Exploring Distress Caused by Blame for a Negative Patient Outcome

Purpose of this research was to explore the incidence, characteristics and consequences of blame-related distress and its relationship to moral distress. An instrument was created and validated and a conceptual model proposed for relating blame to similar constructs among clinical staff working in acute care

‘Midwives Overboard!’ Inside their hearts are breaking, their makeup may be flaking but their smile still stays on

PROBLEM: Midwifery practice is emotional and, at times, traumatic work. Cumulative exposure to this, in an unsupportive environment can result in the development of psychological and behavioural symptoms of distress. BACKGROUND: As there is a clear link between the wellbeing of staff and the quality of patient care, the issue of midwife wellbeing is gathering significant attention. Despite this, it can be rare to find a midwife who will publically admit to how much they are struggling. They soldier on, often in silence. AIM: This paper aims to present a narrative review of the literature in relation to work-related psychological distress in midwifery populations. Opportunities for change are presented with the intention of generating further conversations within the academic and healthcare communities. METHODS: A narrative literature review was conducted. FINDINGS: Internationally, midwives experience various types of work-related psychological distress. These include both organisational and occupational sources of stress. DISCUSSION: Dysfunctional working cultures and inadequate support are not conducive to safe patient care or the sustained progressive development of the midwifery profession. New research, revised international strategies and new evidence based interventions of support are required to support midwives in psychological distress. This will in turn maximise patient, public and staff safety. CONCLUSIONS: Ethically, midwives are entitled to a psychologically safe professional journey. This paper offers the principal conclusion that when maternity services invest in the mental health and wellbeing of midwives, they may reap the rewards of improved patient care, improved staff experience and safer maternity services

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Recalled food products and foodborne illnesses: Quantifying prevented illnesses and evaluating factors influencing the amount of product recovered

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation.May 2015. Major: Environmental Health. Advisor: Craig Hedberg. 1 computer file (PDF); x, 91 pages.In the United States, a number of government agencies are responsible for overseeing the recall of consumer products. However few agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), collect and publicly release recall-specific information on the amount of product recovered following a recall. Data on the amount of recalled food products recovered can be used by public health officials and researchers to analyze the effectiveness of recalls, examine the consequences of removing contaminated product from commerce, and evaluate opportunities for preventing additional exposures and illnesses. Meat and poultry product recall data associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and Salmonella contamination were used to develop quantitative models to estimate the number of illnesses prevented by recalls. The number of illnesses prevented was based on the number of illnesses that occurred relative to the number of pounds consumed, then extrapolated to the number of pounds of recalled product recovered. Recalls, although reactive in nature, are an important tool for averting further exposure and illnesses. Recall data were also examined to assess factors associated with recovery of meat and poultry products following recalls. The amount of recalled product recovered following a recall action was dependent on a number of factors including the complexity of distribution, type of distribution, type of product, reason for the recall, amount of time between production and recall dates, and the number of pounds of product recalled. Illness-related recalls were likely impacted by larger amounts of product, broader scopes, and delays from epidemiologic and traceback investigations, which would involve unraveling distribution chains, therefore impacting the amount of time involved and number of pounds recalled. Data and system improvements are recommended to further refine future analyses while improved traceability and investigation efficiencies are recommended to further prevent foodborne illnesses. The results further illustrate the public health benefits of recalls and provide an improved understanding of the significance of the amount of product recovered following a recall