1
|
Geuzinge R, Visse M, Vermetten E, Duyndam J. Differentiating social environments of high-risk professionals and specialised nurses: a qualitative empirical study on social embeddedness. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2306792. [PMID: 38289061 PMCID: PMC10829832 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2306792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: High-risk professionals and specialised nurses in hospitals are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events. Psychotrauma researchers have extensively studied personal risk factors of traumatisation among high-risk professionals, but it is hard to understand psychological functioning when professionals are decontextualised from their social environment. Generally, it has been well documented that to reduce the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health problems related to traumatisation, it is essential to be embedded in a supportive social environment. However, study results among and within these occupational groups show great variety and even inconsistencies as to what is a supportive social environment.Method: This ethnographical research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, explored the social environment of firefighters, police officers, ambulance paramedics, specialised nurses, and military personnel and aims to explore their social connections and embeddedness. We performed a thematic content analysis of data to identify themes related to social or emotional support, social relationships, and stress or traumatisation.Results: An analysis of the observational field notes, which covered 332 h of participant observation and 71 evenly distributed formal in-depth interviews, identified four themes related to social connections and embeddedness: Family, Hierarchical relations versus autonomy, Group versus individual, and Conditional family 'love'. Results revealed that the military, police, and professional firefighters have family-like hierarchical connections and highly value group unity. Paramedics and most specialised nurses, however, tend to value individuality and autonomy in their work relationships.Conclusion: This research shows noticeable differences in the social environments and social connections of these professionals, which implicates that prevention and mental health treatment might also have to be differentiated among occupational groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renate Geuzinge
- Humanism and Social Resilience, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Merel Visse
- Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Duyndam
- Humanism and Social Resilience, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Obuobi-Donkor G, Shalaby R, Eboreime E, Agyapong B, Phung N, Eyben S, Wells K, Hilario C, Dias RDL, Jones C, Brémault-Phillips S, Zhang Y, Greenshaw AJ, Agyapong VIO. Text4PTSI: A Promising Supportive Text Messaging Program to Mitigate Psychological Symptoms in Public Safety Personnel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4215. [PMID: 36901235 PMCID: PMC10001524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety personnel experience various mental health conditions due to their work's complex and demanding nature. There are barriers to seeking support and treatment; hence, providing innovative and cost-effective interventions can help improve mental health symptoms in public safety personnel. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Text4PTSI on depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress-related symptoms, and the resilience of public safety personnel after six months of providing supportive text message intervention. METHODS Public safety personnel subscribed to Text4PTSI and received daily supportive and psychoeducational SMS text messages for six months. Participants were invited to complete standardized self-rated web-based questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and resilience symptoms measured on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), respectively. The assessment of mental health conditions was conducted at baseline (enrolment) and six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one subscribers participated in the Text4PTSI program, and eighteen completed both the baseline and any follow-up survey. A total of 31 participants completed the baseline survey and 107 total surveys were recorded at all follow-up time points. The baseline prevalence of psychological problems among public safety personnel were as follows: likely major depressive disorder (MDD) was 47.1%, likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 37.5%, low resilience was 22.2%, and likely PTSD was 13.3%. At six months post-intervention, the prevalence of likely MDD, likely GAD, and likely PTSD among respondents reduced; however, a statistically significant reduction was reported only for likely MDD (-35.3%, X2 (1) = 2.55, p = 0.03). There was no significant change in the prevalence of low resilience between baseline and post-intervention. There was a decrease in the mean scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, and the BRS from baseline to post-intervention by 25.8%, 24.7%, 9.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. However, the decrease was only statistically significant for the mean change in GAD-7 scores with a low effect size (t (15) = 2.73, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest a significant reduction in the prevalence of likely MDD as well as the severity of anxiety symptoms from baseline to post-intervention for subscribers of the Text4PTSI program. Text4PTSI is a cost-effective, convenient, and easily scalable program that can augment other services for managing the mental health burdens of public safety personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Phung
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Scarlett Eyben
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Kristopher Wells
- Department of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Carla Hilario
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Raquel da Luz Dias
