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How Can Comprehensive Care Improve the Quality of Care in Post-SARS-nCoV-2 Period?

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences & Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 30511

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: primary care; integrated care; multimorbidity; behavioral care; perceived risk
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
2. Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
Interests: evidence generation and synthesis; global public health; outcomes research; technology assessment; decision-making; policy preparedness

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Guest Editor
Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
Interests: primary mental health care; multimorbidity; equity of access to high quality health care

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world is currently experiencing a global health crisis, the SARS-nCov-2 outbreak, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting people across the globe. This is the time to develop research and policy agendas based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the sub-goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) of the United Nations, informing them through meaningful discussion on the level of preparedness, and the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems to successfully support people through the provision of comprehensive care (CC) during this pandemic and beyond. Community resilience and social cohesion are linked to the provision of care and the services available at the community level, as is the environment affecting care provision and service delivery. There is still debate on how to best define CC, although there is a consensus that its focus ought to be the continuum of health and social care services, and the provision thereof, in a context-relevant, accessible, and affordable manner, so that they meet the needs of all people, including patients and carers and friends and families. A key component of CC is integrated healthcare, with both terms often used almost interchangeably. However, even prior to the pandemic there was not a consensus on the type of services required to meet the needs of individuals and of communities; discourse extended to whether the provision of care can address all inequalities and the issues stemming from them, including through health promotion, increased levels of literacy, and health-in-all-policies (HiaP). The people most affected by the lack of access to health and social care services are those who live under the conditions of greatest vulnerability. Therefore, this Special Issue invites perspectives and approaches to inform the discussion on CC, encompassing evidence about its effectiveness and relevance for vulnerable people, people with mental health issues, as well as all those with multiple chronic conditions. Last but not least, outcomes and meaningful measures to assess the contribution of CC concerning UHC and the SDGs, will also be examined.

Dr. Christos Lionis
Dr. Elena Petelos
Prof. Dr. Christopher Dowrick
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • comprehensive
  • care
  • quality
  • provision
  • effectiveness

