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Treusch Y, Möckel L, Kohlstedt K. Working conditions, authorizations, mental health, and job satisfaction of physician assistants in Germany. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1082463. [PMID: 36908456 PMCID: PMC9998044 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1082463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explores associations among the overall and facet-specific job satisfaction, work-related factors, responsibilities, and mental health of physician assistants (PAs) in Germany to identify factors that prolong the lifetime and wellbeing of PAs in practice and to counteract the shortage of healthcare staff. Methods An online survey comprising sociodemographic and work-related items, items from the short questionnaire of general and facet-specific job satisfaction (KAFA), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were distributed to PAs working in Germany in 2021 (cross-sectional survey design). Descriptive statistics, DASS-21 subscale score analysis, t-test, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Results PAs (n = 169) were working mainly in surgery (23.2%), internal medicine (20.3%), or orthopedics and trauma surgery (17.5%), whereas only a few PAs were working in emergency care, geriatrics, neurology, or oncology. They were responsible for a broad spectrum of medical activities depending on the practice setting. PAs working in emergency care claimed to be the most empowered, followed by PAs in orthopedics and surgery. Almost all PAs carried out documentation, anamnesis, and diagnostic services. Although almost all PAs rated their overall job satisfaction as good, satisfactory, or pleasant (91.6%), single facets of job satisfaction were rated differently. Colleagues and supervisors were assessed very positively, whereas payment and professional activities were rated rather average and development opportunities even worse. PAs working in oncology demonstrated the highest overall job satisfaction, followed by PAs working in geriatrics and emergency care. Overall job satisfaction was significantly negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores (p ≤ 0.001, p ≤ 0.05, and p ≤ 0.05, respectively). Particularly, female gender, having an urban residence, and PAs working in oncology demonstrated significantly increased anxiety scores. Moreover, depression scores of PAs working in oncology or neurology or with a low net income exceeded critical cutoff values. Conclusion Interventions aimed at removing the significant negative correlation among job satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and stress scores are needed. To retain PAs in their jobs, salary, autonomy, and development opportunities should be improved and prevention programs for anxiety and depression should be offered. Remarkably, PAs' overall good job satisfaction was mainly determined by good evaluations of supervisors and colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Treusch
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, HSD University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luis Möckel
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, HSD University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany.,IU Internationale Hochschule GmbH, University of Applied Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karin Kohlstedt
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, HSD University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
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Mannocci A, Marigliano M, La Torre G. An assessment of organizational well-being, organizational health, and work-related stress: A cross-sectional study of nurses involved with COVID-19 interventions. Work 2022; 75:29-39. [PMID: 36591689 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses have been affected by stress, developing many related consequences during the health emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is essential for healthcare organizations to protect their human resources because there is a strong correlation between the health status of healthcare workers and the quality of care provided. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to measure the perception of the organizational health level of the workplace among COVID-19 nurses (i.e. nurses who directly dealt with COVID-19 countermeasures) as an influence on work quality and work-related stress. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out by administering the Nursing Questionnaire on Organizational Health (QISO) to nurses in contact with COVID-19 patients. The search period ranged between August and September 2021 with nurses who work and/or worked in Lazio. RESULTS 123 questionnaires were collected. The scores with a value below the recommended level (2,6) are: "Comfort of the working environment" (mean = 2,57; SD = 0,66); "Valorization of skills" (mean = 2,40; SD = 0,62); "Openness to innovation" (mean = 2,46; SD = 0,77); "Satisfaction with top management" (mean = 2,48; SD = 0,81); the inverse scale "Fatigue" (mean = 2,94; SD = 0,55). CONCLUSION Management of healthcare organizations should define action strategies to promote and increase organizational well-being and reduce work-related stress risk factors. Some action strategies that could be used include improving the elements of the work environment to make it more comfortable for workers; strengthening and improving communication; improving the relationship between nurses and senior management; and establishing a team of experts for psychological assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Marigliano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Cezar-Vaz MR, Xavier DM, Bonow CA, Vaz JC, Cardoso LS, Sant’Anna CF, da Costa VZ, Nery CHC, Loureiro HMAM. Occupational Well-Being of Multidisciplinary PHC Teams: Barriers/Facilitators and Negotiations to Improve Working Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15943. [PMID: 36498016 PMCID: PMC9737019 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315943] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Well-being at work is one of the factors determining healthy work conditions and is perceived by workers as a positive psychological state. In this study, the concept of well-being at work was used together with occupational functionality (i.e., current health state, current work environment, and barriers/facilitators to implementing well-being at work), occupational risk perception, and proactivity/negotiations held by workers to improve working conditions. In this context, the objectives were to identify the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics independently associated with levels of well-being at work of the multidisciplinary PHC health team; detect barriers or facilitators resulting from the attitudes of colleagues, community members, and managers that influence the well-being at work of the multidisciplinary health team; and identify with whom and what reasons led health workers to become proactive and negotiate improved working conditions. This cross-sectional study addressed 338 health workers from the multidisciplinary teams of PHC outpatient services in the extreme south of Brazil. Multivariate linear regression models were adopted to analyze data. The results show various independent associations with levels of well-being at work. Nursing workers (technicians and nurses) more frequently expressed job commitment and job satisfaction. Difficulties in solving problems and performing work routines, and co-workers' attitudes directly influence the well-being of the PHC team members. Risk perception (physical and chemical) also influences well-being. Negotiations in which PHC managers engaged to improve working conditions appeared as a significant predictor of job commitment, job satisfaction, and job involvement. The results reveal that well-being at work is an important indicator of the potential of workers' proactivity in negotiating improved working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clarice Alves Bonow
