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Wirth T, Kräft J, Marquardt B, Harth V, Mache S. Indicators of technostress, their association with burnout and the moderating role of support offers among nurses in German hospitals: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085705. [PMID: 39002964 PMCID: PMC11253736 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085705] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the level of indicators of technostress among nurses with and without a leadership position, the relationship between indicators of technostress and burnout and the moderating role of support offered by employers. The availability of support offers and further needs of nurses were also explored. DESIGN Cross-sectional online survey. SETTING Acute care hospitals in Germany. PARTICIPANTS 303 nurses (73.3% female) who have worked at the hospital for at least 1 year and a minimum of 10 hours per week. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Indicators of technostress (complexity, overload, usefulness, lack of technical support and unreliability) served as predictors in multiple linear regression analyses to examine their association with the primary outcome burnout. Support of employers was included as a moderator variable. Validated subscales from the Digital Stressors Scale and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory as well as open-ended questions were applied. RESULTS There were no differences in the level of indicators of technostress found between nurses with and without a leadership position. Techno-overload (β=0.259, p=0.004) and techno-complexity (β=0.161, p=0.043) were significantly associated with burnout. Support by the employer moderated the relationship between lack of technical support and burnout significantly (R² change=0.026, F(1,292)=7.41, p=0.007). Support offers such as training, IT service and contact persons on the ward helped nurses to be more confident in the use of information and communication technologies. However, they expressed further needs with regard to these and new offers. CONCLUSIONS There was an association between two indicators of technostress and burnout. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to supporting nurses in terms of techno-overload and techno-complexity. Furthermore, there is still a need for customised support and further offers from employers in the use of digital technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Wirth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Kräft
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berit Marquardt
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Ezeilo CO, Green-McKenzie J. The Covid-19 Pandemic and The Future of Work. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:e245-e251. [PMID: 38531821 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The "future of work" refers to workplace modifications projected to occur following large scale events impacting workforce health and safety such as pandemics, technological advancements, or economic shifts. This paper examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of work. METHODS The electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were explored using search terms such as "post-pandemic," "working force," and "future of work" to retrieve papers published between 2000 and 2023. RESULTS The main characteristics of the future of work modification revealed are blurring of work-home boundaries, increase in telework and the gig economy, demand for artificial intelligence, smart working, quiet hiring, diversity and inclusion, and algocratic governance. Needed skills include virtual collaboration capability, cross-cultural competency, computational thinking, news media literacy, transdisciplinarity, sense making, and focusing on mental health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS Organizations are remodeling workforces to meet employee, employer, regulatory, and market expectations to adapt to future workplace needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidimma Ogechukwu Ezeilo
- From the Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (C.O.E.); University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.G.-M.); and Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.G.-M.)
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Győrffy Z, Radó N, Pölczman L, Sükösd A, Boros J. Creating work-life balance among physicians in the age of digitalization: the role of self-consciousness and communication - a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1141. [PMID: 37875908 PMCID: PMC10594792 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Besides the positive effects of using digital health solutions, digitalization can affect the healthcare worker burnout. The ability to coordinate different aspects of life (WLB) also plays a significant role in the development of burnout among medical workers. The aim of our study is to show, through qualitative interviews, the impact of digitalization on work-life balance in Hungarian physicians. METHODS 62 semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2021 and June 2022, of which, a total of 31 interviews were used for the analysis, which were all related to the theme of work-life balance. Purposive sampling and inductive thematic approach were used to collect and analyse the data and identify patterns of the themes. RESULTS Based on this analysis, 5 main themes emerged: (1) the use of digital health tools, (2) Impact of digital tools on everyday work, (3) Work-life balance, (4) Setting and maintaining work-life boundaries, (5) Potential solutions. With the spread of digital communication, most of the respondents feel that their working hours increased even at the expense of their private life. The majority considers constant availability as a serious problem, however, several physicians indicated that as a result of a learning curve, they are able to change and set the necessary boundaries. Respondents were divided on whether or not they were successful in setting and maintaining boundaries. The 2 most important factors of establishing WLB in a digital age are self-consciousness and communication. However, these skills are not self-evident: the responses also show that in many cases there is a need for external support, but also for health professionals to actively reflect from time to time on their role as healers and their relationship with technology. CONCLUSION Basic principles and tools for establishing successful digital work-life balance in healthcare should be involved in the training curriculum of future physicians and healthcare professionals, while institutions should elaborate specific policies to include digital work-life balance in the institutional setting, as part of the preventive measures against burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Győrffy
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4. 20th floor, Budapest, H-1089, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Radó
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4. 20th floor, Budapest, H-1089, Hungary
| | - Lea Pölczman
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4. 20th floor, Budapest, H-1089, Hungary
| | - Anikó Sükösd
- Eötvös Lorand University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Julianna Boros
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4. 20th floor, Budapest, H-1089, Hungary