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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7 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Educational Strategies to Promote Adherence to Treatment in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
by José Ramon Martínez-Riera, Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez, Rosa Nury Zambrano Bermeo, Felice Curcio, Julián Alberto González Correa, Catalina Estrada González, Pedro Melo and Maura Galletta
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169841 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3001
Abstract
Introduction: Educational material is a key strategy for primary health care promotion. Purpose: To design and validate educational material adapted to the population and aimed to increase knowledge about adherence to the treatment of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Methodological study for [...] Read more.
Introduction: Educational material is a key strategy for primary health care promotion. Purpose: To design and validate educational material adapted to the population and aimed to increase knowledge about adherence to the treatment of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Methodological study for the design of educational material for people with diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. For the design, content validity tests were carried out, with the participation of six experts in health education and six patients with chronic diseases. Validation was performed pursuant to the attraction, understanding, engagement, and acceptance criteria. Results: The validation confirmed that all items and criteria were above the minimal expected range. Conclusion: The design and validation of educational material provide elements that improve the education of patients about their pathologies and their adherence to treatment. Full article
14 pages, 373 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Felice Curcio, Cesar Iván Avilés González, Maria Zicchi, Gabriele Sole, Gabriele Finco, Oumaima Ez zinabi, Pedro Melo, Maura Galletta and José R. Martinez-Riera
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148347 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
COVID-19 is a challenge for education systems around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students, by assessing their emotions, the level of concern in contracting the virus and their perceived stress. We conducted [...] Read more.
COVID-19 is a challenge for education systems around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students, by assessing their emotions, the level of concern in contracting the virus and their perceived stress. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 709 nursing students completed an anonymous questionnaire. The levels of anxiety and stress were assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder scale and the COVID-19 student stress questionnaire, respectively. In total, 56.8% of the sample often or always found it difficult to attend distance-learning activities. The main difficulty referred to was connection problems (75.7%). The mean generalized anxiety disorder score was 9.46 (SD = 5.4) and appeared almost homogeneous among students across the three years of study; most of the students showed mild (35%) to moderate (27%) levels of anxiety; 19% had severe anxiety. The overall COVID-19 stressor mean scores were 11.40 (SD = 6.50); the majority of the students (47.1%) showed scores indicative of moderate stress, 25% showed low stress levels, and 28% showed high-stress levels. Improvements and investments are needed to ensure high-quality distance learning, adequate connectivity, technical support for students, as well as strategies to promote mental health. Full article
11 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
Feeding Difficulties Associated with IBD during the Working Day: Qualitative Study, Alicante Spain
by José R. Martinez-Riera, José M. Comeche-Guijarro, Ana Gutierrez-Hervas, Sofia García-Sanjuán and Pablo Caballero
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063589 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2006
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Nutrition is a key aspect as it can modulate much of the symptomatology. People affected by IBD often experience difficulties at work in all areas, including adapting their [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Nutrition is a key aspect as it can modulate much of the symptomatology. People affected by IBD often experience difficulties at work in all areas, including adapting their dietary management to workplace situations. The aim of this study is to identify the difficulties associated with eating during the working day in people diagnosed with IBD. A qualitative study was conducted through a nominal and focus group with people affected by IBD. After the thematic analysis of the data, three main themes emerged: management of food during the working day, searching for strategies to live with the disease, and the importance of visibility and support. This study shows that IBD influences the working life of people with IBD and makes it difficult to maintain an adequate diet. The institutions in charge of the treatment of IBD patients should consider the support of multidisciplinary teams, including nutrition professionals, as a fundamental part of the pathology control and dietary treatment to minimize its repercussions at work. Full article
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15 pages, 1308 KiB  
Article
Clearing the Smoke Screen: Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Stress Management Techniques among Canadian Long-Term Care Workers
by Iffath Unissa Syed
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176027 - 19 Aug 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4130
Abstract
Background: Currently, there is abundant research indicating that smoking and alcohol consumption have significant impacts on morbidity and mortality, though little is known about these behaviors among Canadian health care workers. The objective of this study was to examine health and coping behaviors, [...] Read more.
Background: Currently, there is abundant research indicating that smoking and alcohol consumption have significant impacts on morbidity and mortality, though little is known about these behaviors among Canadian health care workers. The objective of this study was to examine health and coping behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption as well as stress management techniques, among health care workers consisting of gendered, racialized, and immigrant employees. Methods: Drawing on a single-case, mixed-methods study in Ontario, Canada, this paper presents under-researched data about smoking practices, alcohol consumption, and stress management techniques among health care workers in labor-intensive, high-stress, high-turnover environments. In particular, it identifies the various mechanisms for maintaining health and well-being. Results: The findings suggest that 7.7% of survey respondents reported smoking while 43.4% reported alcohol consumption, which were reported more frequently among immigrants than among non-immigrants. Participants also reported health-promoting activities in face-to-face interviews, such as mindful breathing techniques and drawing upon social support, while a few respondents reported alcohol consumption to specifically cope with sleep disturbances and job stress. Conclusions: Although smoking and alcohol consumption were both connected with coping strategies and leisure, they were predominant in immigrant groups compared to non-immigrant groups. Full article
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15 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
I Teach Nursing as a Male Nursing Educator: The East Asian Perspective, Context, and Social Cognitive Career Experiences
by Luis Miguel Dos Santos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124327 - 17 Jun 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3723
Abstract
Social and cultural backgrounds, as well as understanding, play key roles in workforce development and human resource shortages, which are associated with the transition to nursing education and teaching from frontline nursing practices. A qualitative method, with the direction of the general inductive [...] Read more.
Social and cultural backgrounds, as well as understanding, play key roles in workforce development and human resource shortages, which are associated with the transition to nursing education and teaching from frontline nursing practices. A qualitative method, with the direction of the general inductive approach, was employed in this study. The researcher collected information from 18 male nursing educators who switched their senior roles (from the frontline and practicing fields to nursing education) at nursing schools in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia. Three interview sessions were used to collect information. Three themes were merged from the information: (i) gender-oriented knowledge, teaching and learning; (ii) respect; and (iii) health promotion. More importantly, participants advocated that their male roles and identities provided uniqueness to patients, students, parents, and the general public concerning Asian customs and practices. Based on the social cognitive career theory, personal goals and achievements of career satisfaction took important roles. Although the general public may not agree with these career decisions, due to gender and social biases, participants continued to contribute their energy and knowledge in the health and social caring professions. Full article

