bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network: Collaborative Research to Advance Mental Health and Community Resilience
Authors: Newnham Elizabeth , Dzidic Peta , Gibbs Lisa , Murray Virginia , Kayano Ryoma 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:The mental health consequences of health emergencies and disasters have the potential to be sustained and severe. In recognition, the 2018 Kobe Expert Meeting on Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM), prioritized mental health as one of the key research areas of Health EDRM, to be addressed in a multi-country research project supported by WHO (Kayano et.al., 2019). As climate change, growing urbanization, population density and viral transmission generate increasingly severe hazards, attention to mental health will be critical.Method:The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network was established in 2020 to foster advancements in mental health research and policy in the region. Building connections between researchers, practitioners and policy makers, the Network includes broad representation from interdisciplinary scholars and organizations across eight Asian and Pacific nations. A research agenda was designed in early meetings, and collaborative research projects were established.Results:The Network has supported the development of innovative disaster mental health research investigating community engagement in recovery, psychosocial interventions, and evaluation frameworks. A recent multilingual systematic review of more than 200 longitudinal studies identified the long-term trajectories of post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression and anxiety following disasters and pandemics (Newnham et al., 2022). Synthesized evidence of risks related to age, gender and disaster type were determined to inform intervention targets.Conclusion:The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network established a platform for scholarly connection, intervention planning and knowledge dissemination. This presentation will provide an overview of the Network’s activities, and research highlights that have identified targeted points for policy and practice.
The Prevalence of Violence Against Healthcare Workers in the Public Sector – A Trinbagonian Survey
Authors: Dookeeram Darren , Seetharaman Hariharan , Taylor Lake , Thomas Cassy , Thomas Kirtesha , Thompson Cherelle , Toppin Takiyah , Trim Jakeilia , Caton Kanisha , Stoute Sade 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) and lack of public trust threatens the foundation of the physician-patient relationship in Trinidad. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of violence against Trinbagonian HCWs in the public sector. Secondary objectives included determining risk factors for violence and mistrust between the public and providers.Method:A cross-sectional analysis of 434 Trinbagonian HCWs in the public sector was conducted using a modified World Health Organization (WHO) data collection tool, distributed via social media and administrative emails, and snowballed for two months. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding trust in the healthcare system with patients selected from various communities.Results:Of the 434 respondents, 45.2% experienced violence and 75.8% witnessed violence against HCWs in the past 2 years. Verbal abuse (41.5%) was most common. Perpetrators were patients (42.2%) and patients’ relatives (35.5%). Chi-square analysis highlighted that HCWs with the highest probability of being abused were aged 25-39 (63.8%), had 2-5 years of work experience (24.9%), specialized in emergency & internal medicine (48.6%), and cared for psychiatric & physically disabled patients (p-value <0.001). HCWs believed the threat of violence negatively impacted their performance (64.5%), and further action was necessary for mitigation (86.4%). Patients interviewed doubted physicians' altruism, competence (80%) and honesty (53.3%), expressed mistrust in their physician (46.7%), and cited poor infrastructure/management (66.7%) and dissatisfaction with care (60.0%) as factors that contributed to violence.Conclusion:Analysis revealed that violence against Trinbagonian HCWs in the public sector deteriorated patient experience and adversely affected psychological well-being, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Results suggested mistrust of HCWs by the population. Interventions should be instituted to support at-risk HCWs and educate the public to avoid recurrence.
