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Anttilainen J, Pehkonen I, Savinainen M, Haukka E. Social and health care top managers' perceptions and aims of strategic work ability management in the midst of change. Work 2024; 77:533-545. [PMID: 37742684 PMCID: PMC10894579 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230034] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing research has mostly focused on themes related to returning to or staying at work and studied organizations' operational rather than strategic level actions to support work ability. Top managers' understanding of work ability management (WAM) may influence how work ability support processes are implemented in organizations. OBJECTIVE To find out how top managers define WAM, what the aims of WAM were and whether the aims were on a strategic level. METHODS Altogether 28 semi-structured interviews among Finnish social and health care top managers were conducted during the years 2019-2021 and analyzed inductively using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS Top managers' definition of WAM was mainly multidimensional. Two main aims were identified, i.e., to support work ability 1) at the individual and 2) at the organizational level. The aims of the former were to anticipate the decrease of health and functional capacity, to support workers already decrease in these, to develop competence, and to manage the effects of changes on work ability. The aims at the organizational level were to improve labor availability and personnel retention, to ensure the flow of work, and to increase trust and create shared values. Top managers described the aims as being at a strategic level, but this was not yet realized in their organizations because the actions were reactive rather than proactive. CONCLUSION Top managers' multidimensional perception of WAM, emphasizing proactive actions, and strategic level aims are crucial and require the commitment of the top managers for strategic WAM, especially during constant changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eija Haukka
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Di Prinzio RR, Bondanini G, De Falco F, Vinci MR, Camisa V, Santoro A, Arnesano G, Dalmasso G, Raponi M, Di Brino E, Cicchetti A, Magnavita N, Zaffina S. Feasibility of a Stop Smoking Program for Healthcare Workers in an Italian Hospital: Econometric Analysis in a Total Worker Health® Approach. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:56. [PMID: 37663224 PMCID: PMC10473173 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4153] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Over 20% of healthcare workers (HCWs) are active smokers. Smoking is a targeted issue for workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. Objective Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Stop Smoking Promotion (SSP) intervention, a 6-hour training course for HCWs, which took place from May 2018 to July 2019. Methods We compared HCWs who successfully quit smoking (n = 15) to those who did not (n = 25) in terms of Sickness Absence Days (SADs). Moreover, we conducted an econometric analysis by calculating the return on investment and implementing a break-even analysis. Findings Among the 40 enrolled workers, a success rate of 37.5% was observed after a span of over two years from the SSP intervention (with nurses and physicians showed the best success rate). Overall, participants showed a noticeable absenteeism reduction after the SSP intervention, with a reduction rate of 85.0% in a one-year period. The estimated ROI for the hospital was 1.90, and the break-even point was 7.85. In other words, the organization nearly doubled its profit from the investment, and the success of at least eight participants balanced costs and profits. Conclusion Our pilot study confirms that WHP programs are simple and cost-saving tools which may help improve control over the smoking pandemic in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio
- Alta Scuola di Economia e Management dei Sistemi Sanitari (ALTEMS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bondanini
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Federica De Falco
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Vinci
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annapaola Santoro
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Arnesano
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Eugenio Di Brino
- Alta Scuola di Economia e Management dei Sistemi Sanitari (ALTEMS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Americo Cicchetti
- Alta Scuola di Economia e Management dei Sistemi Sanitari (ALTEMS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Occupational Health Unit, Department of Woman, Child & Public Health, A. Gemelli Policlinic Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Di Prinzio RR, Bondanini G, De Falco F, Vinci MR, Camisa V, Santoro A, De Santis M, Raponi M, Dalmasso G, Zaffina S. The Management of Workplace Violence against Healthcare Workers: A Multidisciplinary Team for Total Worker Health ® Approach in a Hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:196. [PMID: 36612518 PMCID: PMC9819087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The risk of aggression against healthcare workers (HCWs) is a globally well-known topic. However, workplace violence (WV) is often considered as part of HCW’s job, leading to a general underreporting. This cross-sectional study aims at providing a descriptive analysis of aggressive acts against HCWs registered in a 34-month period in a pediatric hospital. According to a specific protocol, each aggressive act was analyzed by a multidisciplinary team using the “Modified Overt Aggression Scale” (MOAS), the “General Health Questionnaire-12” (GHQ-12), and the “Short Form-36 Health Survey” (SF-36) to build a report addressing improvement measures. A three-domain model of WV was also developed considering: (1) assaulted HCWs, (2) attacker-related issues, and (3) environmental context. Contributing factors to overt aggression were outlined and tested using univariate analyses. Statistically significant factors were then included in a multiple linear regression model. A total of 82 aggressive acts were registered in the period. MOAS scores registered a mean value of 3.71 (SD: 4.09). Verbal abuse was the most common form of WV. HCWs professional category, minor psychiatric disorder, emotional role limitation, type of containment used, and emotion intensity were significantly associated with overt aggression (p < 0.05), as well as the attacker’s role in the hospital (p < 0.05). The multiple regression analysis confirmed these findings (p < 0.001). Raising awareness on the aggression risk and contributing factors may lead to a relevant improvement of workplace environment, individual workers’ health, and organizational well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio
- Alta Scuola di Economia e Management dei Sistemi Sanitari (ALTEMS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bondanini
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica De Falco
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Vinci
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Annapaola Santoro
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello De Santis
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Raponi
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Guendalina Dalmasso
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Medicine Function Unit, Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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Bernacki EJ, Kalia N, Soistman S, Minor SA, Barry J, Lavin RA, Tao XG. Prevention, Medical Management, and Adjudication of Workplace Injuries: A Thirty-Two Year Follow-up of an Integrated Workers' Compensation Program. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:828-838. [PMID: 34029297 PMCID: PMC8478314 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the cost outcomes of an integrated workers' compensation program. METHODS We studied a population that increased from 20K to 59K, incurring 8807 lost-time claims between 1988 and 2020. RESULTS Lost-time claims decreased from 22.15 to 4.32 per 1000 employees (1988 to 2020), and total closed lost-time claim costs per $100 payroll, decreased from $0.62 to $0.17 (1988 to 2017). The percent of claims resolved within 3 years of the accident increased from 10% to 89% (1988 to 2017). Adjusting for medical inflation and wage increases, total workers' compensation benefits paid per claim decreased $124 per year, medical benefits decreased $45 per year and indemnity benefits decreased $79 per year. CONCLUSION On both a population (per employee) and on a per claim basis, workers' compensation costs decreased substantially, which is attributable to improvements in accident prevention and decreases in claim duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Bernacki
