Sestrinski glasnik, Vol. 29 No. 2, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.29.2.2
Healthcare professionals' views on the response of the primary healthcare system of Sarajevo Canton in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic
Zineta Mulaosmanović
; Javna ustanova Dom zdravlja Kantona Sarajevo, Vrazova 11, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
*
Aida Pilav
; Institut za javno zdravstvo Kantona Sarajevo, Mustafe Pintola 1, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
Elmedina Mrkulić
; Pedijatrijska klinika, Klinički centar Univerziteta u Sarajevu, Patriotske lige 81, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
Suada Branković
; Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Univerziteta u Sarajevu, Stjepana Tomića 1, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
Jasmina Mahmutović
; Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Univerziteta u Sarajevu, Stjepana Tomića 1, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
Hadžan Konjo
; Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Univerziteta u Sarajevu, Stjepana Tomića 1, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed shortcomings in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly affecting healthcare professionals working in direct contact with infected patients.
Objective: The objective is to investigate the opinions and viewpoints of healthcare professionals working in both rural and urban areas of Sarajevo Canton regarding workplace protective measures and the organization of work during the COVID-19 pandemic by relevant authorities.
Methods: Healthcare professionals working in urban and rural areas of Sarajevo Canton were surveyed using self-administered, anonymous questionnaires based on the World Health Organization's Checklist for the Readiness of Health Facilities for COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusion criteria for the study required participants' voluntary consent to participate in the research.
Results: The analysis of healthcare facilities and the readiness of the system for the COVID-19 pandemic revealed numerous shortcomings in the healthcare system of Sarajevo Canton. A moderate risk was identified in the response of the primary healthcare system throughout the Canton, with significantly higher risk detected in urban areas. There was a significant statistical difference in the overall risk (p<0.001). On a scale from 8 to 40, the overall risk in urban areas was 21.95 (19-25), while in rural areas, it was 19.3 (16-23).
Conclusion: Decision-makers in public health policy should base their decisions on respecting the opinions and perspectives of healthcare professionals who work directly with patients. Our study, along with previous research, emphasizes the importance of adaptability, indicating that corrective measures based on past experiences should be implemented to ensure the healthcare system is prepared for possible future epidemics and pandemics.
Keywords
primary healthcare; health professionals; COVID-19
Hrčak ID:
320093
URI
Publication date:
16.8.2024.
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