Frank van Leth - Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation

Journal article

M. Brouwer, E. Coelho, Carla das Dores Mosse, L. Brondi, Laura Winterton, F. van Leth
PLoS ONE, 2014

Semantic Scholar DOI PubMedCentral PubMed

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APA Click to copy
Brouwer, M., Coelho, E., das Dores Mosse, C., Brondi, L., Winterton, L., & van Leth, F. (2014). Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mozambique. PLoS ONE.

Chicago/Turabian Click to copy
Brouwer, M., E. Coelho, Carla das Dores Mosse, L. Brondi, Laura Winterton, and F. van Leth. “Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mozambique.” PLoS ONE (2014).

MLA Click to copy
Brouwer, M., et al. “Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mozambique.” PLoS ONE, 2014.

BibTeX Click to copy

@article{m2014a,
  title = {Healthcare Workers' Challenges in the Implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mozambique},
  year = {2014},
  journal = {PLoS ONE},
  author = {Brouwer, M. and Coelho, E. and das Dores Mosse, Carla and Brondi, L. and Winterton, Laura and van Leth, F.}
}

Abstract

Objective Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have a higher frequency of TB exposure than the general population and have therefore an occupational TB risk that infection prevention and control (IPC) measures aim to reduce. HCWs are crucial in the implementation of these measures. The objective of the study was to investigate Mozambican HCWs' perceptions of their occupational TB risk and the measures they report using to reduce this risk. In addition, we explored the challenges HCWs encounter while using these TBIPC measures. Methods Focus group discussion. Analysis according content method. Participants Four categories of HCWs: auxiliary workers, medical (doctors and clinical officers), nurses and TB program staff. Results HCWs are aware of their occupational TB risk and use various measures to reduce their risk of infection. HCWs find it challenging to employ measures that minimize such risks and a lack of clear guidelines contributes to these challenges. HCWs' and patient behavior further complicate the use of TBIPC measures. Conclusion HCWs in Mozambique perceive a high occupational risk of TB infection. They report several challenges using measures to reduce this risk such as shortage of material, lack of clear guidelines, insufficient motivation and inadequate training. Robust training with motivational approaches, alongside supervision and support for HCWs could improve implementation of TBIPC measures. Healthcare management should address the areas for improvement that are beyond the individual HCW's control.