- Hungarian Demographic Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
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Bail C, Harth V, Mache S. Digitalization in Urology-A Multimethod Study of the Relationships between Physicians' Technostress, Burnout, Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2255. [PMID: 37628451 PMCID: PMC10454488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162255] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential influences of digitization on the mental health of personnel in the healthcare sector are increasingly coming into the scientific focus in the healthcare sector, especially in terms of the use of information and communication technologies. To date, there have been no German studies of the effects of technostress in healthcare. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between technostress, burnout, work engagement, and job satisfaction among physicians in the field of urology. Data were collected via an online survey based on the job demands-resources model and the concept of technostress. The survey was sent to German urologists working in inpatient clinics. The participating physicians experienced moderate levels of technostress (M = 2.67, SD = 0.69). The results, based on a general linear model analysis, showed that technostress is significantly positively associated with burnout (β = 0.293; p < 0.001) and negatively associated with work engagement (β = -0.175; p < 0.001) and job satisfaction (β = -0.206; p < 0.001). This study also identified stress and strain factors associated with the use of ICT and assessed institutional support offers as coping mechanisms. The results of this study and its formulated practical implications can serve as a basis for discussing sustainable digitalization strategies in hospitals, taking into consideration technostress and its impact on physicians' burnout, work engagement and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20459 Hamburg, Germany; (C.B.); (V.H.)
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Tell A, Westenhöfer J, Harth V, Mache S. Stressors, Resources, and Strain Associated with Digitization Processes of Medical Staff Working in Neurosurgical and Vascular Surgical Hospital Wards: A Multimethod Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1988. [PMID: 37510429 PMCID: PMC10379129 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11141988] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The digitization of German hospitals is proceeding continuously, leading to the implementation of new digital technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) or other technologies, used for the purpose of medical documentation tasks. Even though the replacement of paper documentation through digitized documentation in general promises to come along with plenty of benefits, the daily utilization of technologies might also lead to stresses and strains among the medical staff, eventually possibly leading to the development of different negative work and health-related outcomes. This study, therefore, aims at identifying persisting digitization-associated stressors and resources among medical hospital staff, examining their influences on different work and health-related outcomes, and finally, identifying potential needs for preventive measures. A quantitative study in the form of an online questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians working in the medical field of neuro- and vascular surgery in German hospitals. The study was carried out between June and October 2022 utilizing an online questionnaire based on several standardized scales, such as the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the technostress model, as well as on several scales from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The study found medium levels of technostress among the participating physicians (n = 114), as well as low to medium levels of persisting resources. The queried physicians, on average, reported low levels of burnout symptoms, generally described their health status as good, and were mostly satisfied with their job. Despite the prevalence of technostress and the low levels of resources among the surveyed physicians, there is little awareness of the problem of digital stress, and preventive measures have not been widely implemented yet in the clinics, indicating a needs gap and the necessity for the strategic and quality-guided implementation of measures to effectively prevent digital stress from developing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Tell
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Seewartenstraße 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Westenhöfer
- Department Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences (HAW), Ulmenliet 20, 21033 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Seewartenstraße 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Seewartenstraße 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
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Arnold M, Goldschmitt M, Rigotti T. Dealing with information overload: a comprehensive review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1122200. [PMID: 37416535 PMCID: PMC10322198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1122200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Information overload is a problem that is being exacerbated by the ongoing digitalization of the world of work and the growing use of information and communication technologies. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an insight into existing measures for prevention and intervention related to information overload. The methodological approach of the systematic review is based on the PRISMA standards. A keyword search in three interdisciplinary scientific databases and other more practice-oriented databases resulted in the identification of 87 studies, field reports, and conceptual papers that were included in the review. The results show that a considerable number of papers have been published on interventions on the behavioral prevention level. At the level of structural prevention, there are also many proposals on how to design work to reduce information overload. A further distinction can be made between work design approaches at the level of information and communication technology and at the level of teamwork and organizational regulations. Although the identified studies cover a wide range of possible interventions and design approaches to address information overload, the strength of the evidence from these studies is mixed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Arnold
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Rigotti
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
