Acta Medica Philippina最新文献

{"title":"Towards Health Promoting Schools: Pilot Training and Evaluation of the Updated Urbani School Health Kit (USHK) among School Teachers in Manila","authors":"Efrelyn A. Iellamo, MAN, RN, Mary Abigail A. Hernandez, MPH, RN, Peter James B. Abad, MSc, RN, Shiela R. Bonito, DrPH, MA, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9298","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Committed to enhancing healthy living, learning, and working conditions, a health-promoting school is a potent influencer of behaviors and habits, reaching families and communities effectively. In the Western Pacific region, the Urbani School Health Kit (USHK) is one of the tools developed to integrate health promotion in schools; however, it needs to be updated to adapt to the evolving health challenges of lifestyle-related diseases. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a pilot training and evaluation of the updated USHK among school teachers in Manila. \u0000Methods. The USHK was updated with new materials on (1) health-enhancing physical activity; (2) healthynutrition; and (3) family and community engagement. A two-day training-workshop with 30 school teachers wasthen conducted to facilitate the integration of the updated USHK in their class activities. We used a multi method evaluation design to assess the implementation of the USHK. Particularly, quantitative data were obtained from the participants’ feedback on the toolkit and their knowledge of health-related practices. One month later, field visits were conducted to assess the participants’ abilities in utilizing the toolkit into their classes or school activities. Qualitative interviews and classroom observations were also collected post-implementation to determine potential facilitators and barriers to program delivery,and suggestions for improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant feedback, whileWilcoxon signed rank test was utilized to determine changes in participant knowledge pre- and post-training.Qualitative data were synthesized through content analysis. \u0000Results. Participants provided high satisfaction ratings for the training they received, as well as high scores forthe updated USHK, in terms of its appropriateness and acceptability. Significant improvements in participants’overall health promotion knowledge were also noted (Z = -4.456, p <0.001), particularly involving the domainsof nutrition (Z = -2.972, p = 0.003), physical activity (Z = -3.564, p <0.001), and family/community engagement(Z = -2.531, p = 0.011). Meanwhile, participants also suggested further improvements in the toolkit to enhance its utilization in the local context. Administrative support was a crucial facilitator for implementing the USHK, while resource limitations were identified as significant barriers. \u0000Conclusion. The updated USHK, which provides a more comprehensive health promotion approach for schools,is potentially feasible for implementation in educational institutions in Manila. The toolkit can be utilized by teachers and school nurses to integrate health promotion activities into the school environment and classroom activities. To facilitate its wider uptake and implementation in other schools, government support and resource availability are crucial.","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141648692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Status of Interprofessional Education (IPE) Implementation in Asian Nursing Schools","authors":"Floreliz V. Ngaya-an, PhD, RN, Ryan Q. De Torres, MA, RN, Arnold B. Peralta, MAN, MHPEd, RN, Josefina A. Tuazon, DrPH, MN, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9283","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9283","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Interprofessional Education (IPE) is a necessary step in preparing a collaborative practice- ready health workforce that is better prepared to respond to local and global health needs. This study examined the status of IPE implementation in Asian nursing schools in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region (WPR). \u0000Methods. Descriptive online survey research design was utilized, supplemented by online interviews. Purposivesampling was done wherein nursing schools, colleges, and universities were invited to nominate a representative to serve as respondent in this study. Descriptive approach was used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. \u0000Results. A total of 29 Asian nursing schools participated in the survey. Majority (82.76%) of them stated that they have an IPE program or a similar activity. Interviews with the respondents revealed that not all IPE opportunities were part of a formal IPE program, but were embedded in the different learning activities of nursing students. A clear program focus served as one of the facilitators of IPE implementation. Identified barriers included insufficient administrative support and lack of trained faculty to implement IPE and related activities. \u0000Conclusions. IPE is present in most Asian nursing schools in WPR. They may not exactly be called or recognized as IPE, but there is the existence of programs and activities that bring together health and non-health science students to learn from, about, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. It is recommended that massive formal training should be conducted so that educational institutions and their faculty will be equipped in developing more formal programs, facilitate activities, and monitor implementation and progress. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141647387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pandemic Impact, Support Received, and Policies for Health Worker Retention: An Environmental Scan","authors":"Erwin William A. Leyva, PhD, RN, Julienne Ivan D. Soberano, MISW, MSN, RN, Jenniffer T. Paguio, PhD, RN, Kathryn Lizbeth L. Siongco, PhD, RN, Earl Francis R. Sumile, PhD, RN, Sheila R. Bonito, DrPH, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9346","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional strain to health workers in thePhilippines, leading to a significant proportion of them leaving the workforce. