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Countries face challenges in maternal and newborn care (MNC) regarding costs, workforce and sustainability. Organising integrated care is increasingly seen as a way to address these challenges. The evidence on the optimal organisation of integrated MNC in order to improve outcomes is limited.
(1) To study associations between organisational elements of integrated care and maternal and neonatal health outcomes, experiences of women and professionals, healthcare costs and care processes and (2) to examine how the different dimensions of integrated care, as defined by the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care, are reflected in the literature addressing these organisational elements.
We included 288 papers and identified 23 organisational elements, grouped into 6 categories: personal continuity of care; interventions to improve interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination; care by a midwife; alternative payment models (non-fee-for-service); place of birth outside the obstetric unit and woman-centred care. Personal continuity, care by a midwife and births outside obstetric units were most consistently associated with improved maternal and newborn outcomes, positive experiences for women and professionals and potential cost savings, particularly where well-coordinated multidisciplinary care was established. Positive professional experiences of collaboration depended on clear roles, mutual trust and respectful interdisciplinary behaviour. Evidence on collaboration interventions and alternative payment models was inconclusive. Most studies emphasised clinical and professional aspects rather than organisational integration, with implementation barriers linked to prevailing biomedical system orientations.
Although the literature provides substantial evidence of organisational elements that contribute to improved outcomes, a significant gap remains in understanding how to overcome the barriers in sustainable implementation of these elements within healthcare systems. Interpreted through a systems and transition science lens, these findings suggest that strengthening integrated maternity care requires system-level changes aligning with WHO policy directions towards midwifery models of person-centred care.
by Hailay Gebretnsae, Abadi Kidanemariam Berhe, Mache Tsadik, Akeza Awealom Asgedom, Mengistu Hagazi Tequare, Gebregziabher Berihu Gebrekidan, Gebru Hailu Redae, Tedros Bereket, Gebrekiros Gebremichael Meles, Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss Ebrahim, Yemane Berhane Tesfau, Gebremedhin Gebreegziabher Gebretsadik, Muzey Gebremichael Berhe, Hagos Degefa Hidru, Meresa Gebremedhin Weldu, Micheale Hagos Debesay, Gebrehaweria Gebrekurstos, Rieye Esayas, Haftom Gebrehiwot Woldearegay
BackgroundAlthough promoting high–quality care is particularly important in post–conflict settings, little is known about the effective coverage of antenatal care (ANC) services in post war Tigray. Thus, our study was aimed to assess the effective coverage of ANC services in post war Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
MethodsA combined community and health facility–based cross–sectional study design was conducted in 24 randomly selected districts of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia from 29/01/2024–26/02/2024. Using multi–stage cluster sampling method, 2340 mothers of children under one year, 32 health facilities and 250 antenatal care (ANC) clients from the selected health facilities were included in the study. A pre–tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the households’ data. Additionally, checklists were used to collect data on facility readiness and process quality. Data were collected by Open Data Kit (ODK) and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The effective coverage of antenatal care (ANC) services was analyzed among the target group of women by computing the proportion who received four or more ANC visits multiplied by the average facility readiness score, received iron–folate supplementation, and the average process quality score.
ResultsIn this study, 87.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 86.1–88.8%) of women received their first antenatal care visit. However, only 10.7% (95% CI: 9.5–12.0%) of the women had their first visit before 12 weeks of gestation and the coverage of fourth and more ANC visits was 15.7% (95% CI: 14.2–17.2%). The overall ANC service readiness mean score was 55.6% (95%CI: 45.8–65.4%). Input–and intervention–adjusted ANC coverage was 8.7% and 7.1% respectively. The mean process quality score was 53.8% (95%CI: 51.0–56.6%), and the overall effective ANC coverage was 3.8%.
ConclusionsThe effective coverage of ANC services in post war Tigray is very low. To improve ANC uptake and ensure that pregnant women complete the recommended number of visits, it is crucial to enhance facility readiness by equipping essential ANC tracer items in conflict–affected Tigray region. Additionally, on-the-job training for healthcare providers working in maternal and neonatal departments is crucial to reinforce the basic components of ANC services and ensure adherence to standard protocols for delivering high quality of ANC services. Promoting early ANC initiation at health posts and encouraging pregnant women to maintain continuity in their ANC visits at nearest health centers/hospital are also vital for improving ANC4 + coverage and overall effective coverage of ANC services.
Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis are sexually transmitted pathogens that are highly prevalent in developing countries and are strongly associated with pregnancy complications. In Chad, screening for these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women is based solely on patient-reported symptoms, even though these infections are frequently asymptomatic. This study aims to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis infections, as well as their associated risk factors.
In this cross-sectional study, we recruited pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at seven hospitals in N’Djamena. Endocervical swabs were collected, and DNA was extracted. Infections were diagnosed using PCR. Risk factors were identified using a structured questionnaire, and associations were assessed using logistic regression.
