Human Factors Flashcards
What is sustainability in health care systems?
Delivering quality care while minimizing environmental impact
Promoting efficient resource use, renewable energy, and waste reduction
What are carbon hotspots in hospitals and health systems?
Energy-intensive areas such as operating theaters and imaging departments
High emissions from transportation, supply chains, and HVAC systems
What role do health professionals play in reducing carbon footprint?
Advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices
Optimizing resource use without compromising patient care quality; leading by example in sustainable practices and education
Why is waste management important in health care?
Critical for infection control and environmental safety
Proper segregation, recycling, and disposal reduce hazards and costs
What are the steps in investigating a food poisoning outbreak?
Identify and isolate affected individuals, collect and analyze food and environmental samples, trace the source, implement control measures, and report to public health authorities
What is involved in communicable disease prevention?
Maintain active monitoring systems and rapid reporting mechanisms, implement vaccination programs and public health interventions, educate communities to promote early detection and containment
Which agencies protect public health against infection?
National public health bodies (e.g., Public Health England) and local authorities
Their roles include surveillance, outbreak response, policy formulation, and public education
What infection control practices are followed at St. George’s Hospital?
Strict adherence to hand hygiene, PPE use, and sterilization protocols
Regular audits, staff training, and compliance with infection control policies
What are the phases of clinical trials in vaccine development?
I–III
Clinical trials are designed to establish safety and efficacy before a vaccine is licensed.
What is the role of regulatory bodies in vaccine development?
Ensuring compliance with ethical standards
Examples include MHRA and EMA.
What is meant by ‘pharmacovigilance’ in the context of vaccines?
Continuous monitoring post-licensure
It involves tracking the safety of vaccines after they are approved.
What is the primary public health aim of vaccination programs?
Reducing Disease Incidence
This involves lowering new infection rates through widespread immunization.
What does achieving herd immunity entail?
Protecting vulnerable populations by reaching critical vaccination thresholds
Herd immunity helps to stop the spread of disease.
What are key ethical considerations in vaccine policy?
Ensuring equitable access, transparency in trial data, balancing expedited development with safety assessments
These considerations help maintain public trust.
What are some demographic factors influencing HIV transmission patterns?
Gender, age, and socioeconomic factors
These factors vary regionally and affect infection rates.
What has been the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) on HIV treatment?
Reduced viral loads and enhanced quality of life
Early initiation of ART leads to longer survival times.
What are global initiatives that drive funding and education for HIV/AIDS?
UNAIDS and PEPFAR
These initiatives focus on resource allocation and community engagement.
What advancements have led to changes in HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality?
Advancements in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
These advancements have dramatically reduced mortality rates.
What are the benefits of routine testing for HIV?
Early initiation of ART to control disease progression
Routine testing allows for timely management of the disease.
What ethical considerations are important in HIV treatment access?
Timely access to diagnosis and treatment, balancing resource allocation, addressing social determinants of health
These factors contribute to disparities in outcomes.
What is the legal obligation under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984?
Mandatory and timely reporting of specified diseases
This facilitates rapid public health responses.
Why is reporting notifiable diseases important?
Enables tracking of disease outbreaks and supports epidemiological surveillance
This helps in assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions.
What are the ethical dilemmas presented by the Coronavirus Act 2020?
Balancing individual rights with public health interests
This includes tensions between personal freedoms and collective safety.