Authors:Sherry Mongeau, Nancy Lightfoot, Emily Donato, Tammy Eger Pages: 1 - 15 Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Cigarettes are the leading cause of this disease. However, workplace exposures, including those in the mining industry, may also lead to COPD. These exposures include dust and fumes that can be higher for mineral industry workers who work in confined areas. As a result, workers in the minerals industry may submit compensation claims. Sadly, work-related COPD is not well compensated or recognized by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Physicians and union representatives struggle to complete forms and have claims approved, and because of this, workers can struggle with money, family, and mental health problems. This qualitative narrative study used in-depth telephone interviews (eight) to collect information. The information collected from physicians (four) and union representatives (four) was analyzed to understand their perspectives and experiences when assisting workers with compensation claims. This is the first study to examine how COPD could affect underground mineral workers in Northeastern Ontario. Themes identified in this study include 1) additional administrative and human support resources are required, 2) smoking cessation is essential, 3) COPD is a crippling disease, 4) education is required to support documenting an occupational illness, 5) the compensation claim process is challenging; 6) occupational diseases are challenging to prove, 7) occupational COPD is costly. This study may help with compensation services and provide support for physicians and union representatives involved with an underground mineral worker diagnosed with occupational COPD. PubDate: 2023-12-29 DOI: 10.28984/drhj.v6i2.433 Issue No:Vol. 6, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Shannon McGee, Sylvie Larocque, Roger Pilon Pages: 16 - 28 Abstract: En 2015, l’examen canadien d’admission à la profession infirmière a changé de format et est devenu similaire à celui des États-Unis. Les premiers résultats canadiens à l’examen d’admission NCLEX-RN ont démontré de nombreux échecs, qui touchaient davantage les francophones. Le but de la recherche était de décrire l’expérience de cet échec par des diplômées d’un baccalauréat ontarien en sciences infirmières francophone. Un devis qualitatif de type phénoménologique a été retenu comportant des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées. La méthode d’analyse de Giorgi a été effectuée. Les résultats ont démontré que les participantes francophones ont vécu des difficultés supplémentaires peu importe la langue choisie qui, entre autres, a résulté à un ou plusieurs échecs de cet examen. L’impact d’un échec est dévastateur pour ces candidates et a des répercussions négatives sur les programmes de sciences infirmières francophones ainsi que sur l’accès au service de santé en français. PubDate: 2023-12-29 Issue No:Vol. 6, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Elizabeth Wenghofer, Alexandra Ransom Pages: 29 - 47 Abstract: Purpose: Accessible primary health care (PHC) is a key area of interest for policy and research as accessible PHC is associated with better health outcomes and lower health system costs. A critical dimension of accessible PHC is an adequate supply of family physicians (FPs) or general practitioners (GPs). Our study sought to analyze the geographic distribution of FP/GPs practicing in Nova Scotia (NS) and to provide an in-depth analysis of the distribution of FP/GPs in relation to population PHC needs. Methods: Using data from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia’s registry and 2019 annual license renewal survey, we provide a descriptive analysis of physician distribution, demographics and practice structure characteristics across the four Nova Scotia Health management zones (Central, Eastern, Northern, Western) for the population of FP/GPs practicing in NS in 2019. Additionally, we provided a descriptive analysis of PHC demand indicators and population demographics derived from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Canadian Community Health Survey, and the Canadian Census. These population PHC need indicators include hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC), perceived health, the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD), and the percentage of the population aged 65 and over across Nova Scotia Health management zones. Results: FP/GPs practising outside the Central zone are less numerous, older, and more likely to be male and international medical graduates. FP/GPs practicing outside the Central zone are more likely to have solo practices, practice in rural areas and not provide care through technology. Additionally, there is a greater potential demand for PHC outside of the Central zone, indicated by lower physician-to-100,000 population ratios, higher rates of hospitalizations for ACSC, a larger percentage of individuals living in rural areas, aged 65 and over, rating their health as fair or poor, and in the most deprived quintile of the situational vulnerability and economic dependency dimensions of the CIMD. Conclusions: These findings indicate a geographic maldistribution of physicians across NS and potential gaps in access to FP/GPs compared to population health needs across Nova Scotia Health management zones. The findings have implications for targeted physician resources planning and policy. PubDate: 2023-12-29 DOI: 10.28984/drhj.v6i2.436 Issue No:Vol. 6, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Shelby