1
|
Constructing loneliness: Home care providers' notions of older adults' social needs and the possibilities of the home care profession to support social participation. J Aging Stud 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2023.101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
|
2
|
Susanne A, Aileen B, Helen O, Susanne G, Anne-Marie B. Individual and organisational factors in the psychosocial work environment are associated with home care staffs' job strain: a Swedish cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1418. [PMID: 36434716 PMCID: PMC9701045 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08699-4] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home care staff (HCS) provide essential service to enable older adults to age in place. However, unreasonable demands in the work environment to deliver a safe, effective service with high quality has a negative impact on the individual employee's well-being and the care provided to the older adults. The psychosocial work environment is associated with employees´ well-being, although, knowledge regarding which individual and organisational factors that contribute to job strain for HCS is limited. These factors need to be identified to develop targeted interventions and create sustainable work situations for HCS. This study aimed to explore how HCS´s perceived job strain is associated with, and to what extent can be explained by, individual and organisational factors of the psychosocial work environment and psychosomatic health. METHOD An explorative cross-sectional questionnaire survey design was used in a large Swedish county. Five home care agencies with a total of 481 HCS were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding their perceived level of job strain (Strain in Dementia Care Scale), psychosocial work environment (QPSNordic34+), and psychosomatic health (Satisfaction with Work Questionnaire). Multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were conducted to explore the association between job strain and individual and organisational factors. RESULTS In total, 226 (46%) HCS responded to the questionnaire. Both individual and organisational factors were significant predictors of job strain and explained a variance ranging between 39 to 51% (p = 0.001). The organisational factor job demand and the individual factor feeling worried and restless was most frequently represented in these MRL models. A higher job strain was also associated with adverse outcomes regarding leadership, organisational culture and climate, and control at work. CONCLUSION This study indicates that there is an intertwined complexity of individual and organisational factors that are associated with the HCS´s perception of job strain. Implementation of new multidimensional work strategies, such as a reablement approach, could support the development of efficient strategies for HCS and reduce the level of job strain. Policy changes for the provision of home care are also needed to support the development of a sustainable and healthy psychosocial work environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assander Susanne
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bergström Aileen
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olt Helen
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Guidetti Susanne
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Theme Women´S Health and Allied Health Professionals, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Boström Anne-Marie
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden ,Research & Development Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nordin T, Coe AB, Nilsson I. Teaming up to traverse loneliness: a co-creative journey toward a home care work model for supporting social participation among older adults. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1159. [PMID: 36104816 PMCID: PMC9476274 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participatory research is particularly suitable in adressing know-do gaps in health systems. There is a disparity between what is known about the benefits of social participation and home care's responsibility to provide conditions amenable to older adults' social participation, and what is accomplished in home care practice. Home care workers are a large, low-power group, whose competences should be better harnessed. We carried out a participatory action research (PAR) project with the goal of generating an improved structure for identifying and alleviating loneliness. This article aims to explore the co-creative process of designing a work model that guides home care workers in supporting social participation among older care recipients. METHODS Multimodal data from 16 PAR workshops with 14 home care workers were described and explored through the 'recursive PAR process' and the 'framework for occupational enablement for change in community practice". RESULTS The PAR process is outlined through the objectives, activities, and work model, as well as enablement strategies employed throughout the PAR process; as are its opportunities, challenges and implications. The work model describes how care workers can act as discoverers of care recipients' unmet social needs, employ intentional communication, and link to relevant professions or community services to alleviate loneliness among older home care recipients. CONCLUSIONS This research process included opportunities of collaborating with enthusiastic and competent home care workers, but also challenges of moving between theory and practice and maintaining active participation between workshops. The resulting work model is in step with the requirements of elderly care, is unique in its field and could comprise a first step toward a more systematic approach of assessing and addressing loneliness. The vivid delineation of the PAR process provided in this paper can aid other researchers in navigating participatory research in home care contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Therese Nordin
