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Flannery H, McParland J, Baker H, Hitchcock M, Portnoy S. Morning Connections: How do you support hospital staff working remotely during a global pandemic without providing 'staff support'? Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:143-156. [PMID: 35965443 PMCID: PMC9379589 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221119003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
When lockdown was announced in the United Kingdom, kitchen tables transformed into offices overnight, as many National Health Service (NHS) workers adapted to new ways of working from home. To respond to the developing situation, we established a programme of weekly 'Connections' meetings where staff could be together, remotely. This article describes the evolution of our Morning Connections and Oncology Connections virtual meetings, including the content of sessions, how they were evaluated and whether they met their intention to support colleagues during a particularly challenging time, both personally and professionally, for NHS staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Flannery
- Child and Adolescent Psychology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust8964, UK
| | - James McParland
- Child and Adolescent Psychology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust8964, UK
| | - Hannah Baker
- South London and Maudsley Mental Health NHS Trust4958, UK
| | - Megan Hitchcock
- Child and Adolescent Psychology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust8964, UK
| | - Sara Portnoy
- Child and Adolescent Psychology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust8964, UK
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Berger RS, Wright RJ, Faith MA, Stapleton S. Compassion fatigue in pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant healthcare providers: An integrative review. Palliat Support Care 2022; 20:867-877. [PMID: 34852865 DOI: 10.1017/s147895152100184x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compassion fatigue (CF), which includes burnout and secondary traumatic stress, is highly prevalent among healthcare providers (HCPs). Ultimately, if left untreated, CF is often associated with absenteeism, decreased work performance, poor job satisfaction, and providers leaving their positions. To identify risk factors for developing CF and interventions to combat it in pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant (PHOB) HCPs. METHODS An integrative review was conducted. Controlled vocabulary relevant to neoplasms, CF, pediatrics, and HCPs was used to search PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and Web of Science MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria were the following: English language and PHOB population. Exclusion criteria were the following: did not address question, wrong study population, mixed study population where PHOB HCPs were only part of the population, articles about moral distress as this is a similar but not the same topic as CF, conference abstracts, and book chapters. RESULTS A total of 16 articles were reviewed: 3 qualitative, 6 quantitative, 3 mixed methods, and 4 non research. Three themes were explored: (1) high-risk populations for developing CF, (2) sources of stress in PHOB HCPs, and (3) workplace interventions to decrease CF. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS PHOB HCPs are at high risk of developing CF due to high morbidity and mortality in their patient population. Various interventions, including the use of a clinical support nurse, debriefing, support groups, respite rooms, and retreats, have varying degrees of efficacy to decrease CF in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Berger
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, St. Petersburg, FL
| | | | - Melissa A Faith
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, St. Petersburg, FL
| | - Stacie Stapleton
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, St. Petersburg, FL
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Siddique S, Bhyat F, Lewis S. The lived experiences of radiotherapists treating paediatric patients: Gauteng, South Africa. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022; 53:412-419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zarenti M, Kressou E, Panagopoulou Z, Bacopoulou F, Kokka I, Vlachakis D, Chrousos GP, Darviri C. Stress among pediatric oncology staff. A systematic review. EMBNET.JOURNAL 2021; 26:e981. [PMID: 34840964 PMCID: PMC8623911 DOI: 10.14806/ej.26.1.981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is considered one of the dominant life-threatening diseases in children. Working in the field of pediatric oncology, although rewarding, can be a source of stress and emotional burden for health care providers. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the evidence regarding the occupational stress of health care providers working with pediatric cancer patients. Extensive search of the Pubmed and Scopus databases was performed to identify studies relevant to the topic. Initial search retrieved 657 studies. The reviewing investigators, after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, extracted data to critically appraise the quality of evidence. The final step of search concluded in 23 studies of heterogeneous design. Results revealed two main domains of which occupational stress derived from i) the interaction of the health care provider with the patient and the family, and ii) several organisational factors, such as hierarchical structures, experience, workload, and low organisational support. Literature on the stress of pediatric oncology staff is limited. The rather small sample sizes of the studies, the heterogeneity of methodological design, the lack of assessment from a sociological point of view, as well as the limited psychometric instruments adapted to pediatric oncology staff, make the validity of the results questionable. Further research is warranted to obtain a more accurate view of the field, to identify a cause-effect relation between work-related stress and pediatric oncology staff, and, more importantly, to guide future recommendations on support systems and stress management training within pediatric oncology settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zarenti
- Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kressou
- Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharo Panagopoulou
- Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioulia Kokka
- Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Lab of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Darviri
- Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Aburn GE, Hoare K, Gott M. " We are all a family" Staff Experiences of Working in Children's Blood and Cancer Centers in New Zealand-A Constructivist Grounded Theory. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2021; 38:295-306. [PMID: 33913349 DOI: 10.1177/10434542211011042] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to explore staff experiences of working in a children's blood and cancer center in New Zealand, with a particular focus on how staff maintain resilience in their work and sustain working in this difficult area. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory (GT) methods were used to collect data using focus groups and individual interviews with all staff (nursing, medical, allied health, cleaning, and support staff) working in the area. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results: The GT constructed in this study is being a work family, which includes three core categories: finding attachment, becoming a work family, and having an identity. Discussion: This study found that regardless of profession or discipline, all staff experience similar feelings about their work, and can develop and enhance their resilience by belonging to a "work family." Being socially connected to the work family was recognized as the most supportive intervention, and was identified as being of greater value than the traditional one-on-one support that is currently encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma E Aburn