Defining and Operationalizing Key Themes of High-quality Psychosocial Support Using the Concept Mapping Method:
Authors: Herpen Merel van , Dückers Michel , Boer Dolf de , Dorn Tina , Fassaert Thijs , Groot Janke de , Holsappel-Brons Jorien , Olff Miranda , Brake Hans te 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:International psychosocial support guidelines reflect consensus on support principles and interventions. However, no consensus exists on what recipients consider important elements of service delivery. Within two contexts – after a potentially traumatic event (PTE) and people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)–the aims were to contribute to (1) understanding which psychosocial support aspects are considered important by recipients and relevant stakeholders; (2) developing instruments to test and integrate those aspects in practice, in order to evaluate the quality of psychosocial support from the recipient’s perspective.Method:Concept mapping was used to achieve consensus on key themes of psychosocial support. These were operationalized in surveys and pilot-tested, conforming to the Consumer Quality Index. This determines the importance and needs for improvement.Results:Concept mapping resulted in eight key themes within the PTE context and six in the SMA context. PTE survey (N= 132) results showed key themes “an approach that starts from the needs and capacities of the affected one” and “monitoring individuals affected and initiating follow-up where needed” were most important. Key theme “providing information on common emotional reactions” received the highest score of perceived need for improvement. SMA survey (N= 57) results showed key themes “an approach that incorporates all aspects of a human being” and “a respectful approach and awareness of personal boundaries” as most important. The perceived need for improvement of the key theme “availability and accessibility of quality information” was ranked the highest.Conclusion:The similarities between both contexts support the notion that there are universal aspects of psychosocial support. Simultaneously, the context-specific idiosyncrasies found underscore the necessity to adapt to context. The surveys have the potential to contribute to a growing toolbox of quality evaluation instruments.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Interventions to Mitigate COVID-19 Related Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review of Reviews
Authors: Steen Charlie , Willems Andrea , Stene Lise , Weme David Nieuwe , Dückers Michel 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it, have had a substantial effect on mental health of populations worldwide. Uncertainties about the future and one’s own health, as well as restrictive measures drastically altered people’s lives. To anticipate and mitigate the probable mental health impact, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions have been recommended and implemented. The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of different types of MHPSS interventions and the quality of the scientific evidence in the context of a pandemic.Method:A systematic search of interventions for reducing mental health problems or risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic was performed in November 2021 and repeated for new records in August 2022. APA PsycInfo, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL, EBM Reviews and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. The methodological quality of selected articles was assessed using the NHLBI Quality Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Results:A summary of the content and quality of MHPSS interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic is provided. The interventions could be clustered predominantly into existing MHPSS categories of “Basic aid”, “Information”, “Emotional and social support”, “Practical support” and “Health care”. Nevertheless, the evidence supporting the applicability and the effectiveness of such measures is limited when it comes to the mitigation of mental health problems.Conclusion:The clustered overview of different COVID-19 interventions points at strong similarities with interventions in general evidence-based MHPSS guidelines. However, there is a need to integrate more systematic monitoring, evaluation and research to appraise the applicability and effectiveness of MHPSS measures in future pandemics and other crises.
Determining the Impact of Hurricane Dorian & the Covid-19 Pandemic on Moral Distress in Emergency Medical Providers at the Rand Memorial Hospital
Authors: Storr Latoya , Hertelendy Attila , Hart Alex , Issa Fadi , Benham Todd , Ciottone Gregory 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:Cumulative disasters have been shown to influence mental and physical health in both responders and victims, with studies showing associations in rates of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Systemic problems that impact patient care such as limited resources, overcrowding of emergency rooms, and staffing shortages can be morally challenging for healthcare workers. Andrew Jameton, in 1984 defined Moral Distress (MD) as the inability of a moral agent to act according to his or her core values and perceived obligations due to internal and external constraints. Unresolved MD can create significant long-term debilitating physical and mental damage. Emergency medical providers on the island of Grand Bahama had the unique experience of responding to both the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and the Covid-19 Pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Moral Distress (MD) in Accident & Emergency (A&E) Physicians, Nurses, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff at the Rand Memorial Hospital (RMH) in the Bahamas.Method:This is a descriptive, qualitative, prospective cross-sectional study, utilizing a three-part survey sent to participants. Sociodemographic information, Hurricane Dorian & Covid-19 experiences, and responses to a validated modified Moral Distress Scale will be collected and uploaded to a secure, encrypted data management program. The data will be analyzed using the most current IBM SPSS statistical analysis package. Descriptive and Inferential statistics will be used to determine the impact of Hurricane Dorian & Covid-19 on MD and its associated sociodemographic factors.Results:Data collection and analysis are planned for completion by March 1, 2023.Conclusion:Addressing the causes of Moral Distress early can help improve healthcare systems’ resiliency by ensuring a healthy and supported workforce equipped with the resources to respond to future disasters.
