Illness-related fatigue and its association with quality of life among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional survey from Jordan

Background & Aim: Fatigue is a commonly reported issue in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often overlooked or inadequately addressed in Jordan and globally. This study aimed to assess illness-related fatigue in COPD people, its contributing factors, and its impact on their quality of life (QOL). Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, recruiting 200 people from four hospitals in Jordan between April and May 2021. Participants completed Arabic versions of the self-administered Fatigue Severity Scale and the WHOQOL questionnaire. Results: The study revealed a high level of fatigue among COPD people, with an overall mean fatigue score of 5.07±0.62. Particularly noteworthy was the association between heightened fatigue levels and factors such as disease-related disability and interference with daily responsibilities. The overall mean QOL score was low (2.665±0.39), with the physical domain displaying the lowest mean score (2.6±0.47). Fatigue and QOL were significantly and negatively correlated. Conclusion: COPD people in Jordan experience substantial levels of fatigue, negatively impacting their QOL. Unfortunately, fatigue is often unnoticed in healthcare services. Addressing fatigue should be a crucial aspect of treatment plans for these people. Particularly during pandemics or service disruptions, additional attention is needed to manage fatigue among COPD people effectively. Digital health interventions may offer opportunities to enhance continuity and quality of care, especially during challenging times

Medication errors occurrence and reporting: A qualitative study of the Jordanian nurses' experiences

Background & Aim: Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare, with effective management largely dependent on understanding its causes and reporting practices. This study aims to explore the experiences of Jordanian nurses in relation to medication error occurrence and reporting within the Jordanian context and the factors that may influence their decisions to report or not. Methods & Materials: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. 24 nurses from three different hospitals were interviewed. The hospitals included a major governmental institution, a private facility, and a university hospital, ensuring diverse healthcare settings. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, and the study was reported guided by the COREQ checklist. Results: Three major themes were identified: Obsolete policies and guidelines, Adapting to an Unhealthy Environment, and Trying to adjust: creating own definition for medication errors. In our study, medication errors emerged as a pervasive issue across Jordanian hospitals, attributed to both systemic failures and individual practices. Despite existing policies, participants reported frequent medication errors due to obsolete guidelines, lack of adherence, and an environment that hinders effective medication administration. Conclusion: The study reveals the critical issues of medication errors in Jordanian hospitals due to outdated policies and challenging environments. It emphasizes the need for updated protocols and a culture supportive of error reporting. Addressing these factors is essential for improving patient safety and healthcare quality

Exploring factors among healthcare professionals that inhibit effective pain management in cancer patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the barriers to good cancer pain management between physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in Jordan. Design: A descriptive correlational design was used to answer the research questions of this study. Methods: A group of 473 participants completed the study questionnaires (Barriers Questionnaire – II and Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey). Results: Fears related to analgesic use, fears related to opioid side effects, communication, cultural beliefs, and lack of knowledge were the most clearly identified barriers to cancer pain management. Cancer pain management has not previously been an area of interest for the Jordanian health authorities. Conclusion: The information that emerged from this study helps to identify the current barriers and misconceptions among health professionals that prevent effective pain management for cancer patients. To maximize the role of health professionals in this area, health administrators need to provide them with more specialized training and empowerment

The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications

AimThis qualitative study investigates the impact of cultural practices on children’s health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining the use of traditional remedies and home treatments by mothers.MethodsTwenty-five participants, all mothers who had employed traditional treatments or home remedies for their children during periods of illness, were included in the study. The participants represented a diverse range of educational backgrounds, from school diploma holders to university degree graduates, with ages spanning from 20 to 50 years. Hailing from different Arabic countries and cultural subgroups, the majority of participating mothers were from the UAE.ResultsThrough in-depth interviews, three major themes emerged from the participants’ experiences. Firstly, a strong connection between culture, religion, and healthcare practices was evident. Many mothers opted for cultural remedies as their first line of defense against illnesses due to the practices’ strong foundations in their cultural heritage. Herbal remedies, Quranic healing, and other traditional methods were perceived to be both effective and spiritually comforting, reinforcing participants’ sense of cultural identity. Secondly, participants highlighted unintended consequences of relying solely on traditional treatments. Some instances were reported where the use of ineffective remedies resulted in delays in seeking appropriate medical care for their children, potentially compromising their health. Additionally, certain misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies were identified, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare education.ConclusionThis qualitative study sheds light on the intricate interplay between culture, traditional remedies, and children’s health in the UAE. The incorporation of diverse participants from various Arabic countries and cultural subgroups enriches the study’s applicability to broader Arabic cultures. By recognizing the significance of cultural healthcare practices and striking a balance with evidence-based care, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for children in the UAE. Future research should explore diverse samples and develop targeted interventions to further advance cultural awareness and understanding in healthcare practices