A total of 525 pregnant women were enrolled, of whom 78.5% resided in urban areas, with a mean age of 25.16±5.54 years. Overall, 23.99% of the study population were diagnosed with at least one STI. The individual prevalence of M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis infections was 13.33%, 5.14%, 0.95% and 4.57%, respectively. Coinfections were low, with M. genitalium-T. vaginalis at 0.95%, M. genitalium-N. gonorrhoeae at 0.38% and other combinations at 0.19% each. Women residing in rural areas had nearly two times the odds of M. genitalium infection compared with urban residents (OR=1.98), indicating a higher risk. AgeM. genitalium infection (OR=1.71) were also associated with significantly increased risk.
This study demonstrates a high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Chad, underscoring the need for systematic screening rather than solely relying on syndromic management.
by Siobhán O’Connor, Sandra M. Malone, Joseph Firnhaber, Sinéad O’Keeffe, John McNamara, Anna Donnla O’Hagan
While mental health literacy is an important component to successful help-seeking, rural populations often face gaps in both knowledge and service provision. Informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Self-Efficacy Theory, we designed the ‘Skills for Resilience’ as a brief, once-off, community-based educational intervention to increase Irish farmers’ mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions. We adopted a quasi-experimental between (group: intervention and control) and within-group design (time: baseline [T1], immediately post-intervention [T2], and ≥ 1 month post-intervention [T3]). A total of 72 participants (intervention n = 37; control n = 35) were recruited from knowledge-sharing discussion groups. Although recruitment was also open to women, all discussion groups consisted of men. A trained facilitator delivered a discussion lasting between 30 and 90 minutes. Five intervention participants also participated in a qualitative interview after T3. Our results identified intervention participants’ mental health literacy increased significantly at T2 and T3 compared to T1, but did not increase between T2 and T3. Mental health literacy was also significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group at T2 and T3. Help-seeking intentions and self-efficacy in seeking mental healthcare also increased significantly at T2 compared to T1, but did not increase between T1 and T3 or T2 and T3. There were no significant changes in outcome measures for the control group at any time point. Through reflexive thematic analysis we identified that the intervention also addressed stigma against mental health (Theme 1) and provided important resources for participants and their community’s present and future coping (Theme 2). At T3, 100% of participants enjoyed the discussion and would recommend the intervention to other farmers. This intervention provides a successful example of integrating the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Self-Efficacy Theory to improve mental health literacy in farmers using a brief, educational intervention.The gig economy is a promising arena to reduce unemployment and provide other benefits such as the opportunity to earn supplemental income. Like all other forms of work, the gig space also presents occupational health issues for those working in it. This proposed review is aimed at identifying and describing the common occupational health outcomes reported within this workforce; second, to examine the risk factors that contribute to the development of these health issues; and third, to assess the interventions and support systems currently in place to promote the occupational health of gig workers.
A systematic review will be undertaken according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (2009). A search from 2015 to 2025 will be conducted on four global databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, Academic Source Complete and Business Source Complete). Only records in English, full text and peer-reviewed journal articles will be included. Book chapters, thesis, reports and systematic reviews will be excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools will be used to assess the methodological rigour of various studies prior to inclusion for the final analysis. The extracted data will be synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach, integrating findings from both quantitative and qualitative studies.
This research is exempt from ethics approval because the work will be carried out on published documents. We will disseminate this protocol in a related peer-reviewed journal.
CRD420250654059.
To investigate whether seafarers in Norway who were declared unfit for service at sea or received a time-limited health certificate had a higher risk of acute somatic hospital admissions compared with those who received a full health certificate.
Registry-based cohort study.
Seafarers in Norway who presented to a seafarer’s doctor to obtain a health certificate between 2018 and 2019, as required for work aboard Norwegian vessels. The study was conducted within Norway’s publicly funded healthcare system.
Norwegian seafarers aged 18–70 years who underwent medical examinations (n=43 758), including n=5452 females (12.5%).
Acute somatic hospital admission within 2 years of medical examination. HRs were estimated using Cox regression models in two separate time periods (0–3 months and 3–24 months), with adjustment for possible confounding from age, gender, level of education and centrality of residence (proximity to healthcare services).
The crude risk of acute somatic hospital admissions was higher for individuals who received a declaration of unfitness, as compared with those who received a full health certificate, in both follow-up periods: 0–3 months (HR=5.13, 95% CI: 3.27 to 8.04) and 3–24 months (HR=2.63, 95% CI: 2.07 to 3.34). Similarly, those with time-limited health certificates had a higher risk in both periods: 0–3 months (HR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.93) and 3–24 months (HR=2.45, 95% CI: 2.15 to 2.79). Adjustment of the analyses for socio-demographic factors did not change the effect estimates substantially.
These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive and continuous health assessments to help prevent adverse health outcomes and ensure safety at sea, particularly among vulnerable subgroups of seafarers.
To determine the prevalence of MARSI associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) in oncology and haematology patients, analyse the type of injury and identify risk factors.
A prospective descriptive study was conducted from 9 June 2021 to 8 February 2022. The study population was oncology and haematology patients with a PICC. The variables to be studied included the presence of MARSI in relation to PICC maintenance, injury type, time to onset, mean healing time, and type of treatment received. A descriptive analysis of the entire sample was performed. Chi-square and Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to identify risk factors, depending on the nature of the variables.