An In-Depth Mixed-Method Study on Stress Exposure and Coping Strategies in Civilian and Military Prehospital Emergency Personnel from a Systemic Perspective
Authors: Van Puyvelde Martine , Van Herck Jolien , Van den Bossche Jeroen , Goethals Frederic , Gijbels Daisy , Pattyn Nathalie 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:Although prehospital emergency care in a civilian versus military context may differ in terms of working conditions and injuries, in both contexts the exposure to stressful and extreme events are present. Besides the continuous reports of post-traumatic stress symptoms, an alarming increase of burnout and suicide in (emergency) physicians is recognized as well. However, most of the research on this topic is either retrospective or peri-recovery, which might have an impact on the availability of information with regard to causes and underlying processes. Hence, in the current study, we conducted an in-depth study of well-functioning emergency caretakers, studying their profile while including their perspective on both their professional and personal context and the interconnectedness with their operational performance.Method:We used a mixed method approach, combining the results of a quantitative questionnaire and a thematic analysis of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews to gain additional qualitative information. We interviewed well-functioning and operating prehospital emergency professionals, recruited in three different settings, i.e., a military hospital, a military Special Operations Surgical Team, and a civilian hospital in the capital city.Results:The quantitative part showed a preference for task-oriented coping. However, the interviews broadened this result, showing how the personnel are continuously seeking to find a balance between emotional connection and disconnection. Several risk-factors for mental injury were detected and the support and recognition from both the personal and professional environment showed to be crucial in finding a balance between job passion and the sacrifice of one's personal life.Conclusion:The interviews showed that a variety of interrelated underlying professional and personal factors are related with how emergency personnel perceive and cope with stress events. A systemic approach to prevent mental health problems is highly recommended.
Health Care Worker Wellness Interventions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jenkins J Lee , Sullivan Bridget , Hsu Edbert 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic has not only put a strain on the health care system throughout the world but has had an extreme impact on health care workers caring for these patients on a daily basis. These workers have been isolated from their families and experienced significant stress and loss at work and home. Some health care workers experienced rationing of care, inadequate personal protective equipment, and found themselves without the resources needed to care for patients. This paper reports on a systematic review of wellness and stress interventions targeting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method:A systematic review of Pubmed and SCOPUS articles published between January 1, 2020 and November 1, 2022 was conducted using the terms “healthcare worker”, “nurse”, “doctor”, “paramedic”, ”emergency medical technician”, “mental health”, “resilience”, “wellness”, “stress”, “sleep” , “intervention”, “Covid-19”, “coronavirus”, and “pandemic.” These results were imported into Covidence. Inclusion criteria were studies on interventions of healthcare workers. Exclusion criteria were papers not describing health care workers, papers not describing interventions, health care workers not caring for COVID19 patients, and papers not written in English.Results:A total of 26 papers were included in the analysis after the final screen. These papers were examined and sorted into groups based on the types of interventions on health care workers. The groups of interventions included 1. Psychological interventions, 2. Wellness or well-being interventions, 3. Work-related interventions, and 4. Pharmacologic interventions. Two studies were longitudinal in nature. The most common intervention was psychological (10), followed by work-related interventions (6).Conclusion:Psychological interventions were the most commonly deployed and included hotline establishment or speaking with a therapist. This was followed by wellness interventions such as exercise, sleep regulation, breathing exercises, and healthy eating. Fewer interventions were included in the work-related or pharmacologic categories. Data regarding effectiveness and feasibility of interventions was heterogenous.
Effects of Self-Affirmation on Mental Status During the Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Seto Shuji , Okuyama Junko , Fukuda Yu , Ito Kiyoshi , Izumi Shin-Ichi , Imamura Fumihiko 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:Self-affirmation is known to buffer the development of anxiety symptoms into depressive symptoms, and a study during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a role for this self-affirmation. In Japan, the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred repeatedly, and at this point (November 16, 2022), prior to an eighth wave. The possibility of ameliorating the psychological effects of this prolonged COVID-19 pandemic through efficient interventions targeting self-affirmation will be examined.Method:Study dates: June 25, 2020; September 25, 2020; February 10, 2021; November 24, 2021; February 7, 2022; August 31, 2022Survey participants: Registered monitors of the research company (Neo Marketing Co., Ltd.) Each 1,000 respondentsQuestionnaire:1)Attributes: gender, age, region, number of family members2)DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21)3)LSNS-6 (the Lubben Social Network Scale-6)4)Self-affirmationCIPS (Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale)Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Japanese version)The self-affirmation scale (CIPS; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) was measured from the 4th to the 6th survey.Contribution of each factor to depressive symptoms:The DASS-21 Depressive Symptom Scores from the 4th through 6th surveys were examined using Prediction One with the DASS-21 Anxiety Symptom Score, DASS-21 Stress Score, Connections Score, Rosenberg, and CIPS score as factors to determine their contribution.Results:At the time of the second survey (September 25, 2020), DASS-21 scores peaked and then declined. CIPS and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale scores showed no change from the 4th to the 6th session. The result of contribution of each factor to depressive symptoms by Prediction One showed anxiety symptoms contributed the most to depressive symptoms.Conclusion:A model in which self-affirmation prevents anxiety symptoms from progressing to depressive symptoms is reasonable until the 7th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.