Guideline Implementation for Improved Asthma Management and Treatment Adherence in Children in Jordan

Asthma imposes a significant social burden on children, their families, and society at large. As a chronic health condition, effective management could greatly benefit from consistent adherence to guidelines. Despite this, minimal effort has been exerted to examine the impact of asthma management guidelines and adherence to treatment on children with asthma and the mothers caring for them. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of asthma management guidelines on the knowledge and treatment adherence among children with asthma and their mothers. A quasi-experimental design was utilized, and the study was conducted at two large hospitals in Jordan: Princess Rahma Hospital and King Hussein Medical Center. A purposive sample of children aged 6–12 years (n = 100) who were accompanied by their mothers (n = 100) were recruited for this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist before and after the implementation of guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge related to asthma among children and their mothers (p p < 0.001). Moreover, the improvements in knowledge and practice related to asthma were sustained in the follow-up assessments. In conclusion, the guidelines had a beneficial effect on the children’s adherence to their treatment regimen both before and after their implementation. Thus, asthma patients should adhere to conventional guidelines at various health services to manage their condition effectively

Perceived barriers to effective use of telehealth in managing the care of patients with cardiovascular diseases: a qualitative study exploring healthcare professionals’ views in Jordan

Abstract Background The use of telehealth in the management of care and care delivery has been increasing significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is an emerging technology used to manage care for patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Jordan. However, implementing this approach in Jordan faces many challenges that need to be explored to identify practical solutions. Purpose To explore the perceived challenges and barriers to using telehealth in managing acute and chronic CVDs among healthcare professionals. Methods A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted by interviewing 24 health professionals at two hospitals in different clinical areas in Jordan. Results Several barriers were reported by participants that affected the utilization of telehealth services. The barriers were categorized into the following four themes: Drawbacks related to patients, Health providers’ concerns, Procedural faults, and telehealth To complement the service only. Conclusions The study suggests that telehealth can be instrumental in supporting care management for patients with CVD. It means that understanding the advantages and barriers to implementing telehealth by the healthcare providers in Jordan can improve many aspects of the healthcare services for patients with CVD within the healthcare settings in Jordan

Quality and safety issue: language barriers in healthcare, a qualitative study of non-Arab healthcare practitioners caring for Arabic patients in the UAE

Objectives To identify language-related communication barriers that expatriate (non-Arabic) healthcare practitioners in the UAE encounter in their daily practice.Design Qualitative study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted in English language.Setting Different healthcare facilities across the UAE. These facilities were accessed for data collection over a period of 3 months from January 2023 to March 2023.Participants 14 purposively selected healthcare practitioners.Intervention No specific intervention was implemented; this study primarily aimed at gaining insights through interviews.Primary and secondary outcomes To understand the implications of language barriers on service quality, patient safety, and healthcare providers’ well-being.Results Three main themes emerged from our analysis of participants’ narratives: Feeling left alone, Trying to come closer to their patients and Feeling guilty, scared and dissatisfied.Conclusions Based on the perspectives and experiences of participating healthcare professionals, language barriers have notably influenced the delivery of healthcare services, patient safety and the well-being of both patients and practitioners in the UAE. There is a pressing need, as highlighted by these professionals, for the inclusion of professional interpreters and the provision of training to healthcare providers to enhance effective collaboration with these interpreters