- Work, Organizational and Business Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Kaltenegger HC, Becker L, Rohleder N, Nowak D, Quartucci C, Weigl M. Associations of technostressors at work with burnout symptoms and chronic low-grade inflammation: a cross-sectional analysis in hospital employees. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023:10.1007/s00420-023-01967-8. [PMID: 37148328 PMCID: PMC10163295 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01967-8] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the increasing scholarly interest in the phenomenon technostress, associated biological effects on employee health are under-researched. Chronic low-grade inflammation is suggested as a central pathway linking stress experience to disease development. The aim of this study was to assess associations of technology-related work stressors (technostressors) with low-grade inflammation and burnout symptoms. METHODS N = 173 (74.6% women, Mage = 31.0 years) university hospital employees participated in a cross-sectional study. Self-report questionnaires were used for the assessment of general psychosocial working conditions (work overload, job control, social climate), a range of different technostressors, burnout symptoms, and relevant confounders. Participants provided capillary blood samples, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as an inflammatory biomarker was analyzed from dried blood spots. RESULTS Based on a factor analysis, we identified four underlying dimensions of technostressors: techno- and information overload, techno-complexity, interruptions and multitasking as well as usability and technical support. In multivariate linear regressions, techno-/information overload and techno-complexity were associated with core (exhaustion, mental distance) and secondary (psychosomatic complaints) symptoms of burnout. Techno-/information overload was a significant predictor of burnout core symptoms, even when general work overload was controlled for. The technostressors were not associated with hs-CRP. CONCLUSION This is the first study on technology-related stress at work and chronic low-grade inflammation. The results suggest that (information) overload caused by digital technology use is a distinct work stressor with genuine consequences for psychological health. To what extent these effects also manifest on a physiological level needs to be subjected to future studies, ideally with prospective designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena C Kaltenegger
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Linda Becker
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Quartucci
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Institute for Occupational Health and Product Safety, Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Weigl
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Patient Safety, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Jose A, Tortorella GL, Vassolo R, Kumar M, Mac Cawley AF. Professional Competence and Its Effect on the Implementation of Healthcare 4.0 Technologies: Scoping Review and Future Research Directions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:478. [PMID: 36612799 PMCID: PMC9819051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of Healthcare 4.0 technologies faces a number of barriers that have been increasingly discussed in the literature. One of the barriers presented is the lack of professionals trained in the required competencies. Such competencies can be technical, methodological, social, and personal, contributing to healthcare professionals managing and adapting to technological changes. This study aims to analyse the previous research related to the competence requirements when adopting Healthcare 4.0 technologies. METHODS To achieve our goal, we followed the standard procedure for scoping reviews. We performed a search in the most important databases and retrieved 4976 (2011-present) publications from all the databases. After removing duplicates and performing further screening processes, we ended up with 121 articles, from which 51 were selected following an in-depth analysis to compose the final publication portfolio. RESULTS Our results show that the competence requirements for adopting Healthcare 4.0 are widely discussed in non-clinical implementations of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) applications. Based on the citation frequency and overall relevance score, the competence requirement for adopting applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) along with technical competence is a prominent contributor to the literature. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare organisations are in a technological transition stage and widely incorporate various technologies. Organisations seem to prioritise technologies for 'sensing' and 'communication' applications. The requirements for competence to handle the technologies used for 'processing' and 'actuation' are not prevalent in the literature portfolio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abey Jose
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820000, Chile
| | - Guilherme L. Tortorella
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1630FHB, Argentina
- Department of Production and Systems Engineering, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto Vassolo
- IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1630FHB, Argentina
| | - Maneesh Kumar
- Logistics and Operations Management Section, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3EU, UK
| | - Alejandro F. Mac Cawley
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820000, Chile
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Scheepers L, Angerer P, Dragano N. Digitalisation in Craft Enterprises: Perceived Technostress, Readiness for Prevention and Countermeasures-A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11349. [PMID: 36141621 PMCID: PMC9517128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital technologies are increasingly used in the craft sector. Innovative technologies have several benefits for businesses but working with them can also induce negative feelings and stress. Data are lacking on perceived stress as well as the resulting strain and effects on health. However, information is needed about the principles of healthy working conditions in the context of digitalisation in the craft sector. To identify targeted starting points for preventive interventions to reduce technostress, we studied the perception of managers and employees of craft enterprises about digitalisation. METHOD 26 guideline-based interviews were conducted with managers and employees in the craft sector to assess their understanding of digitalisation and the perceived effects on their health. The data analysis was based on a structured qualitative content analysis. RESULTS In the administrative area, digitalisation is perceived as simplifying work, as information, for example, becomes more easily accessible. The actual craft work, however, is perceived as more psychologically stressful, e.g., due to technologically more complex heating systems. Likewise, an increased stress experience is described in connection with constant accessibility and workplace surveillance. To reduce the stress experience, clear prevention wishes such as digital breaks or more participation in decisions about digital technologies are stated. CONCLUSION Managers and employees in craft enterprises experience increasing psychological strain due to technostress. However, there is a willingness to take preventive interventions and a desire for more support in creating healthy working conditions in the context of digitalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Scheepers
