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Naamati-Schneider L, Arazi-Fadlon M, Daphna-Tekoah S. Strategic technological processes in hospitals: Conflicts and personal experiences of healthcare teams. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241252876. [PMID: 38738983 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241252876] [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: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global health systems operate amid dynamic factors, including demographic shifts, economic variations, political changes, technological progress, and societal trends that lead to VUCA reality (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). To address these challenges, healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to Strategic Technological Processes and digital transformation. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Against this background, the current study examined the personal experiences, conflicts, difficulties, and moral dilemmas attendant upon accommodating this digital transformation of healthcare professionals. PARTICIPANTS The study involved 27 healthcare professionals working in Israeli hospitals, whose experiences and perspectives were central to understanding the impact of digital transformation in healthcare settings. RESEARCH DESIGN The study methodology rested on in-depth interviews, which were analyzed through the prism of the Listening Guide analytical technique. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The research obtained pre-approval from the Ethics Committee at the researcher's institution. FINDINGS The study revealed that the healthcare professionals are indeed facing ethical conflicts and personal challenges related to digitalization (such as providing the best quality of care, being the best caregiver, and acting for the betterment of the hospital). It also identified dilemmas resulting from conflicts between the needs and demands of the health system and the healthcare professionals' values and resources. DISCUSSION The study findings highlight the impact of ethical and moral challenges accompanying strategic organizational and digital transformation changes implemented by healthcare organizations worldwide. These challenges arise as healthcare institutions adapt to the demands of the 21st century, potentially leading to burnout and moral distress among healthcare professionals, further exacerbating the already stressful reality they face. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study emphasizes the critical necessity for comprehensive support strategies to alleviate stress and burnout among healthcare professionals. As healthcare organizations and personnel navigate significant organizational changes to address contemporary challenges, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers through effective support mechanisms becomes imperative.
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Carvalho EL, Castellanos MEP, Teixeira AMF, Lima MAGD, Coulon ALL. [Nonclinical support workers of a reference hospital in Bahia, Brazil, as being essential and invisible in the face of COVID-19]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1355-1364. [PMID: 37194870 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023285.10972022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the context of hospital work during the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be acknowledged that the nonclinical support activities carried out by stretcher bearers, cleaning agents and administrative assistants were essential for the work process. This article analyzed the results of an exploratory stage of broader research with these workers in a COVID-19 hospital reference unit in the state of Bahia. Three semi-structured interviews were selected, using assumptions of ethnomethodology and ergonomics, to encourage these workers to talk about their work, The analysis concentrated on the work activities of stretcher-bearers, cleaning agents and administrative assistants from a visibility perspective. The study showed that these workers were rendered invisible by the scant social respect for their activities and level of schooling that prevailed despite the circumstances and excess workload; and revealed the essential nature of these services due to the interdependence between support work and care work and their contributions to patient and team safety. The conclusion drawn is that it is necessary to establish strategies such that these workers are valued socially, financially, and institutionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lima Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia. R. Basílio da Gama s/nº, Campus Universitário Canela. 40.110-040 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | | | - Ana Maria Freitas Teixeira
- Centro de Cultura, Linguagens e Tecnologias Aplicadas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Santo Amaro BA Brasil
| | - Mônica Angelim Gomes de Lima
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador BA Brasil
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Shinan-Altman S, Schiff M, Rosenne H, Chen W, Kaofer H, Zeevi S, Nir-Paz R. Perceived support and preparedness for the next pandemic among Israeli social workers in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2022; 61:243-260. [PMID: 35575192 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2022.2076765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the conditions under which Israeli social workers in hospital settings operated s during the COVID-19 pandemic, and assesses their perceived support (informal and organizational support) and preparedness for the next pandemic. It further assesses correlates for perceived support and associations between perceived support and preparedness. The participants were 163 social workers from four hospitals who completed an on-line survey. The findings revealed that the level of exposure to COVID-19 and fear of contracting COVID-19 were unrelated to perceived informal and organizational support. Age and having children who are minors living at home moderated the relationship between fear of contracting COVID-19 and both types of perceived support. Each type of perceived support was significantly associated with preparedness beyond age, having minors at home, exposure to COVID-19, and fear of contracting COVID-19. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Shinan-Altman