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the pandemic on health workers, the support that they received and associated challenges; and identify relevant policies for better workplace conditions. \u0000Methods. An environmental scanning method was utilized. Particularly, a literature review and policy scan that were validated through key informant interviews with administrators and frontline health workers from selected urban and rural sites in the three main islands in the Philippines. These were framed into a background note to springboard the discussions during a national policy dialogue participated by representatives from key government organizations, professional organizations of physicians, nurses, and midwives, professional regulatory bodies, hospital administrators, frontline health workers, and donor agencies in the Philippines. \u0000Results. Deaths, burn-out, mental health problems, lack of personal protective equipment and poor allocation of vaccines were reported in the early phases of the pandemic. Support varied across settings but included additional allowance, free meals, accomodation, transportation, training and psychosocial services. Furthermore, pre-pandemic issues such as as low salaries and heavy workload continue to be the main reasons for leaving the workforce or the country. The proposed solutions are as follows: (1) creating policies and strategies for appropriate production, recruitment, and retention of human resources for health; (2) allocating regular permanent positions for both the education and health sector; (3) augmenting and continuation of deployment programs; (3) expanding roles of nurses to push for advanced practice nursing; (4) providing fair compensation along with risk allowances, non-financial incentives, and expanded benefits; (5) supportingmental health wellness by providing an appropriate work-rest balance and safe work environment; (6)providing opportunities for professional development and scholarships with accompanying return-serviceagreement; and (7) strengthening the reintegration programs for returning overseas health workers. \u0000Conclusion. The pandemic has affected the well-being of health workers and disparities in support were reported due to longstanding workplace issues and policy implementation gaps. Stakeholder commitments require sustained monitoring while policies that are in place and yet to be developed demand stronger support from the government, members of Congress, the private sector, and other key decision-makers. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141646550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Nursing Practice to Forward Universal Health Care in the Philippines","authors":"Laurence Lloyd B. Parial, PhD, MA, RN, Rozzano C. Locsin, PhD, RN, FAAN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.10774","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.10774","url":null,"abstract":"     The constantly changing healthcare landscape requires the health workforce to enhance their competencies and respond to the complex needs of the population they serve. In the Philippines, Universal Health Care (UHC) is a national priority, which aims to ensure equitable access to affordable and quality health services for all Filipinos. The UHC Act (Republic Act No. 11223)1 stresses that the health system provides comprehensive services across the spectrum of health promotion, illness prevention, health restoration, rehabilitation, and palliation. Moreover, the UHC primarily requires health service delivery to be people-centered, cognizant of their necessities, culture, and values. Primary Health Care, which involves accessible, continuous, and comprehensive care from initial patient contact, together with coordinated care among healthcare workers, is the most inclusive and effective means to achieve UHC.2 Therefore, an adequately supplied and well-equipped human health resources are crucial to guarantee that population’s healthcare needs are appropriately recognized, prioritized, and addressed. \u0000   The Philippines continues to face health problems as it aims to achieve UHC, considering the underserved populations suffering from high prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, adolescents and young adults confronting the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, mothers and newborns dying from preventable causes, and older adults requiring increased healthcare demands. While policymakers continue to explore reasonable means to address these problems, what is clear is that the status quo in the current health system cannot be allowed to persist. Rather, health agencies should be reoriented, and the healthcare workforce supported to respond to the growing, yet preventable healthcare problems. \u0000   Nurses are critically positioned to advance the universal health care of Filipinos. With almost half of the health workforce both locally and globally,3 nurses can significantly contribute to the country’s objective of achieving better health outcomes – by promoting health and preventing illnesses among the well and at-risk groups, supporting the treatment of the sick and disabled, and empowering families and communities to attain health and well-being. As nurses provide quality care in various settings, particularly in primary health care, enabling nurses to practice their profession fully can contribute to the goal of “Health for All”. Hence, we enjoin the call for the development and implementation of advanced practice nursing in the Philippines, aiming to provide safe, quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare. \u0000   An advanced practice nurse (APN), as defined by the International Council of Nurses, is one who has an “expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competencies for expanded nursing practice,” wherein such qualities are influenced by the country or context where the person is certified to