How do we recover from COVID-19? Helping diabetes teams foresee and prepare for the psychological harms

Learning, internalisation and integration of the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers: A qualitative document analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented health crisis that impacted healthcare systems worldwide. This study explores how Spanish healthcare workers learned, internalised and integrated values and work behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the personal sphere. This documentary research, using images, narratives and audiovisual content, was framed within the interpretative hermeneutic paradigm. Categories and subcategories emerged after a final theoretical sampling that focused on the analysis. Data triangulation between researchers favoured theoretical saturation. A total of 117 images and 27 texts were selected. The analysis identified three stages: bewilderment, seeking functionality in the chaos and integrating chaos into care. The data reflects how the need for security and knowledge, and the exhaustion and frustration caused by the initial working conditions, prompted adaptive responses. These responses involved focusing on problem-solving and strengthening group sentiments and solidarity. Subsequently, the data indicates the acceptance of new structural, organisational and communication aspects. The findings of the analysis will contribute towards finding a framework that can help understand community health crisis events.

Effects of internet-based, psychosocial, and early medical interventions on professional burnout in health care workers: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Background

The prevalence of professional burnout increased among healthcare workers during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with negative effects on their mental health. Consequently, research interest in methods to decrease the prevalence of burnout and reduce the effects of burnout on healthcare workers has increased. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Internet-based, psychosocial, and early medical interventions on professional burnout among healthcare workers.

Methodology

This systematic review and meta-analysis involved 8004 articles identified from four databases: Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and clinical trials.

Results

Four articles were included in the systematic review, of which two could be meta-analyzed. The pooled effect of the group of interventions compared to control conditions was not statistically significant.

Discussion

Evaluating therapeutic effectiveness requires more clinical trials that allow its evaluation. Although we did not find improvements in the three intervention categories, the methodological heterogeneity in each intervention and the need for a standardized intervention guide for managing and decreasing professional burnout, subject to the evaluation of its impact, are highlighted.

Psychosocial comorbidities of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran

BACKGROUND

The psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are mainly focused on the general population, while pandemics do not impact the mental health of the entire population uniformly, especially vulnerable populations with underlying health conditions. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate diabetes psychosocial comorbidities among Iranians with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 212 adults with T1D in different cities in Iran. Study participants completed an online survey in April-June 2020. The survey collected self-reported data on diabetes psychosocial comorbidities (i.e. diabetes burnout, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms). Demographic and COVID-19 data before and during the pandemic were also collected. Responses were analyzed using ordinary least squares and logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

Around 17.5% reported being tested for COVID-19 virus, 8% were diagnosed positive, 10.8% were hospitalized, and 92.9% followed precaution recommendations during the pandemic. Participants had high levels of diabetes distress (57.1%), depressive symptoms (60.8%), and diabetes burnout (mean score = 3.1 out of 5). During the pandemic, trouble paying for the very basic needs was a consistent factor increasing the risk of diabetes distress, diabetes burnout, and depressive symptoms. Lack of access to diabetes care was only associated with diabetes burnout, while diabetes hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit was associated with diabetes distress. Existing diabetes disparities before the pandemic were also associated with higher scores of diabetes psychosocial comorbidities [accessing diabetes supplies and medications (P < 0.0001) and places for physical exercise (P < 0.0333)].

CONCLUSION

The negative impact of the COVID-19-related changes on individuals with diabetes, as one of the most vulnerable populations, must be recognized alongside the physical, financial, and societal impact on all those affected. Psychological interventions should be implemented urgently in Iran, especially for those with such characteristics.

Burnout Related to Diabetes Mellitus: A Critical Analysis

Background

Diabetes burnout is a condition when a patient with diabetes feels tired from his/her disease and neglects it for a certain period or continuously.

Objective

Diabetes burnout is frequent, and there is extended literature about psychosocial stress and its negative effects on health.

Methods

A search for relevant studies was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate. A systematic review was conducted on the relevant articles after critical appraisal. Only publications in English were selected. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between burnout syndrome and diabetes mellitus.

Results

This article mainly focused on studies that evaluated the presence of burnout and diabetes mellitus effects. Diabetes can influence psychological health equally with somatic strength. Relatives can also express depression, guilt, fright, worry, rage, and burnout. Psychosocial job stress and extended working hours are linked with a higher possibility of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Conclusion

Diabetes burnout is a combination of emotions and practices, ranging from tiredness to indifference, linked with a distressing sense of hopelessness. Revealing this health condition is necessary so that preventive measures can be taken.