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Miriam Schiff
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem Israel
| | | | - Wendy Chen
- Social Services DepartmentSheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hanna Kaofer
- Social Work Services, Barzilai university Medical Center Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Sagit Zeevi
- Department of Social WorkRambam Health care campus, Haifa, Israel
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Jackson C, Manley K, Webster J, Hardy S. A thematic analysis of system wide learning from first wave Covid-19 in the East of England. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:552. [PMID: 35468767 PMCID: PMC9037583 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07797-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented challenge for health and social care systems globally. There is an urgent need for research on experiences of COVID-19 at different levels of health systems, including lessons from professional, organisational and local system responses, that can be used to inform managerial and policy responses. Methods This paper presents the findings from a thematic analysis of front-line staff experiences working across the Norfolk and Waveney integrated care system (ICS) in the East of England during April and October 2020 to address the question “What are the experiences and perceptions of partner organisations and practitioners at multiple levels of the health system in responding to COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic?” This question was posed to learn from how practitioners, interdependent partner organisations and the system experienced the pandemic and responded. 176 interview transcripts derived from one to one and focus group interviews, meeting notes and feedback from a “We Care Together” Instagram campaign were submitted for qualitative thematic analysis to an external research team at a regional University commissioned to undertake an independent evaluation. Three phases of qualitative analysis were systematically undertaken to derive the findings. Findings Thirty-one themes were distilled highlighting lessons learned from things that went well compared with those that did not; challenges compared with the celebrations and outcomes; learning and insights gained; impact on role; and system headlines. The analysis supported the ICS to inform and capitalise on system wide learning for integration, improvement and innovations in patient and care home resident safety, and staff wellbeing to deal with successive waves of the pandemic as well as prioritising workforce development priorities as part of its People Plan. Conclusions The findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge about what impact the pandemic has had on health and social care systems and front-line practitioners globally. It is important to understand the impact at all three levels of the system (micro, meso and macro) as it is the meso and macro system levels that ultimately impact front line staff experiences and the ability to deliver person centered safe and effective care in any context. The paper presents implications for future workforce and health services policy, practice innovation and research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07797-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Jackson
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR7 4TJ, UK.
| | - Kim Manley
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR7 4TJ, UK
| | - Jonathan Webster
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR7 4TJ, UK
| | - Sally Hardy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR7 4TJ, UK
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Chemali S, Mari-Sáez A, El Bcheraoui C, Weishaar H. Health care workers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 20:27. [PMID: 35331261 PMCID: PMC8943506 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-022-00724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has challenged health systems worldwide, especially the health workforce, a pillar crucial for health systems resilience. Therefore, strengthening health system resilience can be informed by analyzing health care workers' (HCWs) experiences and needs during pandemics. This review synthesizes qualitative studies published during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify factors affecting HCWs' experiences and their support needs during the pandemic. This review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search on PubMed was applied using controlled vocabularies. Only original studies presenting primary qualitative data were included. RESULTS 161 papers that were published from the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic up until 28th March 2021 were included in the review. Findings were presented using the socio-ecological model as an analytical framework. At the individual level, the impact of the pandemic manifested on HCWs' well-being, daily routine, professional and personal identity. At the interpersonal level, HCWs' personal and professional relationships were identified as crucial. At the institutional level, decision-making processes, organizational aspects and availability of support emerged as important factors affecting HCWs' experiences. At community level, community morale, norms, and public knowledge were of importance. Finally, at policy level, governmental support and response measures shaped HCWs' experiences. The review identified a lack of studies which investigate other HCWs than doctors and nurses, HCWs in