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Kim E, Lee J. Classifying Studies on Workplace Violence for Visiting Nurses Using the Social-Ecological Model: A Scoping Review. J Community Health Nurs 2024; 41:96-109. [PMID: 38376116 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2024.2317805] [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: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To prevent workplace violence (WV) against visiting nurses (VNs), understanding the influencing factors is crucial. To better comprehend potential violence prevention strategies, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has presented the four-level social-ecological model (SEM) at the 1) individual, 2) relationship, 3) community, and 4) societal levels. This study aims to quantify WV studies against VNs, examine the influencing factors, identify gaps based on SEM levels, and propose future research and policy directions. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted following the five-stage protocol proposed by Arksey and O'Malley in 2005. METHODS Systematic searches, including manual searches, were performed using English and Korean databases. Published journal articles including editorials on WV against VNs were included, irrespective of the publication date. FINDINGS Sixty journal articles were finally selected. Until the 1990s, most of the literature comprised editorials, with empirical research emerging after the 2000s. Classifying studies by SEM level, many studies have focused on individual (86.7%) and community (66.7%) factors, but fewer have addressed relationship (21.7%) and societal (16.7%) factors. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that much research has focused on individual-centered training, with gaps in risk assessment tool development, training incorporating relational aspects, standardized protocols, and understanding of the impact of legal rights and policies. This article advocates a comprehensive approach that considers all SEM levels to address WV against VNs. CLINICAL EVIDENCE The findings confirm a research gap, which suggests the direction for future research and policies. Stakeholders should be urged to implement evidence-based strategies that contribute to safer work environments for VNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjoo Kim
- College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
- Health and Nursing Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Juna Lee
- College of Nursing, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan, South Korea
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Balkaran K, Linton J, Doupe M, Roger K, Kelly C. Research on Abuse in Home Care: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:885-897. [PMID: 37078630 PMCID: PMC10913332 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Home care is the preferred care option for most people who need support; yet abuse exists in these settings toward both home care workers and clients. There are no existing reviews that assess the scope of current research on abuse in home care, and tangentially related reviews are dated. For these reasons, a scoping review is warranted to map the current state of research on abuse in home care and examine current interventions in this field. Databases selected for searching were Medline and EMBASE on OVID, Scopus, and the following databases in EBSCOhost: Academic Search Complete, AgeLine, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Records were included if: (a) they were written in English; (b) the participants were home care workers or clients age 18 years or older; (c) they were published in journals; (d) they undertook empirical research; and (e) they were published within the last 10-year period. Following Graham et al. (2006), the 52 included articles are categorized as either knowledge inquiry or as intervention studies. We find three themes among knowledge inquiry studies: (1) prevalence and types of abuse in home care, (2) abuse in the context of living with dementia, and (3) working conditions and abuse. Analysis from the intervention studies suggest that not all organizations have specific policies and practices to prevent abuse, and no existing interventions to protect the well-being of clients were identified. Findings from this review can inform up-to-date practice and policymaking to improve the health and well-being of home care clients and workers.