pr","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141646645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leadership Development Program for Public Health Nurses: An Evaluation of Workplace Application","authors":"John Joseph B. Posadas, MSAHP, RN, Peter James B. Abad, MSc, RN, Jazryl R. Gayeta, RN, Christian Joshua V. Cacatian, RN, Kristoffer Dan Patrick B. Reveche, RN, Kristine Joy L. Tomanan, MCD, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.10045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.10045","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Public health nurses (PHNs) are vital in the local implementation of the provisions of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act of 2019. However, they need adequate competencies in health systems approach to successfully implement the provisions of the law. In response to this, a leadership development course for public health nurses (LDC-PHN), anchored on the building blocks of health systems, was developed and implemented. This paper aims to describe the extent to which training participants have applied the competencies acquired from the LDC-PHN as manifested by the workplace application of their capstone projects. \u0000Methods. Following Kirkpatrick’s Model of Evaluation, we used a multi-method study design to evaluate the extent of the participants’ workplace application of acquired competencies. Sources of data included the Workplace Application Plan (WAP) accomplished by each participant, a questionnaire to determine the perceived implementation status of the participants’ capstone project, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with selected participants and their supervisors, and observation visits. Data were collected from May to December 2022. Data from the semi- structured interviews and FGDs were analyzed through content analysis, while the participants’ perceived status of their capstone project implementation was summarized as frequencies. \u0000Results. Majority of the participants (61.9%) reported partial implementation of their capstone project while 16.77% reported full implementation. Capstone project implementation was facilitated by the support received from their supervisors and local chief executives. Barriers identified included the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges imposed by the events before and after the 2022 Philippine National elections. Major themes emerged from the interviews conducted among participants and their supervisors. The workplace application of the training program outcomes, based on participants’ perspectives, yielded increased capacity to lead and innovate, improved ability to advocate for capstone project implementation, transferability of acquired skill sets, and improved population outcomes. From supervisors’ perspectives, workplace application of training program outcomes include increased ability of PHNs to deliver health services, andvisible enhancement of leadership and supervision skills among PHNs. \u0000Conclusion. Given ample support and opportunities, and despite the barriers and challenges they faced,LDC-PHN participants, in general, utilized and applied the competencies they gained from the course in theiractual work setting. Course graduates participated in health systems strengthening at various capacities byacting upon their capstone projects that addressed UHC challenges within their particular work settings. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141646617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flexible Learning in Nursing in the Philippines as a Response to the Restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Educational Case Report","authors":"Arnold B. Peralta, MHPEd, MAN, RN, Aprille C. Banayat, MAN, RN, Kenny-lynn B. Baccay, MAN, RN, Maria Angela A. Mabale, MAN, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9784","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9784","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with societal and technological changes around the globe, demanded adaptations to nursing education. This educational case report is an idiographic narrative of an institution’s experience of shifting to flexible learning in nursing education in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. \u0000Various subjects, involving foundation, intervention, and intensive nursing courses, were implemented in flexible learning modes during the Academic Year 2020 to 2021. This case report identified how curricular integration and curricular redesign were carried out to ensure the achievement of BSN Program Outcomes. Faculty development on flexible learning was implemented with training outcomes to include the application of key concepts and instructional design principles toward flexible learning. Training outcomes were evaluated through embedded activities on course package development by the faculty participants. This case report also identified various teaching-learning strategies, and how they addressed emerging issues, including differences in technological competence and accessibility. \u0000The report highlighted how the college transitioned to flexible learning through curriculum integration and course redesign which has been effective and efficient in the achievement of educational outcomes. Appropriate training and guidance of the faculty to enable them to integrate and redesign courses, and address emerging issues and challenges, could help in the transition to flexible learning. \u0000Flexible learning is an effective pedagogical approach to implementing nursing education. Timely implementation of measures must be taken to ensure relevant and appropriate curricular integration and redesign of courses, and consequently, the nursing program.","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141645362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Staffing and Workload in Primary Care Facilities of Selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Communities in the Philippines","authors":"Laurence Lloyd B. Parial, PhD, MA, RN, Erwin William