lower levels of mortality. CS levels may respond primarily to economic determinants. [source] How to get your paper rejectedPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 3 2008FRCPC, Victor Chernick MD This paper focuses on the main problems that authors of rejected papers have had in their submissions to Pediatric Pulmonology over the past 5 years or so. It is intended as a teaching tool for residents, fellows, allied health personnel, practicing physicians and even some academic physicians who need a refresher on what goes wrong and how they may avoid rejection of their labor. The approach is somewhat lighthearted but nevertheless the message is quite serious. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:220,223. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A prospective qualitative exploration of views about attending pulmonary rehabilitationPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009Catherine Bulley Abstract Background and Purpose.,Pulmonary rehabilitation has been found to be an effective strategy for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, attendance at such programmes is not optimal, therefore, this study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of views regarding attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation and experiences which may have shaped these views.,Methods.,An inductive qualitative study was carried out within the framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five female and four male individuals with COPD who had been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted prior to participation in pulmonary rehabilitation.,Results.,Three main themes were identified that related to views about attending pulmonary rehabilitation. The first is entitled ,Desired benefits of attending pulmonary rehabilitation', which described realistic hopes about impact on daily life. The second theme was called ,Evaluating the threat of exercise', and it encompassed both positive and negative evaluations; some interviewees described fear and avoidance of exercise, while others were determined to overcome symptoms. These attitudes extended to views about pulmonary rehabilitation. The third theme was called ,Attributing value to pulmonary rehabilitation'. Contrasting opinions about the value of attending pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be influenced by the nature of prior interactions with health personnel and systems as well as information about the programme provided at referral. The referrer's attitude towards pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be particularly influential.,Conclusion.,In summary, when considering rehabilitation attendance, potential participants are able to identify possible benefits, but previous experiences of symptoms and attitudes towards their condition can influence views both positively and negatively. Information and enthusiasm conveyed by the referring clinician, as well as previous interactions with health professionals can have powerful impact on views about attending. Referral practices should be informative and enthusiastic to increase the likelihood of uptake. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Healthy Behaviors and Sources of Health Information Among Low-Income Pregnant WomenPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 3 2004Lynne Porter Lewallen PhD Abstract This article addresses responses from two open-ended questions, describing the healthy behaviors and sources of health information in 150 low-income pregnant women. Data for this exploratory study were collected as part of a larger descriptive correlational study. Qualitative content analysis was used in the analysis. One hundred fifty English-speaking pregnant women aged 18 and over were interviewed at a public prenatal clinic in the Southeastern United States at their first prenatal visit. Health behaviors were placed into seven mutually exclusive categories: food-related behaviors, substance-related behavior, exercise/rest/activity, self-awareness/appearance, learning, focus on baby, and no specific behaviors. Sources of information questions were placed into seven mutually exclusive categories: family, health personnel, reading, hearing, other people, self-intuitive, and no response. Low-income pregnant women are aware of healthy behaviors and report practicing them during their pregnancies. Because family members are a common source of information for health practices, they should be included in health education efforts. [source] Do Italian Mothers Prefer Cesarean Delivery?BIRTH, Issue 2 2003Serena Donati MD ABSTRACT: Background: In Italy the proportion of births by cesarean section rose from 11.2 percent in 1980 to 27.9 percent in 1996 and 33.2 percent in 2000. The aim of this study was to identify factors, other than medical and obstetrical risk, that may influence the method of delivery and to analyze mother's preference for vaginal versus cesarean delivery among women after the birth of their first baby in university hospitals in Italy. Methods: Primiparous women were selected from 100 consecutive deliveries in 23 university hospitals in 1999. To determine antenatal, delivery, and postnatal history, and women's preference for method of delivery, trained health personnel interviewed 1986 women. Results: Of the 1986 women who were interviewed (response rate 95%), 1023 primiparas comprised the study sample. The cesarean section rate was 36 percent. Ninety-one percent of the women who delivered spontaneously and 73 percent of those who underwent a cesarean section would have preferred a vaginal delivery. Conclusions: Most of the interviewed women in this study preferred, or were satisfied with, vaginal birth. (BIRTH 30:2 June 2003) [source] Remembering childhood atopic dermatitis as an adult: factors that influence recollectionBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006C. Moberg Summary Background, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in the population, and studies have shown that the disease is on the increase. Studies based on hospital records reflect selected populations and may miss less severe cases of AD, and the use of self-reported questionnaires has the drawback of recall bias. Objectives, To investigate some possible factors influencing recall bias when questionnaires are used to establish the prevalence of childhood eczema in an adult population. Methods, A questionnaire regarding past and present eczema was sent to 557 cases (with signs suggesting the diagnosis AD) and 554 matched controls (subjects lacking signs of AD) born during 1960,1969 and identified in school health medical records. Cases and controls were aged 31,42 years at the time of the study and 70·5% returned the questionnaire. Results, Of 403 cases, 29% did not report childhood eczema in the questionnaire. There was a difference between those who did recall their childhood AD (remembering group, RG), and those who did not (forgetful group, FG) in who had documented the diagnostic signs in the school health records. In the RG the signs were reported by both parents and school health personnel in 51% of cases, and in the FG this was true of only 16%. The RG had a higher prevalence of eczema after 15 years of age and of hand eczema. The RG also reported more visits to physicians after the age of 15 years and more time taken as sick leave due to eczema. Conclusions, Several factors influence how well people remember their AD in childhood. These factors include disease activity in adult life, disease severity, and who noticed the eczema in childhood. [source] | ||||||||||