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Shahriari M, Nia DH, Kalij F, Hashemi MS. Challenges of home care: a qualitative study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:215. [PMID: 38549100 PMCID: PMC10976792 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01878-0] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite countless benefits of home care, unfortunately, the variety and quality of services provided by homecare centers are uncertain. This study was conducted to explore of home care challenges. METHODS The present qualitative study used the content analysis approach. A total of 17 participants, including nurses, managers of home care centers, and patients, were enrolled through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through Granheim's qualitative content analysis method. RESULTS In order to explain the challenges of home care, after analyzing the data, 700 primary codes, 15 initial categories, sub-subcategories and two main categories, including 'infrastructural challenges' and 'challenges related to the process of home care services provision' emerged. The main category, "infrastructural challenges", consisted of 4 sub-categories (the challenge of acculturalization of home care services, economic challenges of providing services, challenges related to human resources, and the challenge of policymaking and setting regulations and rules for home care). The second main category, "challenges related to the process of home care services provision", consisted of 2 subcategories: challenges of improving the quality of home care services and the challenge of facilities for service provision. CONCLUSION In order to promote and improve the quality of home care services, in addition to providing insurance coverage for the services, acculturalization and revising the bylaws, empowering the human resource, enhancing the monitoring of the performance of home care centers, and employing modern technology need to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Shahriari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Donya Hafezi Nia
- Nursing Student, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Donya Hafezi Nia, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, MS, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kalij
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 4 Fatemeh kalij, MS, Nursing Student, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadat Hashemi
- Nursing & Midwifery Care Research Center, Department of Nursing Critical Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Mutonyi BR, González-Piñero M, Slåtten T, Lien G. Driving innovation in health care: exploring the impact of ambidextrous leadership on creative performance among frontline health professionals in Norway. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:268. [PMID: 38431584 PMCID: PMC10909297 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10641-9] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on enhancing frontline health professionals' ability to think and act innovatively, also known as their creative performance. However, previous research has had two limitations. First, only a few leadership styles and their associations with this capability have been examined. Second, there has been a lack of research on identifying potential process mediators and examining their role in the relationship between leadership styles and the professionals' capability. To address this knowledge gap, our study investigates the impact of ambidextrous leadership, a relatively new leadership style, on frontline health professionals' creative performance. Additionally, we explore whether frontline health professionals' learning orientation (an individual factor) and relationship learning (an organizational factor) act as process mediators in this association. No previous research has focused on these relationships. Thus, the study offers a unique contribution to health services research. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of N = 258 health professionals in nine Norwegian municipalities. The results of this study were analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 3 software. The study examined both direct and indirect relationships through bootstrapping. RESULTS The results reveal a positive link between health professionals' creative performance and ambidextrous leadership [Formula: see text] = 0.224). Both relationship learning and learning orientation were found to operate as complementary process-mediating factors between health professionals' creative performance and ambidextrous leadership. The strength of the two individual relationships that constitute the process-mediating factors indicates that ambidextrous leadership has a stronger impact on relationship learning than on learning orientation [Formula: see text] = 0.504 versus β = 0.276). However, when we examined the individual associations between the two factors and creative performance, the strength of the relationships was quite different. The findings reveal that learning orientation is significantly more positively associated with creative performance than relationship learning [Formula: see text] = 0.302 versus β = 0.163). Ambidextrous leadership, learning orientation, and relationship learning explain 26% (R2 = 0.262) of the variance in professionals' creative performance. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that ambidextrous leadership can facilitate health professionals' creative performance directly and indirectly through the two process-mediating factors: relationship learning and learning orientation. Thus, a practical implication is the importance for health service organizations of clear awareness of the numerous advantages of having leaders who actively practice an ambidextrous leadership style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rebecca Mutonyi
- School of Economics, Innovation and Technology, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manel González-Piñero
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Barcelona, John M. Keynes 1-11, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Catalonia, Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Terje Slåtten
- Inland School of Business and Social Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Lillehammer, 2604, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Gudbrand Lien
- Inland School of Business and Social Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Lillehammer, 2604, Lillehammer, Norway
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Cho MS, Min KB, Min JY. Workplace Violence Experienced by Personal Care Workers in a District in Seoul, Republic of Korea: A Comparison Study with Office and Service Workers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:320. [PMID: 38338205 PMCID: PMC10855380 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study compared the level of workplace violence experienced by personal healthcare workers in a district in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with those experienced by workers in office or service jobs. We matched 150 personal care workers with 150 office workers and 150 service workers using a propensity score. Workplace violence was categorized into psychological violence and physical violence. Of the surveyed personal care workers, 53.3% reported experiencing psychological violence, and 42.0% reported experiencing physical violence. After adjusting for self-reported work-related symptoms, personal care workers had significantly higher odds of experiencing psychological violence than office workers (OR = 5.01; 95% CI: 2.80-8.97) or service workers (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.93-14.47). The adjusted odds for physical violence were also significantly higher for personal care workers compared with those for office workers (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 2.96-11.50) and service workers (OR = 6.00; 95% CI: 2.88-12.49). In terms of specific types of workplace violence, personal care workers were 7-10 times more likely to experience unwanted sexual attention, sexual harassment, and physical violence than office or service workers. We found that personal care workers were more prone to workplace violence than office or service workers, with gender-based or physical violence being the most common types. Considering the negative impact of workplace violence on workers' well-being and health services, policy updates and interventions focusing on personal care workers are needed to reduce workplace violence, safeguard workers' rights, and establish a secure working environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Suk Cho
- Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul 05368, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyoung-Bok Min
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jin-Young Min
- Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul 05368, Republic of Korea;
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FitzGerald C, Moynan E, Lavelle C, O’Neill C, Robinson K, Boland P, Meskell P, Galvin R. Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Workers: A Qualitative Study. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214231222114. [PMID: 38250568 PMCID: PMC10799579 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231222114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into the impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Workers (HCWs). During COVID-19 HCWs provided a lifeline for home care clients to support older people remaining living in their own homes. With a high-risk client base, HCWs were one of the few (Health and Social Care Professional) HSCPs to continue providing home-based care throughout COVID-19. Despite these contributions HCWs provided for aging in place during COVID-19, a paucity of research exists in relation to the challenges and impact of the pandemic on HCWs. Three in-person focus groups were conducted (n = 23). Two main themes were produced guided by a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach to enable the researchers to best represent the participants experiences: Challenges and concerns to the personal and private lives of HCWs and Navigating home-based complexities of HCWs workplace during COVID-19. health care challenges to minimize impact to HCWs issues to create a safe workplace for HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Moynan
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | | | | | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pauline Boland
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pauline Meskell
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Ireland
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Norström F, Zingmark M, Pettersson-Strömbäck A, Sahlén KG, Öhrling M, Bölenius K. How does the distribution of work tasks among home care personnel relate to workload and health-related quality of life? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1167-1181. [PMID: 37436490 PMCID: PMC10504191 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01997-2] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The work for Swedish home care workers is challenging with a variety of support and healthcare tasks for home care recipients. The aim of our study is to investigate how these tasks relate to workload and health-related quality of life among home care workers in Sweden. We also explore staff preferences concerning work distribution. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 municipalities in Northern Sweden. Questionnaires with validated instruments to measure workload (QPSNordic) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), were responded by 1154 (~ 58%) of approximately 2000 invited home care workers. EQ-5D responses were translated to a Quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) score. For 15 different work task areas, personnel provided their present and preferred allocation. Absolute risk differences were calculated with propensity score weighting. RESULTS Statistically significantly more or fewer problems differences were observed for: higher workloads were higher among those whose daily work included responding to personal alarms (8.4%), running errands outside the home (14%), rehabilitation (13%) and help with bathing (11%). Apart from rehabilitation, there were statistically significantly more (8-10%) problems with anxiety/depression for these tasks. QALY scores were lower among those whose daily work included food distribution (0.034) and higher for daily meal preparation (0.031), both explained by pain/discomfort dimension. Personnel preferred to, amongst other, spend less time responding to personal alarms, and more time providing social support. CONCLUSION The redistribution of work tasks is likely to reduce workload and improve the health of personnel. Our study provides an understanding of how such redistribution could be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Norström
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Zingmark
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Municipality of Östersund, Health and Social Care Administration, Östersund, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Klas-Göran Sahlén
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malin Öhrling
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Kattouw CE, Aase K, Viksveen P. Stakeholder perspectives on the preferred service ecosystem for senior citizens living at home: a qualitative interview study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:576. [PMID: 37726648 PMCID: PMC10508029 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04303-4] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most senior citizens want to live independently at home as long as possible. The World Health Organization recommends an age-friendly community approach by transforming the service ecosystem for senior citizens and basing it on the question "What matters to you?". However, there is limited research-based knowledge to determine the characteristics of the preferred service ecosystem from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Therefore, the aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of multiple stakeholder perspectives on the preferred service ecosystem for senior citizens living at home. METHODS Four stakeholder groups (n = 57) from a Norwegian municipality participated in an interview study in 2019 and 2020: senior citizens, carers, healthcare professionals, and managers. Data were analysed according to qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Overall, there was considerable correspondence between the four stakeholder groups' perspectives on the preferred service ecosystem for senior citizens. Six themes were developed: (1) "self-reliance - living independently at home as long as possible"; (2) "remaining active and social within the community"; (3) "support for living at home as long as possible"; (4) "accessible information and services"; (5) "continuity of services"; and (6) "compassionate and competent healthcare professionals". CONCLUSIONS In order to adapt and meet changing needs, the preferred service ecosystem should support senior citizens' autonomy through interpersonal relationships and involvement. Healthcare managers and decision makers should consider a broader range of practical and social support services. Municipalities should plan for and develop age-friendly infrastructures, while healthcare professionals should rely on their compassion and competence to meet senior citizens' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Eward Kattouw
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, SHARE - Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, University of Stavanger, Post Box 8600, Forus, Stavanger, 4036, Norway.