A. Leyva, PhD, MPH, RN, Kathryn Lizbeth L. Siongco, PhD, MA, RN, Luz Barbara P. Dones, MPH, RN, Alexandra Belle S. Bernal, MOHRE, RN, Julianne Anika C. Lupisan, RN, Daphne C. Santos, RMT, Micah Marnie C. Diamaoden, RN, Sheila R. Bonito, DrPH, MA, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9268","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Staffing shortages and health inequities are persistent barriers in the Philippines toward achieving universal health care. To ensure an adequate and responsive health workforce, there is a need to evaluate the Human Resources for Health (HRH) status across health facilities, particularly those in underserved communities. Hence, this study aims to determine the staffing requirements and workload pressure among primary care facilities in selected geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines. \u0000Methods. The study utilized the workload indicators of staffing need (WISN) methodology from the World Health Organization to determine the staffing and workload situation among three health worker cadres (physicians, nurses, and midwives) in the study sites. Particularly, six primary care facilities (four rural health units and two community hospitals) located in Surigao del Norte were involved in the study. WISN-related data (health service statistics, available working time, and health professionals’ workload components) were collected through records review, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The WISN software was used to analyze the staffing levels and workload pressure in the selected facilities. \u0000Results. A total of 40 health workers, including physicians (n = 5, 13%), nurses (n = 21, 52%), and midwives (n =14, 35%) participated in the study. The findings noted varying levels of staffing and workload pressures amongthe three cadres in selected primary care facilities, which were influenced by several factors. Particularly, healthfacilities with additional human resources obtained from deployment programs indicated adequate staffingand low to normal workload pressures. However, further analysis revealed potential HRH maldistributionand reliance on the temporary nature of the staff augmentation program in delivering primary care services, which need to be addressed to optimize health workforce planning. Service workload may also have been impacted by the temporary closure of health facilities due to disasters. Among the few cadres tha reported staffing shortage and high workload pressure, these were due to higher service demands, increased task delegation, and inadequate service coordination. Hence, context-specific challenges and situational factors in GIDAs need to be considered when determining the staffing and workload requirements. \u0000Conclusion. There is a need to improve the capacities of health facilities and local government units (LGUs)to engage in evidence-based HRH planning through the WISN methodology. Doing so could improve staffing and workload distribution among health care facilities in the country. Moreover, interorganizational collaboration (DOH, LGUs, and health facilities) should be strengthened to improve delineation and preventduplication/omission of health services, rationalize HRH distribution and augmentation, and streamline thepriority health services bas","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141647835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an Online Nursing Leadership Program for Global Health in the Western Pacific Region","authors":"Jenniffer T. Paguio, PhD, MA, RN, Mary Abigail A. Hernandez, MPH, RN, Sheila R. Bonito, DrPH, MAN, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9397","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9397","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Global health highlights the transnational determinants, issues, and possible solutions for improving health outcomes. Addressing global health issues requires population-based approaches coupled with individualized healthcare across settings, including strategies for achieving health equity. Designing and implementing global health solutions requires competent nurse leaders who can facilitate multi-disciplinary collaborations, engage in policy development, and lead advocacies that support the global health agenda. Thus, this paper examined the stakeholder perspectives that informed the development of a leadership program on global health for nurse leaders in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). \u0000Methods. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach to generate key recommendations for a context-appropriate, multi-country capacity-building program for nurse leaders on global health. The Analysis Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model and reflexive approach were employed to guide the development of the training design. Twenty-five nurse leaders from World Health Organization Collaborating Centers (WHO-CC) in the Western Pacific participated. Qualitative data were collected from participant feedback and post-activity sessions throughout program implementation. \u0000Results. Thematic analysis of stakeholder data revealed that the program (1) capitalized on equipping nurseleaders with the concepts related to global health and developing competencies in leadership, policyengagement, and advocacy; (2) ensured learning strategies by having participants from varied contextsand experiences; and (3) reflected on the strengths and limitations of the use of the online platform. \u0000Conclusion. This paper contributed to the growing literature on global health and programs that supportaddressing global health issues. The findings underscored the urgent need to capacitate nurses in leadershippositions who contribute to addressing emerging issues in global health. The paper recommended improvements in the design and implementation of the Global Health Nursing Leadership Program to engage more nurse leaders across the region and enhance content and delivery.","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141645823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Needs