non-hospital settings, and HCWs in low- and lower middle income countries. DISCUSSION This review shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged HCWs, with multiple contextual factors impacting their experiences and needs. To better understand HCWs' experiences, comparative investigations are needed which analyze differences across as well as within countries, including differences at institutional, community, interpersonal and individual levels. Similarly, interventions aimed at supporting HCWs prior to, during and after pandemics need to consider HCWs' circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Following a context-sensitive approach to empowering HCWs that accounts for the multitude of aspects which influence their experiences could contribute to building a sustainable health workforce and strengthening health systems for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souaad Chemali
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Almudena Mari-Sáez
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heide Weishaar
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Li H, Xue J, Xu T, Wang L, Zhang L. Preventing the Growing Transmission of COVID Clusters: An Integration of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in the Risk Chain. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:5059-5069. [PMID: 34984037 PMCID: PMC8709548 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s336680] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE China's success in containing the coronavirus is an ongoing process of identifying loopholes and refining the management in the COVID-19 risk chain. This article discusses the role of personal needs in epidemic control and linked psychological needs with management measures to propose intervention advice on curbing viral transmission in a systematic way. METHODS Based on case studies, we showed the integration of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in the COVID-19 risk chain. The analysis combined the micro-view from individual needs and macro influences from governmental measures. The proposed chain of vulnerabilities could help identify critical links of COVID-19 crisis management in case that cascading effects such as super-spread can be intercepted in time. RESULTS The article mainly focused on curbing the viral transmission timely whenever cluster of cases resurge. Considering the triggered activities from personal needs may facilitate the spread, minimizing the impact scale while managing the crisis could start with protecting vulnerable population, well governing potential hotspots, and necessary restrictions on group activities. Besides, "individual" protections combined with "institutional" solutions are strongly advocated. The worst scenario would be the governance link slackened or made mistakes, together with delayed identification, plus unprotected way of living and gathering. In order to cut the transmission in time, besides virus-blocking strategies and vaccination approach, screening measures in combination with the satisfaction of personal needs would help identify confirmed cases earlier. Publicizing the model citizen of being responsible could show needs' satisfaction can live with the virus elimination. At the emergency response stage, it is also crucial to secure fewer loopholes in the health system and strengthen the self-protection barrier by all means. CONCLUSION China's experience offers a reference for the balance between the resurgence of clustered cases and sustained recovery. As long as the global pandemic continues, its impact on personal activities will not stop, and vice versa. The chain of vulnerabilities integrating psychological needs into the COVID-19 risk management can provide clear clues for cutting further transmission in an efficient and more socially acceptable way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Li
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Xue
- School of Political Science and Law, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianjiao Xu
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Wang
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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Hayes MM, Cocchi MN. Critical care leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Crit Care 2021; 67:186-188. [PMID: 34635389 PMCID: PMC8499091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic taxed critical care and its leaders in unprecedented ways. Medical directors, nursing directors, division chiefs and department chairs were forced to lead their staff through a pandemic wrought with personal and professional safety concerns, uncertainty, and more death than most critical care practitioners had ever seen. No leader was fully prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we describe what we believe are the three most important qualities of a leader in times of crisis: presence, transparency, and empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Hayes
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Michael N Cocchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Division of Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, United States of America