| | - Karina Aase
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, SHARE - Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, University of Stavanger, Post Box 8600, Forus, Stavanger, 4036, Norway
| | - Petter Viksveen
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, SHARE - Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, University of Stavanger, Post Box 8600, Forus, Stavanger, 4036, Norway
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Lucas M, Elliott B. Safety Considerations for Home Care Providers. Home Healthc Now 2023; 41:256-262. [PMID: 37682738 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000001190] [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: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Home care is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, projected to continue increasing as the population ages. However, there are unique safety concerns associated with home care compared to the more controlled hospital or clinic settings, such as driving distractions, potentially dangerous neighborhoods, and in-home risks categorized as environmental, biological, chemical, and emotional. Each home is essentially a new worksite with its own set of safety hazards, increasing the need for home care providers to be aware of safety risks in these ever-changing environments. Ensuring worker safety is essential to the recruitment and retention of home care workers. This article discusses safety risks unique to home care and offers solutions that increase the safety of home care providers. Education around workplace violence, implementation of evidence-based practices, and establishing and adhering to safety policies are paramount.
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Keyvanloo Shahrestanaki S, Rafii F, Ashghali Farahani M, Najafi Ghezeljeh T, Amrollah Majdabadi Kohne Z. Contributing factors involved in the safety of elderly people with chronic illness in home healthcare: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002335. [PMID: 37451802 PMCID: PMC10351293 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients receiving home care are often elderly people with chronic illnesses that increasingly experience patient safety barriers due to special care needs. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to determine the factors involved in the safety of elderly patients with chronic illnesses receiving home care. METHODS A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was conducted in home care agencies of Tehran, Iran from August 2020 to July 2022. For data generation, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 nurses, 2 nurse assistants, 1 home care inspector (an expert working at the deputy of treatment) and 3 family caregivers. Moreover, four observational sessions were also held. Data analysis was done using the five-step Graneheim and Lundman method. RESULTS According to the results, the facilitators of the safety of the elderly patients with chronic illnesses included the family's participation, nurse's competence, efficiency of the home care agency management and patient's participation in patient safety. The barriers to patient safety included problems created by the family, nurse's incompetence, inefficiency of the home care agency, patient's prevention of patient safety, home care setting limitations and health system limitations. CONCLUSION The majority of the factors involved in the safety of elderly patients with chronic diseases receiving home care had dual roles and could serve as a double-edged sword to guarantee or hinder patient safety. Identification of the facilitators and barriers can assist nurses and the healthcare system in planning and implementing patient safety improvement programmes for elderly patients with chronic illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Forough Rafii
- Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Ashghali Farahani
- Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Najafi Ghezeljeh
- Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Professor, Cardiovascular Nursing Research Center, Rajai Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cho J, Toffey B, Silva AF, Shalev A, Safford MM, Phillips E, Lee A, Wiggins F, Kozlov E, Tsui EK, Dell N, Avgar AC, Andreae SJ, Sterling MR. To care for them, we need to take care of ourselves: A qualitative study on the health of home health aides. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:697-704. [PMID: 36815290 PMCID: PMC10154157 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14147] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the perspectives of home health aides (HHAs) toward their own health and health behaviors, and how their job impacts both. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Interviews were conducted with 28 HHAs from 16 unique home care agencies from August 2021 to January 2022. The study was conducted in partnership with the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Fund, a labor-management fund of the largest health care union in the US. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study with English and Spanish-speaking HHAs. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured topic guide, informed by Pender's Health Promotion Model and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Total Worker Health Model. To be eligible, HHAs had to be currently employed by a home care agency in New York, NY. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed thematically. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The 28 HHAs had a mean age of 47.6 years (SD 11.1), 39% were non-Hispanic Black, 43% were Hispanic, and they had a mean of 14.1 years (SD 7.8) of job experience. Five themes emerged; HHAs were: (1) Healthy enough to work, but were managing their own chronic conditions while working; (2) Motivated to be healthy, in part driven by their desire to care for others; (3) Worked closely with sick patients, which influenced their perceptions of health; (4) Experienced occupational and patient-level barriers to practicing healthy behaviors; (5) Sought support and resources to improve their health and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS HHAs have numerous health challenges, many of which are influenced by their job. Culturally and occupationally tailored interventions may mitigate the barriers that HHAs experience to achieve optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacklyn Cho