Assessment for the Development of a Leadership Course for Midwives: a Qualitative Study","authors":"Floreliz V. Ngaya-an, PhD, RN, Efrelyn A. Iellamo, MAN, RN, John Joseph B. Posadas, MSAHP, RN, Aprille C. Banayat, MAN, RN, Kathryn Lizbeth L. Siongco, PhD, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9286","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. Midwives play a vital role in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals related to the health and well-being of mothers and newborns. Strengthening the leadership and management capacities of midwives is pivotal to the fulfillment of their mandate beyond assisting in birth and delivery. The study explores the perspectives of midwives about professional education and practice, which are aimed to serve as bases for developing a leadership course for midwives to enhance their roles in public health. \u0000Methods. The study employed a descriptive-qualitative design. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, online focus group discussions (FGDs) with midwives from the academe, professional organization, and clinical practice were conducted. Through directed content analysis, the gathered information was analyzed to include the participants’ insights on midwifery competencies, teaching methods and assessment strategies, supplementary courses and training, and factors affecting midwifery practice. \u0000Results. A total of eleven (11) participants contributed to the FGDs, which included midwives from the academe (dean, faculty), professional organization (board member of the Professional Regulation Commission), and clinical practice (public and private institutions). Notably, participants shared their perspectives regarding the similarities/differences in the terminal competencies of midwifery programs. The demands of outcomes-based education, coupled by the shift to online learning due to the pandemic, pushed the need for modifications in program delivery for the students. Results highlighted the need for supplementary courses and capacity building on leadership and management, research, and interprofessional collaboration. Midwives shared factors that affect their professional practice, which include insufficient training, inadequate manpower, and differences in expectations/standards in task performance. \u0000Conclusion. The findings indicate the need to develop capacity-building courses for midwives to enhance theircontribution towards universal health care. The results of this study also highlight the importance of understanding and improving the competencies of midwives across the building blocks of the health system, which include health service delivery, human resources for health, health information systems, health financing, health governance, and health regulation. Notably, key concepts recommended for the Leadership Development Course for Midwives include: leadership and management, research, and interprofessional collaboration. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141648219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formative Evaluation of the Implementation of eHealth in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Bettina D. Evio, MAN, RN, Sheila R. Bonito, DrPH, RN","doi":"10.47895/amp.v58i12.9289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v58i12.9289","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective. The utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) to support health, known as eHealth, is a crucial enabler of universal healthcare. It is important to identify various aspects that could support or hinder eHealth, especially in limited-resource settings. This study determined the factors influencing the implementation of eHealth solutions in the Philippines, in consideration of the development process and initial outputs of the Philippine eHealth Strategic Framework and Plan 2014-2020. \u0000Methods. The descriptive-qualitative study was conducted among 15 municipalities/cities in the Philippines,recognized as early adopters of eHealth programs. Records review of eHealth solutions and key informant interviews among stakeholders (i.e., physicians and nurses) per study site were facilitated to gather data. Using directed content analysis, contextual, process, and content factors influencing eHealth implementation in the country were synthesized. \u0000Results. Results showed a range of eHealth solutions in the selected facilities, majority of which involved electronic medical records. Various contextual, process, and content-related factors could serve as facilitators or barriers to eHealth implementation in the country. Particularly, contextual factors include individual characteristics (ICT experience/training, organizational commitment, readiness for change), perceived need/urgency for eHealth (provisions, policies, regulatory issues), and third-party involvement for financial/technical support. Meanwhile, process-related factors involve implementation team practices, appropriate top-down and bottom-up approaches in leader/member engagement, and resource management (ICT equipment, stable internet connection, power supply). Content-specific factors mainly include the eHealth design (complexity, adaptability to local context and service demands, interoperability or the capacity to connect or exchange information with other platforms/systems). Notably, limitations across the three dimensions could make eHealth implementation more complicated, which could lead to poor time management and resource wastage. \u0000Conclusion. This study highlighted the importance of a multidimensional understanding of factors that influence the utility of eHealth in the health system. There is a need for leadership and governance, stakeholder engagement, resource and funding, implementation readiness, appropriate design of eHealth solutions, and proper training to ensure the successful implementation of eHealth in the country. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141647275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}