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Turner S, Botero-Tovar N, Herrera MA, Borda Kuhlmann JP, Ortiz F, Ramírez JC, Maldonado LF. Systematic review of experiences and perceptions of key actors and organisations at multiple levels within health systems internationally in responding to COVID-19. Implement Sci 2021; 16:50. [PMID: 33962635 PMCID: PMC8103061 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has presented challenges to healthcare systems and healthcare professionals internationally. After one year of the pandemic, the initial evidence on health system responses begins to consolidate, and there is a need to identify and synthesise experiences of responding to COVID-19 among healthcare professionals and other health system stakeholders. This systematic review of primary qualitative studies depicts the experiences and perceptions of organisations and actors at multiple levels of health systems internationally in responding to COVID-19. METHODS Six main databases of biomedical information, public health and health administration research were searched over the period October 1, 2019, to October 21, 2020. Information extracted from included studies was analysed thematically. RESULTS Thirty-four studies were eligible for data extraction. Nine of those studies, of lower methodological quality, were removed from the thematic analysis of study results. Considering the professional level experiences, predominant themes of the studies consisted of the new roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers, burnout and distress, recognition of ´unseen´ healthcare workers, and positive changes and emergent solutions amid the crisis. Organisational level findings of the studies included provision of psychological support, COVID-19 as "catalyst" for change, and exercise of more "open" leadership by managers and health authorities. Continuous training, regulation of working conditions, providing supportive resources, coordinating a diversity of actors, and reviewing and updating regulations were roles identified at the local health system level. CONCLUSIONS The experiences of frontline healthcare workers have been the focus of attention of the majority of primary qualitative studies as of October 2020. However, organisational and wider system level studies indicate that some responses to COVID-19 have been characterised by increased emphasis on coordination activities by local health system actors, making service adaptations at pace, and reliance on expanded roles of front-line workers. The need for theory-informed qualitative studies was identified at the organisational level. TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42020202875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Turner
- School of Management, University of los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Francisco Ortiz
- School of Management, University of los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Creese J, Byrne JP, Matthews A, McDermott AM, Conway E, Humphries N. "I feel I have no voice": hospital doctors' workplace silence in Ireland. J Health Organ Manag 2021; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 33955211 PMCID: PMC9136865 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-08-2020-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Workplace silence impedes productivity, job satisfaction and retention, key issues for the hospital workforce worldwide. It can have a negative effect on patient outcomes and safety and human resources in healthcare organisations. This study aims to examine factors that influence workplace silence among hospital doctors in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A national, cross-sectional, online survey of hospital doctors in Ireland was conducted in October–November 2019; 1,070 hospital doctors responded. This paper focuses on responses to the question “If you had concerns about your working conditions, would you raise them?”. In total, 227 hospital doctor respondents (25%) stated that they would not raise concerns about their working conditions. Qualitative thematic analysis was carried out on free-text responses to explore why these doctors choose to opt for silence regarding their working conditions. Findings Reputational risk, lack of energy and time, a perceived inability to effect change and cultural norms all discourage doctors from raising concerns about working conditions. Apathy arose as change to working conditions was perceived as highly unlikely. In turn, this had scope to lead to neglect and exit. Voice was seen as risky for some respondents, who feared that complaining could damage their career prospects and workplace relationships. Originality/value This study highlights the systemic, cultural and practical issues that pressure hospital doctors in Ireland to opt for silence around working conditions. It adds to the literature on workplace silence and voice within the medical profession and provides a framework for comparative analysis of doctors' silence and voice in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Matthews
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, DCU, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Edel Conway
- DCU Business School, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Portoghese I, Galletta M, Meloni F, Piras I, Finco G, D'Aloja E, Campagna M. Dealing With COVID-19 Patients: A Moderated Mediation Model of Exposure to Patients' Death and Mental Health of Italian Health Care Workers. Front Psychol 2021; 12:622415. [PMID: 33716888 PMCID: PMC7943721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.622415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is asking health care workers (HCWs) to meet extraordinary challenges. In turn, HCWs were experiencing tremendous psycho-social crisis as they have had to deal with unexpected emotional requirements (ERs) arising from caring for suffering and dying patients on a daily basis. In that context, recent studies have highlighted how HCWs working during the COVID-19 outbreak manifested extreme emotional and behavioral reactions that may have impacted their mental health, increasing the risk for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as intrusion symptoms, as a potential mediator of the link between ERs and crying at work, and whether rumination moderates the relationship between ERs and intrusion-based PTS symptoms among HCWs who have had to deal with patients dying from COVID-19. Methods: An online cross-sectional study design was performed. A total of 543 Italian HCWs (physicians and nurses) participated in the study. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. We used the SPSS version of bootstrap-based PROCESS macro for testing the moderated mediation model. Results: ERs had an indirect effect on crying at work through the mediating role of intrusion symptoms. Results from the moderated mediation model showed that rumination moderated the indirect effect of ERs on crying at work via intrusion symptoms, and this effect was significant only for high rumination. Furthermore, when we tested for an alternative model where rumination moderates the direct effect of ERs on crying at work, this moderation was not significant. Conclusions: As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, there is an urgent need for decision-makers to rapidly implement interventions aimed at offering timely psychological support to HCWs, especially in those contexts where the risk of emotional labor associated to patients dying from COVID-19 is higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Portoghese