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Brittany Toffey
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ariel F. Silva
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ariel Shalev
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Monika M. Safford
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Erica Phillips
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ann Lee
- 1199SEIU Training and Employment FundsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Faith Wiggins
- 1199SEIU Training and Employment FundsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Elissa Kozlov
- School of Public HealthRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew YorkUSA
| | - Emma K. Tsui
- School of Public HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Ariel C. Avgar
- School of Industrial Labor RelationsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Madeline R. Sterling
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Hashemlu L, Esmaeili R, Bahramnezhad F, Rohani C. A systematic review on clinical guidelines of home health care in heart failure patients. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:127. [PMID: 37072792 PMCID: PMC10111843 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01294-w] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Guidelines for the care of heart failure patients at home support safe and effective evidence-based practice. The aims of the present study were: [1] to identify guidelines addressing the care at home for adults with heart failure and [2] evaluate the quality of the guidelines and the extent to which they address eight components of home-based HF disease management." METHODS A systematic review was conducted of articles published between 1st of January 2000 to 17th of May 2021 using the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and nine specific websites for guideline development organisations. Clinical guidelines for HF patients with recommendations relevant to care provision at home were included. The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA-2020) criteria. The quality of included guidelines was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-II (AGREE-II) by two authors independently. Guidelines were evaluated for their coverage of eight components of HF care at home, consisting of integration, multi-disciplinary care, continuity of care, optimized treatment, patient education, patient and partner participation, care plans with clear goals of care, self-care management and palliative care. RESULTS Ten HF guidelines, including two nursing-focused guidelines and eight general guidelines were extracted from 280 studies. After evaluation of quality by AGREE-II, two guidelines obtained the highest score: "NICE" and the "Adapting HF guideline for nursing care in home health care settings. Five guidelines addressed all eight components of care at home while the others had six or seven. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review identified ten guidelines addressing care at home for patients with HF. The highest quality guidelines most relevant to the care at home of patients with HF are the "NICE" and "Adapting HF guideline for nursing care in home health care settings" and would be most appropriate for use by home healthcare nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hashemlu
- PhD of Nursing, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Esmaeili
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Bahramnezhad
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Spiritual Health Group, Research Center of Quran, Hadith and Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Camelia Rohani
- Palliative Care Reseaech Center, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Campus Ersta, Stigbergsgatan 30, Box 11189, Stockholm, SE-100 61, Sweden
- Community Health Nursing Department, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Brouillette NM, Markkanen PK, Quinn MM, Galligan CJ, Sama SR, Lindberg JE, Karlsson ND. Aide and Client Safety "Should Go Hand-In-Hand": Qualitative Findings From Home Care Aides, Clients, and Agency Leaders. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:571-580. [PMID: 36565062 PMCID: PMC9996781 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221146769] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retention of the home care (HC) aide workforce is essential to meet the needs of our aging population. Some studies suggest that improving HC safety could increase job retention. This study objective was to explore qualitatively the connection between aide and client safety and factors impacting this care relationship. Data consisted of audio-recorded, verbatim responses to open-ended questions of two focus groups with aides (n = 10), two in-person interviews with HC agency managers, and 37 phone interviews with those working in (aides, n = 16; managers, n = 12) and receiving (clients, n = 9) HC. Clients reported home layout and accessibility as safety concerns. Aides and managers reported that client family members can make the care job more challenging. The aide-client connection was affected by communication style, family and HC agency support, allotted care time, and job task boundaries. Interventions that address the safety of both clients and aides can influence HC job satisfaction and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Brouillette
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Pia K Markkanen
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Margaret M Quinn
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Catherine J Galligan
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Susan R Sama