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation Units: Occupational Therapy, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Ingeborg Nilsson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation Units: Occupational Therapy, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yoshimatsu K, Nakatani H. Attitudes of home-visiting nurses toward risk management of patient safety incidents in Japan. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:139. [PMID: 35668490 PMCID: PMC9169385 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-00905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In situations of home care, patients and their family members must address problems and emergencies themselves. For this reason, home-visiting nurses (HVNs) must practice risk management to ensure that patients can continue receiving care in the comfort of their homes. The purpose of this study was to examine HVNs' attitudes toward risk management. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative description approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect information on HVNs' risk management behavior and their attitudes toward it. Participants comprised 11 HVNs working at home-visiting nursing agencies in a prefecture of Japan. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Nurses' attitudes toward risk management comprised the following themes: (i) predicting and avoiding risks, (ii) ensuring medical safety in home settings, (iii) coping with incidents, and (iv) playing the role of administrators in medical safety, which was answered only by administrators. CONCLUSIONS When practicing risk management, home-visiting nurses should first assess the level of understanding of the patient and family, followed by developing safety measures tailored to their everyday needs. These results further suggest that administrators should take actions to foster a working environment conducive to risk management. These actions include coordinating duties to mitigate risk and improve the process of reporting risks. This study provides a baseline for future researchers to assist patients and families requiring medical care services of this nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Yoshimatsu
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition, The University of Shimane, 151 Nisihayasigi-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, 693-8550, Japan.
| | - Hisae Nakatani
- Department of Community and Public Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, 734-8551, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Polivka BJ, Anderson S, Lavender SA, Sommerich CM, Stredney DL, Wills CE, Darragh AR. Efficacy and Usability of a Virtual Simulation Training System for Health and Safety Hazards Encountered by Healthcare Workers. Games Health J 2018; 8:121-128. [PMID: 30234397 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2018.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the efficacy, usability, usefulness, and desirability (UUD) of a Home Healthcare Interactive Virtual Simulation Training System (HH-VSTS) designed to train home healthcare workers (HHWs) and healthcare students to identify and respond to health and safety hazards in client homes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to either the HH-VSTS training group or to the paper-based training group. The HH-VSTS group completed three HH-VSTS Training Modules on a laptop/desktop computer. The training modules addressed hazard identification, hazard rationale, and hazard response to electric/fire/burn, slip/trip/lift, and environmental hazards. The paper-based training group reviewed identical information in a written hard-copy format. Both groups completed an HH-VSTS Assessment module. Participants completed demographic/background and UUD questionnaires, and in-system metrics measured their performance on hazard identification, rationale, and response. RESULTS Participants (n = 74) were HHWs and students in health profession programs. There were no significant differences in participants' ability to correctly identify hazards, rationale, or how to address them. Participants identified over 90% of hazards, although fewer participants were able to correctly identify what makes an item a hazard or how to manage it. For those in the HH-VSTS group, over 83% found the HH-VSTS easy to use, over 94% agreed the HH-VSTS was useful, and over 80% liked it. CONCLUSION The HH-VSTS provided and engaging, efficacious training that was as effective as a typical paper-based training. In addition, the HH-VSTS is usable by a variety of end users, regardless of computer or gaming experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Anderson
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steve A Lavender
- 3 Department of Integrated Systems Engineering and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Carolyn M Sommerich
- 3 Department of Integrated Systems Engineering and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Donald L Stredney
- 5 Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Celia E Wills
- 6 College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Amy R Darragh
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sandberg L, Borell L, Edvardsson D, Rosenberg L, Boström AM. Job strain: a cross-sectional survey of dementia care specialists and other staff in Swedish home care services. J Multidiscip Healthc 2018; 11:255-266. [PMID: 29861636 PMCID: PMC5969065 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s155467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction An increasing number of older persons worldwide live at home with various functional limitations such as dementia. So, home care staff meet older persons with extensive, complex needs. The staff’s well-being is crucial because it can affect the quality of their work, although literature on job strain among home care staff is limited. Aim To describe perceived job strain among home care staff and to examine correlations between job strain, personal factors, and organizational factors. Methods The study applied a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were dementia care specialists who work in home care (n=34) and