- Faculty of Nursing, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Henrique Cardona Nery
- Institute of Human and Information Sciences—ICHI, Federal University of Rio Grande—Santa Vitória do Palmar Campus, Santa Vitória do Palmar 96230-000, Brazil
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Vimercati L, Cannone ESS, Sponselli S, Caputi A, Migliore G, Daleno A, Minicucci AM, Milone G, Spagnolo L, Pipoli A, De Maria L. Organizational wellbeing: A model of a new Apulian COVID-19 designated hospital. Front Public Health 2022; 10:963315. [PMID: 36388268 PMCID: PMC9650542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.963315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Work environment characteristics have an important impact on organizational wellbeing in health care facilities. In the Apulia Region, a new COVID-19 hospital was planned, designated and built in a few weeks for the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. To our knowledge, this hospital, together with "Fiera Hospital" in Milan, are two of the few buildings worldwide that have been converted into new health care facilities with intensive care center units to treat COVID-19 patients, and this is the first study assessing organizational wellbeing in a newly designated COVID-19 hospital. Aims To detect and assess the strong points, criticality, and perceptions of wellbeing/discomfort of health care workers engaged in the management of the current health emergency. Method The study was conducted on 188 health care workers, with the "Multidimensional Organizational Health Questionnaire." Results We found an overall positive level of organizational wellbeing. The more positive dimensions were "Collaboration between colleagues," "Organizational efficiency" and "Room Comfort." Conflict situations in the workplace were poorly perceived. A very low rate of absenteeism from work was also observed. Conclusions Our results show the effectiveness of the organizational model adopted in the management of the COVID-19 hospital, especially in view of the work and emotional overload of the personnel called to face the epidemiological emergency on the frontline, which did not adversely affect the psychophysical conditions of the workers. The success of this model is related to the coexistence of all levels of care required during any type of health emergency in a single structure, paying particular attention to the architectural, functional, and procedural aspects of health care and to the so-called "humanization" of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy,*Correspondence: Luigi Vimercati
| | - Enza Sabrina Silvana Cannone
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Sponselli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Caputi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Daleno
- Hospital Direction, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Spagnolo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Pipoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Hage TW, Isaksson Rø K, Rø Ø. Burnout among staff on specialized eating disorder units in Norway. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:138. [PMID: 34706769 PMCID: PMC8555148 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00473-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Burnout is commonly associated with low workplace wellbeing. Patients with eating disorders are frequently referred to as a particularly challenging group to treat. It is therefore important to study healthcare providers´ workplace wellbeing in settings which treat eating disorders. The aims of the current study were to (a) measure burnout among healthcare providers working on specialized eating disorder units in Norway, and (b) explore factors predicting burnout. METHODS 186 participants from 11 specialized eating disorder units in Norway completed an online survey including the Mashlach Burnout Inventory, and eating disorder-specific factors related to burnout, job satisfaction, work environment, emotional dissonance and stress. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of burnout. RESULTS Overall, low levels of burnout were found among the participants. Eating disorder-specific factors and emotional dissonance predicted the three central aspects of burnout, namely, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a relatively low level of burnout across age, gender, and professional categories working at specialized eating disorder units, contrary to commonly-held assumptions pertaining to the challenges involved in treating individuals with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Wiig Hage
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karin Isaksson Rø
- LEFO - Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Behavioral Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øyvind Rø
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, P.O. Box 4956, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Zaghini F, Fiorini J, Livigni L, Carrabs G, Sili A. A mixed methods study of an organization's approach to the COVID-19 health care crisis. Nurs Outlook 2021; 69:793-804. [PMID: 34176670 PMCID: PMC8114768 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Healthcare emergency can increase work-related stress and reduce nurses’ job satisfaction and quality of life. Managerial decisions and proactive interventions implemented to react to the emergency ensure the best patient outcomes. Purpose The purpose of this study was to verify whether a proactive organizational approach can limit nurses’ work-related stress and help preserve their job satisfaction and quality of life during a health emergency. Methods A longitudinal mixed methods study was conducted. Data were collected before and after the transformation into a SARS-CoV-2 Hospital and the implementation of organizational interventions. Focus groups were conducted to investigate quantitative data. Findings After the implementation of interventions and as the pandemic progressed, work-related stress decreased and job satisfaction and quality of life increased. Discussion Through proactive organization, even during an emergency, nurses are prepared for working, and work-related stress due to changes is reduced. Nurses are motivated and satisfied with their organization and management, and quality of life increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Zaghini
- Department of Nursing Professions, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Fiorini
- Department of Nursing Professions, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Livigni
- Occupational Health Service, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Carrabs
- Occupational Health Service, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sili
- Department of Nursing Professions, University Hospital of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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