Deibert, Stephen Ritchie, Bruce Oddson, Ginette Michel, Emily Tetzlaff Pages: 41 - 50 Abstract: As the popularity of International Service-Learning (ISL) excursions continues to grow, there is an increasing need for research that explores these types of experiences. This manuscript focuses on the experiences of the lead author (S.L.D.) while participating in an ISL excursion offered by the Health Promotion Without Borders (HPWB) Program as part of their graduate research. The HPWB Program has facilitated ISL excursions for students in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences (SKHS) at Laurentian University (LU) in Canada for over two decades. However, there is limited formal research about the experiences of HPWB participants while completing their ISL excursions. This research addresses this need by using an autoethnographic approach to explore the lead author's HPWB experience. During the lead author's excursion, they confronted many moments of cultural dissonance, which challenged their usual way of thinking. Through critical reflection after their excursion, the lead author realized the defining role those moments of cultural dissonance had on the nature of their ISL experience. The lead author wrote six stories to share their understanding of those cultural dissonance encounters and provide a snapshot of their excursion for the reader to make sense of in their own way. Overall, this research may benefit future ISL participants and coordinators and adds to the sparse literature available on the nature of ISL experiences from the participant perspective using an autoethnographic method. PubDate: 2023-12-29 DOI: 10.28984/drhj.v6i2.442 Issue No:Vol. 6, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Vincent Gagnon, Stephen Ritchie, Bruce Oddson, Jonah D'Angelo, James Little, Marc Gosselin Pages: 51 - 59 Abstract: Introduction: The Remote First Aid Self-Efficacy Scale was originally developed as a 30-item self-report instrument designed as an evaluation tool for training providers and a reflection tool for course participants. Remote first aid training courses and programs are designed for remote communities, worksites, and other wilderness contexts involving activities such as recreation, education, and therapy. Self-efficacy refers to the strength of the beliefs a person has in their capacity to organize and take the necessary actions towards any given attainment. The purpose of our study was to measure the reliability and validity of the 15-Item Remote First Aid Self-Efficacy Scale (RFA SES) in French and English populations. Methods: Alumni from SIRIUSMEDx wilderness first aid courses were invited via email to complete either a French or English online questionnaire at two different time periods (T1 & T2). Data collection involved using online questionnaires containing demographic questions, the 15-Item RFA SES, and the 10-Item Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Data analysis involved assessing the scale for internal consistency, test re-test reliability, and concurrent validity. Results: There were 58 French and 47 English alumni respondents from SIRIUSMEDx courses for a total of 105 respondents. Internal consistency was high amongst the French group (alpha = .95) and the English group (alpha = .92). Test re-test reliability was high amongst the French group, (r = 0.78, p < .01), and the English group (r = .92, p < .01). The correlations between the RFS SES and GSES were positive and moderate in the French group (r = 0.53, p < .01), as well as in the English group (r = 0.32, p = .03). Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that both the French and English 15-Item RFA SES are reliable and valid. This shorter 15-item version is now available for use, along with the original validated 30-Item version of the RFA SES. Future research should focus on validation of the scale in other contexts and populations, using the scale as a participant reflection tool, and using it for evaluation of training programs and courses.
Authors:Laura Hill, Roberta Heale Pages: 60 - 67 Abstract: Objectives: Substance use, both alcohol and opioids, is higher in Sudbury, Ontario than in the remainder of the province and the numbers increased during COVID-19. In response to increased use during the pandemic, the hospital developed the Addictions Medicine Consult Service (AMCS) to complement the existing addiction services. After a full year of operation, a program evaluation was completed to determine the effectiveness and gaps of the AMCS, to enact changes for service improvement. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted. Analysis of the characteristics and frequency of people presenting with substance use to the emergency department, along with referrals to addiction services, was undertaken. Results: Fewer than seven percent of patients presenting with substance use in the emergency department were referred to the AMCS. The majority used alcohol and were housed, followed by those who used fentanyl who were unlikely to be housed. Many patients were referred to Crisis, the multidisciplinary mental health team in the hospital, which is available 24/7 but which does not include addictions expertise. Conclusions: Changes to service delivery to increase the use of the AMCS were implemented to improve service accessibility and delivery of care. These included nursing daily rounds in the emergency department and adding more direct links with resources in the community. PubDate: 2023-12-29 Issue No:Vol. 6, No. 2 (2023)
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