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maura Galletta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Meloni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilenia Piras
- PhD School in Biomedical Sciences (Public Health), University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Emergency Department SS. Trinità Hospital, Azienda Tutela Salute Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Pain Therapy Service, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ernesto D'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Creese J, Byrne JP, Conway E, Barrett E, Prihodova L, Humphries N. "We All Really Need to just Take a Breath": Composite Narratives of Hospital Doctors' Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2051. [PMID: 33669828 PMCID: PMC7921910 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a challenge to the physical and mental well-being of doctors worldwide. Countries around the world introduced severe social restrictions, and significant changes to health service provision in the first wave of the pandemic to suppress the spread of the virus and prioritize healthcare for those who contracted it. This study interviewed 48 hospital doctors who worked in Ireland during the first wave of the pandemic and investigated their conceptualizations of their own well-being during that time (March-May 2020). Doctors were interviewed via Zoom™ or telephone. Interview transcripts were analyzed using structured thematic analysis. Five composite narratives are presented which have been crafted to illustrate themes and experiences emerging from the data. This study found that despite the risks of contracting COVID-19, many doctors saw some improvements to their physical well-being in the first wave of the pandemic. However, most also experienced a decline in their mental well-being due to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, guilt, isolation and poor support. These findings shed light on doctor well-being during COVID-19, and the ways in which they have been affected by the pandemic, both professionally and personally. The paper concludes by highlighting how doctors' work life and well-being can be better supported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Creese
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin D02 X266, Ireland; (J.-P.B.); (L.P.); (N.H.)
| | - John-Paul Byrne
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin D02 X266, Ireland; (J.-P.B.); (L.P.); (N.H.)
| | - Edel Conway
- DCU Business School, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 V209, Ireland;
| | - Elizabeth Barrett
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland;
- Children’s University Hospital Temple Street, Dublin D01 F772, Ireland
| | - Lucia Prihodova
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin D02 X266, Ireland; (J.-P.B.); (L.P.); (N.H.)
| | - Niamh Humphries
- Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin D02 X266, Ireland; (J.-P.B.); (L.P.); (N.H.)
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Braun-Lewensohn O, Mayer CH. Salutogenesis and Coping: Ways to Overcome Stress and Conflict. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186667. [PMID: 32933161 PMCID: PMC7557564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This Special Issue aims to explore the concepts of stress, coping resources, and coping strategies, which are rooted in several theories, such as the stress and coping theory and the salutogenesis theory, and to understand how their core constructs are manifested in various ethnic and cultural groups around the world. This Special Issue includes 13 articles on salutogenesis and coping from different disciplinary, socio-cultural, historical, political, and economic perspectives. These articles address salutogenesis on the individual, organizational, and societal levels. The empirical studies are based in different societal and national contexts and refer to different ethnic groups within those contexts. Other studies examine international leaders in industry from a global perspective and present a systemic review of the literature concerning individuals in specific professions, such as nursing. The studies in the current Special Issue set the ground for continuing research toward even more comprehensive theoretical grounds; studies that incorporate several theoretical backgrounds and explore a broad theoretical model that may help us to understand successful adaptation in various contexts. In summary, results of studies that incorporate these theories may promote our understanding of the effects of coping resources and strategies, including acculturation strategies used among minority groups for positive adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Braun-Lewensohn
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Conflict Management & Resolution Program, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Claude-Hélène Mayer
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Auckland Park Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa;
- Institut für Therapeutische Kommunikation und Sprachgebrauch, Europa Universität Viadrina, Logenstrasse 11, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
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