An Ecological Study of a Universal Employee Depression Awareness and Stigma Reduction Intervention: "Right Direction"

Practical pathway for the management of depression in the workplace: a Canadian perspective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health issues pose a substantial burden on the workforce. Approximately half a million Canadians will not be at work in any week because of a mental health disorder, and more than twice that number will work at a reduced level of productivity (presenteeism). Although it is important to determine whether work plays a role in a mental health condition, at initial presentation, patients should be diagnosed and treated per appropriate clinical guidelines. However, it is also important for patient care to determine the various causes or triggers including work-related factors. Clearly identifying the stressors associated with the mental health disorder can help clinicians to assess functional limitations, develop an appropriate care plan, and interact more effectively with worker's compensation and disability programs, as well as employers. There is currently no widely accepted tool to definitively identify MDD as work-related, but the presence of certain patient and work characteristics may help. This paper seeks to review the evidence specific to depression in the workplace, and provide practical tips to help clinicians to identify and treat work-related MDD, as well as navigate disability issues.

Work environment and mental health in nurse assistants, nurses and health executives: results from the AMADEUS study

AIM

To explore work environment and mental health in nurse assistants, nurses and health executives in a national large-scale study.

BACKGROUND

We have data for physicians but not for other healthcare workers categories.

METHODS

6935 participants were recruited between 2021 May and June by professional mailings and professional networks.

RESULTS

All professional categories reported high rates of high psychological demand (>90%), low social support (>60%) burnout (50 to 60%), exposure to potentially morally injurious events (>40%) depression (approximately 30%). Surgery nurses reported the highest exposure to potentially morally injurious events. Major depression was identified in approximately 30% of participants in all categories but less than 10% reported consuming antidepressants. 31 to 49% of participants reported sleep disorders and 16 to 21% reported consuming regularly hypnotics. Physicians reported high hazardous drinking behavior and nurse assistant high smoking rates.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Our results suggest that preventing burnout and depression in healthcare workers is a priority. To reach this goal, nursing managers could develop some interventions to reduce psychological demand and increase personal accomplishment and social support between colleagues, prevent sustained bullying at the workplace and health risk behaviors. These interventions should be further developed and evaluated.