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - John E Lindberg
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Nicole D Karlsson
- Safe Home Care Project, Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, 52311University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
- Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Division of Public Health Services, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Concord, NH, USA
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14
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Gebhard D, Herz M. How to Address the Health of Home Care Workers: A Systematic Review of the Last Two Decades. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:689-703. [PMID: 36440715 PMCID: PMC9996797 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221141084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Making home care a healthy workplace is a societal concern but research on specific interventions is still scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an initial overview of interventions addressing home care workers' health. All (quasi-) experimental studies, presenting any intervention among home care employees, and reporting any outcome related to occupational health, safety, or well-being were included. PsycArticles, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to February 2022. From 16,345 publications, 18 studies with 2432 participants were included and assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Organizational and training/educational approaches were found in five studies each, a behavioral approach in one, and seven studies presented a combined approach. Due to methodological limitations and the heterogeneity of interventions, the existing studies are insufficient to inform new programs, but emphasize the need for tailored approaches, integrated concepts, and participatory intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Gebhard
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Herz
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Germany
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15
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Gebhard D, Wimmer M. The Hidden Script of Work-Related Burdens in Home Care - A Cross Over Mixed Analysis of Audio Diaries. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:704-716. [PMID: 36280591 PMCID: PMC9996799 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221130747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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
The lived experiences of work-related burdens in the daily working routines of home care workers are insufficiently investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the types, frequencies, and distributions of work-related burdens and to explore their co-occurrence. Qualitative data was collected via audio diaries and analyzed applying a crossover mixed analysis using content as well as network analysis. In all, 23 home care workers (mean age = 46.70 ± 10.40; 91.30% female) produced 242 diary entries. Participants reported work-related burdens 580 times with 77 different types, predominately in relation to work organization (50.5%). Network analysis reveals a complex picture, which shows the strong relation between time pressure and travel between homes, and identifies additional tasks as the central node in the network of burdens. A holistic understanding of setting-specific burdens provides an important starting point for measures of workplace health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Gebhard
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Magdalena Wimmer
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Lohne FK, Fimland MS, Holtermann A, Mathiassen SE, Fischer H, Gellein TM, Redzovic S. Can home care work be organized to promote musculoskeletal health for workers? Study protocol for the Norwegian GoldiCare cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1490. [PMID: 36476502 PMCID: PMC9727949 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home care workers perform physically strenuous tasks, in particular when handling patients with high care demands. Thus, musculoskeletal pain and sick leave is greater in this group than in the general population. To ease these issues, we will implement a Goldilocks Work intervention (GoldiCare), redistributing schedules between workers to achieve a "just right" weekly structure of physical work that can promote health. This protocol paper describes the content, design, implementation and evaluation of the cluster randomized controlled trial of the GoldiCare intervention in home care. METHODS The cluster randomized controlled trial is a 16-week workplace organizational intervention implemented through operations managers at the home care units. The operations managers will be introduced to the Goldilocks Work Principle and a GoldiCare tool, to assist the operations managers when composing a "just right" distribution of work schedules throughout the week. The GoldiCare tool provides an overview of the physical strain for each shift, based on the number of patients and their need for care. We expect to include 11 units, which will be randomized to either intervention or control at a 1:1 ratio. Home care workers assigned to the control group will continue to work as normal during the intervention period. Musculoskeletal pain in neck/shoulder and lower back will be the primary outcomes and we will also evaluate the composition of physical behaviors as well as fatigue after work as secondary outcomes. We will collect data using (1) daily questions regarding musculoskeletal pain and fatigue after work, (2) 7 days of objective measurements of physical behavior, (3) questionnaires about the participant's characteristics, health, and workplace psychosocial stressors and (4) information on the implementation of the GoldiCare tool. In addition, a process evaluation will be conducted using focus group discussions and individual interviews. DISCUSSION Due to the increasing aging population in need of care, measures that can improve the health of home care workers are paramount for the sustainability of this sector. This organizational intervention is based on information available nation-wide, and therefore has the potential to be scaled to all municipalities in Norway if proven effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION This clinical trial was registered on 08/05/2022 under NCT05487027 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Klæboe Lohne