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Chelsea Jones
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ornago AM, Pinardi E, Zucchelli A, Trevisan C, Volterrani M, Cacciatore S, Ceolin C, Landi F, Trabucchi M, De Leo D, Bianchetti A, Bellelli G. Mental Health among Geriatric Healthcare Workers in Italy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a National Survey. J Nutr Health Aging 2023; 27:626-631. [PMID: 37702335 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) in geriatric settings. DESIGN Online cross-sectional survey. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS 394 geriatric HCWs in Italy. MEASUREMENTS The survey was developed by a multidisciplinary team and disseminated in April 2022 to the members of two geriatric scientific societies (Italian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology and Italian Association of Psychogeriatrics). The survey examined the experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as psychological burden and support. Work-related anxiety and distress related to the pandemic were studied using the SAVE-9 scale (Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics). RESULTS Three hundred sixty-four participants (92.4%) changed their job activity during the pandemic and about half (50.9%) failed to cope with this change, 58 (14.7%) had increased work-related anxiety, and 39 (9.9%) work-related stress levels. Three hundred forty (86.3%) participants reported acute stress reaction symptoms, including irritability, depressed mood, headache, anxiety, and insomnia, and 262 (66.5%) required psychological support, mainly from friends/relatives (57.9%) and/or colleagues (32.5%). Furthermore, 342 participants (86.8%) recognized they would benefit from informal and formal psychological support in case of future similar emergencies. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the high psychological burden experienced by geriatric HCWs in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the need for supportive interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Ornago
- Alice Margherita Ornago, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca. Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milan, Italy, Tel: +39 3473192723, E-mail address: , ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0008-7927-793X
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Claringbold G, Robinson N, Anglim J, Kavadas V, Walker A, Forsyth L. A systematic review of well-being interventions and initiatives for Australian and New Zealand emergency service workers. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00049530.2022.2123282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicky Robinson
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jeromy Anglim
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Vicki Kavadas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Arlene Walker
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Loch Forsyth
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weinberg M, Kimchy Elimellech A. Civilian Military Security Coordinators Coping with Frequent Traumatic Events: Spirituality, Community Resilience, and Emotional Distress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148826. [PMID: 35886676 PMCID: PMC9322548 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Civilian military security coordinators are a unique kind of first responders. They live in communities that are close to the border and are responsible for the security of their community in routine and emergency situations until the arrival of the army or the police. Their role puts them at an elevated risk of experiencing emotional distress and developing PTSD. The present study, which was conducted in Israel following terror incidents over the year 2018, aimed to examine the relationships between spirituality and perceived community resilience, on the one hand, and PTSD symptoms and stress, on the other, among civilian military security coordinators. One hundred and thirteen (n = 113) civilian military security coordinators living up to 12.4 miles from the border who are routinely exposed to terror and other traumatic events completed demographic, spirituality, community resilience, PTSD, and stress questionnaires. Structural-equation-model analyses showed that spirituality was negatively associated with PTSD symptoms and stress. However, perceived community resilience was not associated with PTSD symptoms or stress. In addition, age was negatively associated with PTSD symptoms and stress. Financial situation was also negatively associated with PTSD symptoms and stress and incidence of exposure to terror and security threats was associated only with PTSD symptoms. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weinberg
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Correspondence:
| | - Adi Kimchy Elimellech
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
- Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Haifa 3785000, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matthews LR, Alden LE, Wagner S, Carey MG, Corneil W, Fyfe T, Randall C, Regehr C, White M, Buys N, White N, Fraess-Phillips A, Krutop E. PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, DEPRESSION, AND ANXIETY IN PERSONNEL WORKING IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SETTINGS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. J Emerg Med 2022; 62:617-635. [PMID: 35379514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professionals working in the emergency department (ED) are regularly exposed to traumatic events. Rates of posttraumatic mental health conditions vary widely in the literature and there is no agreement that rates in ED staff are elevated relative to other populations. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review of international literature reporting prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in ED personnel to determine whether prevalence is elevated compared to the general community, and to evaluate convergent evidence across the literature for predictive factors. To our knowledge, there is no comprehensive review on this topic in the literature at this time. METHODS Seven databases were searched for studies reporting rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in ED personnel. Two independent researchers screened studies and assessed quality using Munn's Prevalence Critical Appraisal Instrument. Best-evidence synthesis determined whether conditions demonstrated elevated prevalence compared to the general population of Canada, a conservative benchmark. RESULTS Twenty-four studies from 12 countries and a combined sample size of 4768 were included. PTSD rates ranged from 0% to 23.6% (mean 10.47%), depression ranged from 0.7% to 77.1% (mean 24.8%), and anxiety rates ranged from 2.4% to 14.6% (mean 9.29%). Each condition was elevated compared to the general population. Sociodemographic variables were not consistent predictors. Elevated PTSD seemed most strongly related to workplace exposure and maladaptive coping. CONCLUSIONS ED professionals have an elevated risk of experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Identification of organizational and workplace predictors are needed to inform interventions that will reduce risk and provide optimal treatment and management of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in ED settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynda R Matthews
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynn E Alden
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shannon Wagner
- College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary G Carey
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Wayne Corneil
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trina Fyfe
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christine Randall
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Health Group, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Marc White
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas Buys
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole White
- University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Fraess-Phillips
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elyssa Krutop
- Aligned Kamloops, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liyanage S, Addison S, Ham E, Hilton NZ. Workplace interventions to prevent or reduce post-traumatic stress disorder and symptoms among hospital nurses: A scoping review. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:1477-1487. [PMID: 34636115 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify literature on evaluated workplace interventions to prevent or reduce the prevalence or impact of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD symptoms among hospital nurses. A second objective was to summarise and compare the characteristics and effectiveness of these interventions. BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of nurses report PTSD symptoms. Previous reviews have synthesised interventions to address PTSD in military and other high-risk populations, but similar work focusing on nurses has yet to be conducted. METHODS We conducted a scoping review with the question: What interventions have been studied to prevent or treat PTSD symptoms or PTSD among nurses working in hospitals? We followed the PRISMA Scoping Review Checklist using an unregistered protocol. We searched in twelve academic and grey literature databases (e.g. MedLine, CINAHL) with no language restrictions. We included publications reporting on interventions which were evaluated for measurable impacts on PTSD and PTSD symptoms among nursing staff working in inpatient settings from 1980 to 2019, and charted study characteristics in a spreadsheet. RESULTS From 7746 results, 63 studies moved to full-text screening, and six studies met inclusion criteria. Methodologies included three randomised controlled studies, one quasi-experimental study, one pre-post feasibility study and one descriptive correlational study. Four studies reported a significant reduction in PTSD scores in intervention groups compared with baseline or comparison, when using debriefing, guided imagery or mindfulness-based exercises. CONCLUSIONS This review identified six studies evaluating hospital-based interventions to reduce PTSD and PTSD symptoms among hospital nurses, with some positive effects reported, contributing to a preliminary evidence base on reducing workplace trauma. Larger studies can compare nurse subpopulations, and system-level interventions should expand the focus from individuals to organisations. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This review can inform nursing and hospital leaders developing evidence-based interventions for PTSD among nurses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sugee Liyanage
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonja Addison
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elke Ham
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
| | - N Zoe Hilton
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hruska B, Barduhn MS. Dynamic psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with mental health in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:9-17. [PMID: 33387746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EMS personnel have a heightened risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression relative to other occupational populations necessitating a greater understanding of the risk and protective factors that operate each day in relation to this risk. This study examined dynamic psychosocial factors and their relationship with daily mental health symptoms among EMS workers. The psychosocial factors examined consisted of occupational stressors, sleep disturbance, social conflict, meaning made from the day's challenges, recovery activities, social support, and perceived prosocial impact. METHOD Seventy-nine EMS workers recruited from an emergency medical service provider in Central New York completed a daily assessment for 8 days asking questions about occupational stressors encountered, sleep efficiency, social conflicts, meaning made from the