Developing a COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Seafarers in Cork
Authors: O’Brien Cian , Bourke Nicholas , O'Sullivan David , Fitzgerald Mary Rose 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:The pandemic brought to the fore the importance of maritime transport as an essential sector for the continued delivery of critical supplies and global trade in times of crisis. Timely vaccination of seafarers secures their health and enables the chain of infection to be broken with the international propagation of the virus via maritime traffic. As part of the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Health Service Executive in conjunction with the Port of Cork company developed a unique pathway for seafarers to access COVID-19 vaccinations once they arrived in Cork.Method:An Excel template was developed by HSE and Port of Cork that would capture key information for seafarers to avail of vaccinations. Once data was captured by the ship's Captain, it was sent to the shipping agent and reviewed by the HSE South Emergency Management Office. Once the data was validated it was sent to the vaccination center so that the seafarer's details could be entered onto the system. Once confirmed, travel arrangements were made from the vessel to the vaccination clinic ensuring a safe staffing level remained on the vessel.Results:A total of 84 seafarers registered for the seafarer's vaccination program. 70 of these seafarers received one or more doses in Cork City Hall Vaccination Centre with the remainder having received one dose in pharmacies in Cork City.Conclusion:This joint initiative developed by the HSE Emergency Management Office and the Port of Cork, the first seafarer's COVID-19 vaccination program in Ireland, ensured seafarers were allowed to avail of a COVID-19 vaccination when they arrived at the Port of Cork. This highlights the requirement for future vaccination programs to consider and incorporate the requirements of seafarers acknowledging the essential role they play in the global supply chain.
Distribution of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers for Noxious Gas Disaster
Authors: Wang Soon-Joo , Kang Pooreun 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:In this study, assuming a toxic gas-generating disaster situation requiring multiple hyperbaric oxygen chambers at the same time in Korea, the regional arrangement of hyperbaric oxygen chambers and its adequacy for toxic gas-generating disasters were investigated and analyzed based on medical institutions equipped with hyperbaric oxygen chambers.Method:It is assumed that all hospitals with hyperbaric oxygen chambers should be included theoretically if a large number of patients require hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the event of a toxic gas disaster. First, we received data from the manufacturer that provided the hyperbaric oxygen chambers, interviewed the persons in charge, and then contacted the relevant hospitals to check the placement in the second step. Afterwards, the deployment of hyperbaric oxygen chambers and population-based deployment status, the simultaneous capacity of hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and the ability to perform hyperbaric oxygen treatment in response to toxic gas disasters based on region were analyzed.Results:The annual number of hyperbaric oxygen chambers showed the first increase period in 2015 and the second increase period after 2019. Even when analyzed based on population-based, simultaneous capacity, and treatment performance, the distribution of hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers was uneven especially in special areas.Conclusion:In preparation for future disasters, a regional arrangement plan for hyperbaric oxygen chambers should be established and implemented. The national monitoring system and the long-distance transport system should be established until proper distribution.
Early Clinician Exposure to the Physiologic Damage of Firearms: A Feasibility Study
Authors: O'Sullivan Jessica Walsh , Hwang Esther , Ackerman Jeremy 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:In comparison to many nations in the developed world, the United States has more cases of civilian ballistic injuries. Both low and high velocity firearm injuries are frequently encountered in American urban trauma centers, and physicians become familiar with these traumatic injury patterns. Physicians from other nations may rarely encounter such injuries. With an increase in international conflict, there is an increased need for clinicians to participate in international medical aid which may include patients with ballistic injuries. Clinicians with limited familiarity of such injuries may result in under-triage and delayed recognition of injury severity, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality of patients. This study aims to show that a course on ballistic injuries will improve clinician recognition of injury patterns and comfort levels managing these patients.Method:Clinicians participated in a course which was designed to introduce ballistic injury patterns. The course was reviewed and supported by emergency medicine physicians who work in a large level I trauma center in the Southeastern United States and serve in clinical roles with EMS and community law enforcement. Course content included demonstrations of firearm injuries by discharging weapons into gels and models designed to replicate human body tissue. Participants were surveyed prior to and after completing the course regarding their comfort with firearms and firearm related injuries.Results:Participants reported increased comfort level with the management of ballistic injuries. The course requires a full day of expert physician time, approximately US$600 in supplies if performing live demonstrations, and the cost of designated space for safe firearm discharge and use.Conclusion:This course or a similar course with pre-fired demonstration rounds proved to be feasible and beneficial for those who will likely encounter firearm injuries in their clinical environment. There are both quantifiable and perceived benefits for physicians.