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marius Steiro Fimland
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,grid.512436.7Unicare Helsefort Rehabilitation Centre, Rissa, Norway
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- grid.418079.30000 0000 9531 3915National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lerso Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- grid.69292.360000 0001 1017 0589Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, University of Gävle, 80176 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Heike Fischer
- Trondheim municipality, Bergheim home care service, Postboks 2300 Torgarden, 7004 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trine Minde Gellein
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Skender Redzovic
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Boström A, Lundgren D, Kabir ZN, Kåreholt I. Factors in the psychosocial work environment of staff are associated with satisfaction with care among older persons receiving home care services. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6080-e6090. [PMID: 36164758 PMCID: PMC10087462 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Older persons in Sweden are increasingly encouraged to continue living at home and, if necessary, be supported by home care services (HCS). Studies have examined whether the work environment of staff has an impact on the experiences and well-being of older persons in residential care facilities, but few have examined such associations in HCS. This study examined associations between home care staff's perceptions of their psychosocial work environment and satisfaction with care among older people receiving HCS. The setting was 16 HCS work units. Two surveys were conducted, one on psychosocial working conditions of staff, one on satisfaction of older persons receiving HCS. For each work unit, data on individual satisfaction were matched to average values concerning psychosocial work conditions. Outcomes analysed with linear regressions were overall satisfaction and indices regarding assessment of performance of services, contact with staff and sense of security. The index for treatment by staff was analysed with ordered logistic regressions. Cluster correlated-standard error clustering on work units was used. Results showed that good working conditions were important for satisfaction with care, specifically overall satisfaction, treatment by staff and sense of security. The most important psychosocial work factors were work group climate, sense of mastery, job control, overall job strain, frustrated empathy, balancing competing needs, balancing emotional involvement and lack of recognition. Receiving more HCS hours was associated with stronger relationships between working conditions and satisfaction with care, especially with overall satisfaction and treatment by staff as outcomes. Managers and policymakers for home care need to acknowledge that the working conditions of home care staff are crucial for the satisfaction of older persons receiving HCS, particularly those receiving many HCS hours. Psychosocial work factors together with job strain factors are areas to focus on in order to improve working conditions for staff and outcomes for older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne‐Marie Boström
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care science and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University HospitalHuddingeSweden
- R&D unit, Stockholms SjukhemStockholmSweden
| | - Dan Lundgren
- Department of Quality and Development, Division of Social ServicesVärnamo MunicipalityVärnamoSweden
- Institute of Gerontology, Aging Research Network—Jönköping (ARN‐J), School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping UniversityJönköpingSweden
| | - Zarina Nahar Kabir
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care science and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Ingemar Kåreholt
- Institute of Gerontology, Aging Research Network—Jönköping (ARN‐J), School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping UniversityJönköpingSweden
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care science and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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18
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Silarova B, Brookes N, Palmer S, Towers A, Hussein S. Understanding and measuring the work-related quality of life among those working in adult social care: A scoping review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1637-1664. [PMID: 35066964 PMCID: PMC9543435 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this scoping review was to understand how work-related quality of life (WRQoL) in adult social care has been defined and measured in the literature and to map key components of WRQoL among those working in adult social care and similar contexts. The scoping review included studies that: 1- focused on WRQoL/work-related wellbeing (and their synonyms); and 2- included adult social care or community health care. We searched existing evidence from November 2019 until July 2020 through an electronic literature search of eight major databases complemented by the grey literature, searching the reference lists and by contacting our existing network of experts in the field. In addition, we repeated the searches to identify any relevant literature published in 2021. Reporting followed the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. In total, we included 68 publications. These publications indicate that there is an absence of agreement on a definition and measurement of WRQoL in adult social care. Based on a thematic analysis we identified six key components of WRQoL: organisational characteristics; job characteristics; mental wellbeing and health; physical wellbeing and health; spill-over from work to home; and professional identity. In summary, at the moment, there is no agreement on what WRQoL is and how to measure it in adult social care. As a result, there is very limited evidence on how to improve WRQoL among people working in adult social care. However, this scoping review suggests that there are six key components of WRQoL that researchers may consider to include in their future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Silarova