The sample studied was 342 PICCs inserted in 309 patients, 49% (n = 169) women, and the mean overall age was 62.12 years (SD: 12.33). Seventy-six per cent were oncology and 24% haematology patients. The prevalence of MARSI was 32% (n = 111). The most common type of injury was erythema in 39% (n = 42). The mean duration of the lesion was 20.90 days (SD: 31.44). Alkylating agents, among others, were identified as a risk factor.
The results indicate a high prevalence of MARSI. In agreement with the literature, mechanical injuries are the most frequent, and some antineoplastic treatments are a risk factor. This study may help to identify areas for improvement and design strategies for the prevention and treatment of MARSI.
This study has implications for clinical practice, as it helps to identify areas for improvement and the most relevant clinical practice guideline recommendations to avoid this adverse event.
No patient or public contribution.
Integrating evidence-based interventions in services by midwives and public health nurses (PHNs) has the potential to improve public health. Attitudes and individual readiness to change can influence the implementation of evidence-based interventions, but there is limited research in community nursing and maternity and child health care services (MCHCs).
To examine attitudes toward evidence-based practice and readiness to change in midwives and PHNs in MCHCs before implementing the “Mamma Mia” intervention (an evidence-based intervention to improve maternal mental health).
A survey-based, multisite cross-sectional study following the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline. Data were collected from 190 midwives and PHNs from 42 MCHCs across 33 municipalities in Norway (2021–2022). Six subscales of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) assessed attitudes toward evidence-based practice, and the Brief Individual Readiness for Change Scale (BIRCS) measured individual readiness. Descriptive and inferential statistics using frequency tables, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression were used for data analysis. Open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.
Sixty-five midwives and 125 PHNs completed the baseline survey (mean age 46.8, all female). Mean EBPAS subscales scores were 2.99 to 3.58 (SD = 0.46–0.77) mean BIRCS score was 3.16 (SD = 0.49) (possible range 0–4). Scores were slightly higher than typically reported in clinical settings, with no significant differences based on demographics (all p-values ≥ 0.166). EBPAS subscores and the BIRCS score showed a moderate positive association. The most frequently reported positive factors influencing readiness were “enhanced care and positive gain” (42.6%), “organizational support” (26.3%), and “receiving training and implementation support” (23.2%). Negative factors included “time constraints and workload” (58.4%), and “research participation and implementation demands” (27.9%).
Midwives and PHNs showed positive attitudes toward EBP and a high degree of individual readiness. Our findings align with previous research highlighting barriers such as time constraints and workload, offering insights to inform strategies for more effective EBP adoption and implementation. These results can guide nurse managers, administrators, policymakers, professional associations, implementers, and intervention developers in enhancing EBP integration into practice.
Introducción: La pandemia ha debilitado el vínculo entre las personas con hipertensión arterial y/o diabetes mellitus y el sistema de salud. Objetivo: reflexionar sobre los desafíos del manejo de la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus en la atención primaria de salud en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio teórico-reflexivo, cuya fundamentación se dio mediante la realización de una revisión narrativa de la literatura. La trayectoria teórico-metodológica se estructuró a través de la fenomenología interpretativa. Resultados: La coexistencia de problemas estructurales, operativos y de gestión se encuentran entre las principales razones para la no superación de los desafíos revelados para mantener prácticas de atención efectivas a pacientes con enfermedades crónicas, frente a la pandemia de COVID-19. De los desafíos estructurales enumerados, se destacan la insuficiencia tecnológica, la debilidad de los dispositivos efectivos y los profesionales poco calificados. En el contexto operativo, se destacó el aumento de la demanda de asistencia. Y, en cuanto al manejo, el cribado y seguimiento de estas enfermedades siguen siendo retos a superar. Consideraciones finales: las reflexiones planteadas pueden ser útiles para el establecimiento de procesos de gestión más eficaces, en el contexto de la atención primaria de salud, para la atención dirigida a personas con enfermedades crónicas.
To investigate the self-reported levels of social support from friends and family and from nurses as mediators of the relationship between self-rated physical and psychological condition in hospitalised patients.
Cross-sectional study of adult inpatients at a large tertiary-care hospital in the northeast United States.
Multiple mediation analysis of survey data.
In surveys received from 324 inpatients, one fourth of the variation in patients' self-rated psychological condition was explained by self-rated physical condition. Social support from family and friends mediated a significant proportion (11.0%) of the relationship between self-rated physical and psychological condition, however social support from nurses did not.
Social support from family and friends can positively influence the psychological health of inpatients, but nurses are not an adequate replacement for the social support provided by family and friends.
Although nurses cannot replace the social support provided by family and friends, the assessment of social isolation and care planning of interventions to support patients is a fundamental nursing role. Technology to connect patients with friends and family should be used to mitigate isolation for hospitalised patients unable to receive in-person visits from loved ones.
The influence of social support from family and friends and nurses was addressed. The study found social support from family and friends, but not nurses, to influence the relationship between physical and psychological ratings. This finding has implications for the role of nurses in the hospital setting.
Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were followed.
FreshRSS 