other home care staff who are not specialized in dementia care (n=35). The Strain in Dementia Care Scale (SDCS) and Creative Climate Questionnaire instruments and demographic variables were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including regression modeling) were applied. The regional ethical review board approved the study. Results Home care staff perceived job strain – particularly because they could not provide what they perceived to be necessary care. Dementia care specialists ranked job strain higher (m=5.71) than other staff members (m=4.71; p=0.04). Job strain (for total score and for all five SDCS factors) correlated with being a dementia care specialist. Correlations also occurred between job strain for SDCS factor 2 (difficulties understanding and interpreting) and not having Swedish as first language and SDCS factor 5 (lack of recognition) and stagnated organizational climate. Conclusion The study indicates that home care staff and particularly dementia care specialists perceived high job strain. Future studies are needed to confirm or reject findings from this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sandberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lena Borell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - David Edvardsson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.,Department of Nursing, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Lena Rosenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Boström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Nursing, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Haugesund, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mabry L, Parker KN, Thompson SV, Bettencourt KM, Haque A, Luther Rhoten K, Wright RR, Hess JA, Olson R. Protecting workers in the home care industry: workers’ experienced job demands, resource gaps, and benefits following a socially supportive intervention. Home Health Care Serv Q 2018; 37:259-276. [DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2018.1470590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Mabry
- Department of Teaching and Learning, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - Kelsey N. Parker
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sharon V. Thompson
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Katrina M. Bettencourt
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Afsara Haque
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kristy Luther Rhoten
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rob R. Wright
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Rexburg, ID, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Hess
- Labor and Education Research Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Ryan Olson
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Norman RM, Sjetne IS. Measuring nurses' perception of work environment: a scoping review of questionnaires. BMC Nurs 2017; 16:66. [PMID: 29200962 PMCID: PMC5697362 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-017-0256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nurses’ work environment has been shown to be associated with quality of care and organizational outcomes. In order to monitor the work environment, it is useful for all stakeholders to know the questionnaires that assess or evaluate conditions for delivering nursing care. The aim of this article is: to review the literature for assessed survey questionnaires that measure nurses’ perception of their work environment, make a brief assessment, and map the content domains included in a selection of questionnaires. Methods The search included electronic databases of internationally published literature, international websites, and hand searches of reference lists. Eligible papers describing a questionnaire had to be; a) suitable for nurses working in direct care in general hospitals, nursing homes or home healthcare settings; and b) constructed to measure work environment characteristics that are amenable to change and related to patient and organizational outcomes; and c) presented along with an assessment of their measurement properties. Results The search yielded 5077 unique articles. For the final synthesis, 65 articles met inclusion criteria, consisting of 34 questionnaires measuring nursing work environments in different settings. Most of the questionnaires that we found were developed, and tested, for registered nurses in a general hospital setting. Six questionnaires were developed specifically for use in nursing home settings and one for home healthcare. The content domains covered by the questionnaires were both overlapping and unique and the terminology in use was inconsistent. The most common content domains in the work environment questionnaires were supportive managers, collaborative relationships with peers, busyness, professional practice and autonomy. Conclusions The findings from this review enhance the understanding of how “work environment” can be measured by an overview of existing questionnaires and domains. Our results indicate that there are very many work environment questionnaires with varying content. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12912-017-0256-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Maria Norman
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), PO Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.,University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Health Management and Health Economics, PO Box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gard G, Larsson A. Working conditions and workplace health and safety promotion in home care: A mixed-method study from Swedish managers' perspectives. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2017; 72:359-365. [PMID: 28095115 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2017.1279998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Today, we can see a trend toward increased psychosocial strain at work among home-care managers and staff. The aim of this study is to describe home care managers' views on their own psychosocial working conditions and on how to promote workplace health and safety in a municipality in northern Sweden. A mixed-methods design was used, including questionnaire and qualitative focus group data. The qualitative data were analyzed by manifest content analysis. The results indicate that most managers perceived increased variety in work and opportunities for development at work, but at the same time increased demands. The managers suggested that workplace health and safety could be improved by risk assessment and improved communication, a clear communication chain by a real as well as a virtual platform for communication. In summary, workplace health and safety could be improved by risk assessments and by a physical as well as a virtual platform for communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunvor Gard