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Pfaffinger KF, Reif JAM, Spieß E, Czakert JP, Berger R. Using digital interventions to reduce digitalisation-related stress-does it work? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35996884 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Digitalisation entails positive and negative consequences for employees. In a longitudinal, randomized control group design over 14 days (N = 95 participants), we piloted and expected each of three app-based interventions to positively influence general well-being, well-being related to information and communication technology (ICT), and recovery compared to the control group with no intervention. The meditation intervention significantly increased general well-being (satisfaction) and recovery (detachment) compared to the control group but did not reduce general stress. The cognitive-behavioural intervention significantly increased general well-being (less stress). The informational intervention however increased the general stress level. No intervention changed the level of ICT-specific well-being. Thus, classic stress interventions conveyed via ICTs (app-based) may be effective for addressing classic stress symptoms, but not yet for new forms of stress. Future research should investigate structural differences between classic stressors and new kinds of ICT-related stressors to identify starting points for new types of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F Pfaffinger
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia A M Reif
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Universitaet der Bundeswehr Muenchen, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Erika Spieß
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jan Philipp Czakert
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rita Berger
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Kasemy ZA, Sharif AF, Barakat AM, Abdelmohsen SR, Hassan NH, Hegazy NN, Sharfeldin AY, El-Ma'doul AS, Alsawy KA, Abo Shereda HM, Abdelwanees S. Technostress Creators and Outcomes Among Egyptian Medical Staff and Students: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Remote Working Environment During COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:796321. [PMID: 35558536 PMCID: PMC9087183 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.796321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the technostress creators and outcomes among University medical and nursing faculties and students as direct effects of the remote working environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, shifting to virtual learning that implies utilizing the information and communication technologies (ICTs) is urgent. Technostress is a problem commonly arising in the virtual working environments and it occurs due to misfitting and maladaptation between the individual and the changeable requirements of ICTs. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in medicine and nursing colleges of 5 Egyptian universities and included both staff members and students. The data were collected through personal interviews, from January to May 2021. All the participants took a four-part questionnaire that asked about personal and demographic data, technostress creators, job or study, and technical characteristics and technostress outcomes (burnout, strain, and work engagement). Furthermore, participants' blood cortisol and co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels were tested in a random sample of the students and medical staff. Results A total of 3,582 respondents participated in the study, 1,056 staff members and 2,526 students where 33.3% of the staff members and 7.6% of students reported high technostress. Among staff members, total technostress score significantly predicted Cortisol level (β = 2.98, CI 95%: 0.13-5.83), CoQ10(β = −6.54, CI 95%: [(−8.52)–(−4.56), strain (β = 1.20, CI 95%: 0.93–1.47), burnout (β = 0.73, CI 95%: 0.48–0.97) and engagement (β = −0.44, CI 95%: [(−0.77)–(−0.11)]) whereas among students, total technostress score significantly predicted cortisol level (β = 6.64, CI 95%: 2.78–10.49), strain (β = 1.25, CI 95%: 0.72–1.77), and burnout (β = 0.70, CI 95%: 0.37–1.04). Among staff members and students, technology characteristics were significantly positive predictors to technostress while job characteristics were significantly negative predictors to technostress. Conclusion The Egyptian medical staff members and students reported moderate-to-high technostress which was associated with high burnout, strain, and cortisol level; moreover, high technostress was associated with low-work engagement and low CoQ10 enzyme. This study highlighted the need to establish psychological support programs for staff members and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab A Kasemy
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F Sharif
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayah M Barakat
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa R Abdelmohsen
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nancy H Hassan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nagwa N Hegazy
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Y Sharfeldin
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Angham S El-Ma'doul
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Kholoud Adel Alsawy
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Hanaa M Abo Shereda
- Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Sally Abdelwanees
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
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Overcoming the "Dark Side" of Technology-A Scoping Review on Preventing and Coping with Work-Related Technostress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063625. [PMID: 35329312 PMCID: PMC8954507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the course of the digitalisation of work, the phenomenon of technostress is increasingly being examined. While there is a plethora of research on its causes and consequences, a growing body of research on mitigating work-related technostress is emerging. In order to identify opportunities to overcome this "dark side" of technology, this scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on how to prevent and cope with work-related technostress. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, and Web of Science were searched in the time period between 2008 and 2021. The studies were screened independently by two authors and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-two studies were included and their methodological quality was assessed using standardised checklists. Resources were identified at the technical, organisational, social and personal level, including, e.g., leadership, organisational and technical support as well as self-efficacy and IT mindfulness. Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were, e.g., seeking support or distancing from IT. None of the included studies investigated prevention measures, emphasising a dearth of research that needs to be addressed in the future. Nevertheless, the identified resources and coping strategies provide starting points to address adverse work- and health-related consequences and reduce work-related technostress.
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Digital Detox. BUSINESS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 2022. [PMCID: PMC8862700 DOI: 10.1007/s12599-022-00747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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