- Pediatric Palliative Care, 36716Starship Child Health, Auckland District Health Board, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Nursing, 1415University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen Hoare
- College of Health, 168219Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Greenstone Family Clinic, Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, 1415University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ålykkja A, Ruud E, Larsen MH, Vatne TM, Lie HC. Available, but not always accessible: A nationwide, qualitative study of multidisciplinary healthcare providers' experiences with follow-up care after paediatric brain tumour. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 30:e13375. [PMID: 33236388 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paediatric brain tumour (PBT) survivors face high risks of disabling long-term and late effects. Whether survivors' needs are met in a system with publicly funded services, but in the absence of a formal long-term follow-up model, is uncertain. Empirically based recommendations for a national model are needed. We explored multidisciplinary healthcare providers' (HCP) experiences with providing such care. METHODS We conducted five focus-group interviews and five individual interviews with a nationally representative sample of 33 Norwegian HCPs. Focus-group interviews and individual interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: (a) 'Providing care above and beyond system constraints', describing a perceived discrepancy between HCPs' knowledge of, and their ability to meet, the survivors' needs. (b) 'System barriers to providing optimal follow-up care', describing a perceived lack of routines for communication and coordination between the HCPs and existing care services. (c) 'Nurses and shared-care to improve care', including empowering nurses and establishing routines for collaborations and areas of responsibilities. CONCLUSION The current healthcare system was perceived not to fully meet the survivors' needs. Nurse-led care models, including standardised patient-care pathways, were suggested to increase the accessibility of already-existing services and thus to improve long-term follow-up care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Ålykkja
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Ruud
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Hamilton Larsen
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hanne C Lie
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hopia H, Heino-Tolonen T. Families in Paediatric Oncology Nursing: Critical Incidents From the Nurses' Perspective. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 44:e28-e35. [PMID: 30528181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Paediatric oncology nurses encounter challenges with families on a daily basis. This study explores how nurses describe significant incidents when encountering families and family members during the child's hospitalisation in the paediatric oncology unit. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach in which 17 paediatric oncology nurses from three different hospitals described critical incidents related to families. The participants' written descriptions were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS The results indicate three domains where critical incidents occur: 1) Families' capability and resources, 2) parents' behaviour and 3) emotional labour in paediatric oncology nursing. CONCLUSION The results indicate that paediatric oncology nurses face situations with patients' parents that can cause them stress and uncertainty, as well as burden them emotionally. Some of the incidents dealt with difficult ethical questions. Because of the challenges that families are facing, as described in the study, nurses need to focus more on helping families identify their resources and empower themselves in order to adapt to a new situation in their lives. IMPLICATIONS The results provide important information not only for paediatric nursing but also for education and management. Since the quality of family nursing does not only depend on the competence of nurses or available resources, support from management concerning the work with families of severely sick children would be beneficial to the nurses. In addition, educational interventions need to be developed in order to strengthen the capability of nurses to successfully respond to challenging situations with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hopia
- JAMK University of Applied Sciences, School of Health and Social Studies, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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Beresford B, Gibson F, Bayliss J, Mukherjee S. Preventing work-related stress among staff working in children's cancer Principal Treatment Centres in the UK: a brief survey of staff support systems and practices. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2018; 27:e12535. [PMID: 27375083 PMCID: PMC5901000 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence of the association between health professionals' well-being and patient and organisational outcomes points to the need for effective staff support. This paper reports a brief survey of the UK's children's cancer Principal Treatment Centres (PTCs) regarding staff support systems and practices. A short on-line questionnaire, administered in 2012-2013, collected information about the availability of staff support interventions which seek to prevent work-related stress among different members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). It was completed by a member of staff with, where required, assistance from colleagues. All PTCs (n = 19) participated. Debriefs following a patient death was the most frequently reported staff support practice. Support groups were infrequently mentioned. There was wide variability between PTCs, and between professional groups, regarding the number and type of interventions available. Doctors appear to be least likely to have access to support. A few Centres routinely addressed work-related stress in wider staff management strategies. Two Centres had developed a bespoke intervention. Very few Centres were reported to actively raise awareness of support available from their hospital's Occupational Health department. A minority of PTCs had expert input regarding staff support from clinical psychology/liaison psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Beresford
- Social Policy Research UnitUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | - F. Gibson
- Centre for Nursing and Allied Health Research and Evidence Based PracticeGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | - J. Bayliss
- The Louis Dundas CentreOncology Outreach and Palliative CareGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - S. Mukherjee
- Social Policy Research UnitUniversity of YorkYorkUK
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