- Personal Social Services Research UnitUniversity of KentCornwallis CentralCanterburyUK
| | - Nadia Brookes
- Personal Social Services Research UnitUniversity of KentCornwallis CentralCanterburyUK
- Present address:
Centre For Health Services StudiesGeorge Allen WingCornwallis BuildingUniversity of KentCanterburyCT2 7NFUK
| | - Sinead Palmer
- Personal Social Services Research UnitUniversity of KentCornwallis CentralCanterburyUK
| | - Ann‐Marie Towers
- Centre For Health Services StudiesGeorge Allen WingCornwallis BuildingUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Shereen Hussein
- Personal Social Services Research UnitUniversity of KentCornwallis CentralCanterburyUK
- Present address:
Faculty of Public Health PolicyLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonWC1E 7HTUK
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Moynan E, Lavelle C, Robinson K, Boland P, Meskell P, Galvin R, Fitzgerald C. The experiences of homecare workers in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: a protocol for a qualitative study. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:43. [PMID: 37621759 PMCID: PMC10444994 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13561.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Globally, there have been over 400 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including over 6 million deaths, reported to the World Health Organization. Older adults have been disproportionally affected by COVID-19 in terms of morbidity and mortality. Homecare workers continue to play a key role in supporting vulnerable people to live in their own homes. Unlike other health professionals, whose interactions with patients are relatively brief, homecare workers sometimes spend hours with clients assisting with caregiving and functional tasks. In addition, these workers frequently provide companionship and emotional support. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many challenges to this caregiving role given the risk of virus transmission to both clients and homecare workers in the community. Despite the vital role homecare workers have played, qualitative research exploring perspectives of homecare workers experiences' of providing help and care to older adults during the pandemic is sparse. This study aims to explore the experiences of homecare workers in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative interpretative approach will be applied in this study through the facilitation of focus groups with homecare workers. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines will be used to standardise the conduct and reporting of the research. Homecare workers will be recruited from a provider of homecare services in the Mid-West of Ireland (Clarecare) by a gatekeeper. Focus groups will be transcribed and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach supported by the use of NVIVO software package (Version 12). Conclusion: This study represents a necessary first step in the development of an evidence base for clinical, education, and support needs of homecare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Moynan
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pauline Boland
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Pauline Meskell
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Christine Fitzgerald
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Simeone S, Vellone E, Virgolesi M, Sterling MR, Alvaro R, Pucciarelli G. "I found myself alone" - A phenomenological study of the home care workers' experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurs Health Sci 2022; 24:395-404. [PMID: 35220652 PMCID: PMC9115411 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Home care workers (HCWs) are a highly heterogeneous population in Italy in terms of their professional qualifications. HCWs play an important role in helping patients affected by chronic diseases and their families. Although many investigators have studied the lived experiences of family caregivers, few have been conducted "to give a voice" to HCWs and even fewer have examined the experiences of HCWs during the present COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the lived experiences of HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy. Cohen's phenomenological research approach was used to conduct this study. In our study, we enrolled and interviewed 19 HCWs who were female, and most were married, with an average age of 52 years. The participants were enrolled from September 2020 to November 2020, after the first COVID-19 wave in Italy. Four main themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (1) "I found myself alone"; (2) from invisibility to visibility; (3) a fear of getting sick and infecting others; and (4) "Health or work? That is the question." Understanding HCWs' lived experiences, especially those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a first step in giving a voice to this important but vulnerable population in the healthcare workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Simeone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ercole Vellone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Rosaria Alvaro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Pucciarelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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