day's challenges, recovery activities engaged in, social support received, and perceived prosocial impact. RESULTS Daily occupational stressors were associated with elevated daily PTSD symptom severity (b = 0.13, SE = 0.06, p = .023). Social conflicts were associated with greater depression symptom severity (b = 0.75, SE = 0.14, p < .001); the meaning made from day's stressors (b = -0.17, SE = 0.05, p = .002) and the recovery activities engaged in (b = -0.30, SE = 0.07, p < .001) were associated with lower daily depression symptom severity. LIMITATIONS A relatively modest sample size and small sampling window may constrain the generalizations made from this study. CONCLUSIONS Occupational stressors and social conflicts are key risk factors related to the daily expression of PTSD and depression symptom severity in EMS workers. The meaning made from the day's challenges and the recovery activities engaged in may protect against depression. These results reveal several dynamic psychosocial factors that aid in understanding features of the work day that contribute to the mental health burden observed among EMS personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Hruska
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
An Experience of Otorhinolaryngologists as Frontline Worker with Novel Coronavirus: A Qualitative Analysis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 74:2832-2839. [PMID: 33489852 PMCID: PMC7810597 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During this COVID pandemic healthcare worker systems were overwhelmed. Doctors especially otorhinolaryngologists in addition to doing their specialty duty were also recruited to provide care to COVID-19 patients. To our knowledge, no studies about their experiences regarding COVID-19 have been published. Present study aimed to describe the experiences of Otorhinolaryngologist during this pandemic. This is a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach. 30 ENT doctors were recruited from government and private sector. They participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews by telephone in a period of one month. Interviews were recorded by consent and data was analyzed. After analysis four themes were revealed namely; ‘nature of duty during Covid-19 pandemic’, ‘modification made to adjust the duty’, ‘conflict between professional duty and family responsibilities’, and ‘fear of pandemic ill effect on their health’. The extreme work and fatigue drained ours ENT doctor’s physically as well as emotionally. But our doctors showed their resilience and the spirit of professional dedication to overcome difficulties. Comprehensive support should be provided to safeguard the wellbeing of health-care providers mainly doctors. In the meantime timely as well as intensive training for all healthcare worker is highly recommended to promote preparedness and improve efficacy during the pandemic.
Collapse
|
10
|
Muller AE, Hafstad EV, Himmels JPW, Smedslund G, Flottorp S, Stensland SØ, Stroobants S, Van de Velde S, Vist GE. The mental health impact of the covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers, and interventions to help them: A rapid systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2020; 293:113441. [PMID: 32898840 PMCID: PMC7462563 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic has heavily burdened healthcare systems throughout the world. We performed a rapid systematic review to identify, assess and summarize research on the mental health impact of the covid-19 pandemic on HCWs (healthcare workers). We utilized the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's Live map of covid-19 evidence on 11 May and included 59 studies. Six reported on implementing interventions, but none reported on effects of the interventions. HCWs reported low interest in professional help, and greater reliance on social support and contact. Exposure to covid-19 was the most commonly reported correlate of mental health problems, followed by female gender, and worry about infection or about infecting others. Social support correlated with less mental health problems. HCWs reported anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and distress during the covid-19 pandemic. We assessed the certainty of the estimates of prevalence of these symptoms as very low using GRADE. Most studies did not report comparative data on mental health symptoms before the pandemic or in the general population. There seems to be a mismatch between risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes among HCWs in the current pandemic, their needs and preferences, and the individual psychopathology focus of current interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Synne Øien Stensland
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Karrasch S, Hitzler M, Behnke A, Tumani V, Kolassa IT, Rojas R. Chronic and Traumatic Stress Among Emergency Medical Services Personnel. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are frequently confronted with multiple stressful and potentially traumatic events as well as adverse working conditions. Objective: This narrative review provides an overview of the impact of adverse mission experiences and working conditions on the mental and physical health of EMS personnel. Methods: We summarize the empirical findings on prevalence rates as well as individual vulnerability factors and resilience. Results: EMS personnel show the highest prevalence rates of stress-related health problems among first responders. The article outlines prevention and intervention approaches that contribute to maintaining and improving the mental and physical health of EMS personnel. Conclusion: In the future, further evidence-based intervention measures should be developed to adequately support this professional group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Karrasch
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Melissa Hitzler
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Alexander Behnke
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Visal Tumani
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| |
Collapse
|