- a Department of Health Sciences , Luleå University of Technology , Luleå , Sweden
- b Department of Health Sciences , Lund University , Lund , Sweden
| | - Agneta Larsson
- a Department of Health Sciences , Luleå University of Technology , Luleå , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Post Sennehed C, Gard G, Holmberg S, Stigmar K, Forsbrand M, Grahn B. "Blue flags", development of a short clinical questionnaire on work-related psychosocial risk factors - a validation study in primary care. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:318. [PMID: 28738803 PMCID: PMC5525291 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1677-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Working conditions substantially influence health, work ability and sick leave. Useful instruments to help clinicians pay attention to working conditions are lacking in primary care (PC). The aim of this study was to test the validity of a short “Blue flags” questionnaire, which focuses on work-related psychosocial risk factors and any potential need for contacts and/or actions at the workplace. Methods From the original“The General Nordic Questionnaire” (QPSNordic) the research group identified five content areas with a total of 51 items which were considered to be most relevant focusing on work-related psychosocial risk factors. Fourteen items were selected from the identified QPSNordic content areas and organised in a short questionnaire “Blue flags”. These 14 items were validated towards the 51 QPSNordic items. Content validity was reviewed by a professional panel and a patient panel. Structural and concurrent validity were also tested within a randomised clinical trial. Results The two panels (n = 111) considered the 14 psychosocial items to be relevant. A four-factor model was extracted with an explained variance of 25.2%, 14.9%, 10.9% and 8.3% respectively. All 14 items showed satisfactory loadings on all factors. Concerning concurrent validity the overall correlation was very strong rs = 0.87 (p < 0.001).). Correlations were moderately strong for factor one, rs = 0.62 (p < 0.001) and factor two, rs = 0.74 (p < 0.001). Factor three and factor four were weaker, bur still fair and significant at rs = 0.53 (p < 0.001) and rs = 0.41 (p < 0.001) respectively. The internal consistency of the whole “Blue flags” was good with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.76. Conclusions The content, structural and concurrent validity were satisfactory in this first step of development of the “Blue flags” questionnaire. In summary, the overall validity is considered acceptable. Testing in clinical contexts and in other patient populations is recommended to ensure predictive validity and usefulness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Post Sennehed
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Orthopedics, Lund, Sweden. .,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Box 1223, 35112, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Gunvor Gard
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Sara Holmberg
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Box 1223, 35112, Växjö, Sweden.,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kjerstin Stigmar
- Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Forsbrand
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Orthopedics, Lund, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Blekinge Centre of Competence, Landstinget Blekinge, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Grahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Orthopedics, Lund, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Register Centre South, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Box 1223, 35112, Växjö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
AbstractThis study explored aged care support workers’ perceptions of how their health was influenced by their job, highlighting similarities and differences of those working in community-based and institution-based care. Support workers working in two institution-based and three community-based aged care organisations were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with ten participants. Open-ended questions probed participants’ perceptions of their health as it related to their work. Data were analysed with the General Inductive Approach. Four central themes were identified, many of which related to mental, as opposed to physical health. ‘Love of the job’ described various sources of satisfaction for participants. These factors commonly overrode the negative aspects. ‘Stress’ encompassed the negative influences on all aspects of health. ‘Support’ described the positive influences on health, which supported participants in their job. ‘Physicality’ described the physical nature of the job and the positive and negative impact this had on participants’ health. Support workers perform numerous tasks, which often impact upon their health. Aspects of the job that may impact the health of the worker are improved communication and support from management, as well as recognition for support workers’ contribution to society. These could be targeted to enhance support worker health. Additional training and reduced time pressure may also represent aspects for improvement, to optimise support workers’ physical health.
Collapse
|