Review

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37 pages, 3147 KiB  
Review
Climate Change Prevention through Community Actions and Empowerment: A Scoping Review
by Maria João Salvador Costa, Alexandra Leitão, Rosa Silva, Vanessa Monteiro and Pedro Melo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214645 - 8 Nov 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5774
Abstract
As society tries to tackle climate change around the globe, communities need to reduce its impact on human health. The purpose of this review is to identify key stakeholders involved in mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as the type and [...] Read more.
As society tries to tackle climate change around the globe, communities need to reduce its impact on human health. The purpose of this review is to identify key stakeholders involved in mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as the type and characteristics of community empowerment actions implemented so far to address the problem. Published and unpublished studies from January 2005 to March 2022 in English and Portuguese were included in this review. The search, conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and RCAAP (Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal), followed a three-step search strategy. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers, using an extraction tool specifically designed for the review questions. Twenty-seven studies were eligible for inclusion: six used interviews as a qualitative method, three were systematic reviews, three were case study analyses, three used surveys and questionnaires as quantitative methods, two used integrative baseline reviews, and three utilized a process model design. Six studies targeted local, public and private stakeholders. Community settings were the context target of fifteen studies, whereas twelve specifically referred to urban settings. Seven types of community actions were acknowledged across the globe, characterised as hybrid interventions and referring to the leading stakeholders: local governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, universities, public health, and private sectors. Full article
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13 pages, 372 KiB  
Review
The Role of Herbal and Nutritional Treatments in the Fight against COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Tract Infections
by Aline El Zakhem, May Annie Chalhoub and Maya Bassil
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212001 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3085
Abstract
With the growing spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the appeal to alternative and nutritional therapies in conjunction with medical therapies has been heightened. This article aims to review studies assessing the roles of Chinese traditional medicine and nutrition in upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19. [...] Read more.
With the growing spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the appeal to alternative and nutritional therapies in conjunction with medical therapies has been heightened. This article aims to review studies assessing the roles of Chinese traditional medicine and nutrition in upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Various Chinese herbal protocols have been shown to fight respiratory infections, with several having been tested on the novel coronavirus. Additionally, promising findings have been reported when medical treatments were complemented with nutritional interventions. Supplementation with vitamins C and D, Zinc and Selenium are discussed, in addition to certain phytochemicals and food that also possess immunoregulatory and antiviral properties. Further clinical studies are needed to establish these alternative treatments as part of the management of emerging respiratory infections. Full article

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

15 pages, 693 KiB  
Study Protocol
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Online-Treatment with Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion and Positive Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Protocol
by Érica Panzani Duran, Curt Hemanny, Renata Vieira, Orlando Nascimento, Leonardo Machado, Irismar Reis de Oliveira and Marcelo Demarzo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020819 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4565
Abstract
Background: Research suggests the use of different forms of therapy as a way of decreasing dropout rates in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychotherapies to be assessed in this study are trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT), mindfulness-based health promotion (MBHP) and [...] Read more.
Background: Research suggests the use of different forms of therapy as a way of decreasing dropout rates in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychotherapies to be assessed in this study are trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT), mindfulness-based health promotion (MBHP) and positive psychotherapy (PPT). Objectives: (1) to assess the online efficacy of TBCT compared to MBHP and PPT to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in the context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; (2) to compare the efficacy of these psychotherapies in improving anxiety, depression, guilt and in promoting well-being; and (3) to describe how professionals perceive online treatment. Methods: A randomized, multicenter, single-blind clinical trial will be conducted, with three separate arms. An estimated sample of 135 patients will receive either TBCT, MBHP or PPT and will be treated through online, individual, weekly visits, totaling 14 sessions. The primary outcome will be CAPS-5 and secondary outcomes will be HADS and WHO-5. The variables used to mediate these outcomes will be the Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI), Negative Core Beliefs Inventory (NCBI) and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scale (CALPAS-P). Expected results: PTSD symptoms are expected to be reduced after TBCT, MBHP and PPT. No statistical difference is expected to be found among the three. Discussion: The present study will evaluate and contribute towards the development of new psychotherapeutic options for patients with PTSD. The results of this study will allow the dissemination of new effective and adaptable interventions for patients with PTSD. Full article
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