- Population Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (Dr Bernacki); School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Bernacki, Dr Kalia, and Mr Minor); GE, Cincinnati, Ohio (Dr Kalia); Workers' Compensation Department, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, Maryland (Ms Soistman and Ms Barry); Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Lavin); Insurance and Information Technology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Minor); Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (Dr Tao)
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Sanchez-Gomez M, Giorgi G, Finstad GL, Urbini F, Foti G, Mucci N, Zaffina S, León-Perez JM. COVID-19 Pandemic as a Traumatic Event and Its Associations with Fear and Mental Health: A Cognitive-Activation Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7422. [PMID: 34299873 PMCID: PMC8303753 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic still represents a major threat with detrimental health consequences. Analyzing the psychological outcomes, COVID-19 could be interpreted as a collective traumatic event that can generate symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering this, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate the relationship between intrusive thoughts and fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic and between intrusive thoughts and mental health; second, to test the mediating role of hyperarousal and avoidance in these two relationships. In order to reach these aims, the present study investigated these relationships and tested a mediation model in two cross-sectional studies in Italy. Altogether, 627 individuals and 495 workers completed an online survey for study 1 and study 2, respectively. Mediation analyses were performed via the SPSS macro PROCESS; the significance of total, direct, and indirect effect was tested via bootstrapping. The results showed that within the PTSD framework, hyperarousal compared with avoidance mediated the relationship between intrusion and the analyzed outcomes. In conclusion, the present study provided empirical evidence for the influence of hyperarousal on individual consequences such as fear of COVID-19 and mental health. Research, as well as theoretical and practical implications, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sanchez-Gomez
- Department of Evolutionary, Educational, Social Psychology and Methodology, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Georgia Libera Finstad
- Business@Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.L.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Flavio Urbini
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Giulia Foti
- Business@Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.L.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Piero Palagi 1, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Health Unit, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - José M. León-Perez
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
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Dalmasso G, Di Prinzio RR, Gilardi F, De Falco F, Vinci MR, Camisa V, Santoro A, Casasanta D, Raponi M, Giorgi G, Magnavita N, Zaffina S. Effectiveness of Psychological Support to Healthcare Workers by the Occupational Health Service: A Pilot Experience. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:732. [PMID: 34198556 PMCID: PMC8231947 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Work-related stress is a significant risk for healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of an individual psychological support programme for hospital workers. In all, 35 workers participated (n). A control group of 245 workers (7n) was set. Occupational distress was measured by the General Health Questionnaire, (GHQ-12), the quality of life by the Short Form-36 health survey, (SF-36), and sickness absence was recorded. Costs and benefits of the service were evaluated and the return on investment (ROI) was calculated. The level of distress was significantly reduced in the treated group at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.001). Quality of life had significantly improved (p < 0.003). A 60% reduction of sickness absence days (SADs) following the intervention was recorded. After the treatment, absenteeism in cases was significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.02). The individual improvement of mental health and quality of life was significantly correlated with the number of meetings with the psychologist (p < 0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively). The recovery of direct costs due to reduced sick leave absence was significantly higher than the costs of the programme; ROI was 2.73. The results must be examined with caution, given the very limited number of workers treated; this first study, however, encouraged us to continue the experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Dalmasso
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (G.D.); (M.R.)
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (R.R.D.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (R.R.D.P.); (N.M.)
- Department of Woman, Child & Public Health, A. Gemelli Policlinic Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Federica De Falco
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Vinci
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Annapaola Santoro
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Casasanta
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
| | - Massimiliano Raponi
- Health Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (G.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Psychology, European University of Rome, 00163 Roma, Italy;
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (R.R.D.P.); (N.M.)
- Department of Woman, Child & Public Health, A. Gemelli Policlinic Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; (R.R.D.P.); (N.M.)
- Health Directorate, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Roma, Italy; (F.D.F.); (M.R.V.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (D.C.)
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Tomczak MT, Szulc JM, Szczerska M. Inclusive Communication Model Supporting the Employment Cycle of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094696. [PMID: 33925072 PMCID: PMC8125785 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties with interpersonal communication experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) significantly contribute to their underrepresentation in the workforce as well as problems experienced while in employment. Consistently, it is vital to understand how communication within the employment cycle of this group can be improved. This study aims to identify and analyze the possibilities of modifying the communication processes around recruitment, selection, onboarding, and job retention to address the specific characteristics and needs of the representatives of this group. This qualitative study is based on 15 in-depth interviews conducted with 21 field experts, i.e.,: therapists, job trainers, and entrepreneurs employing people with ASD. The findings of this research informed the creation of an inclusive communication model supporting the employment cycle of individuals with ASD. The most important recommendations within the model that was created include the modification of job advertisements, use of less structured job interviews, providing opportunities for mentorship, and supportive and non-direct, electronically mediated communication. To apply the above-mentioned solutions and take full advantage of the talents of people with ASD, it is also necessary to provide tailored sensitivity and awareness training programs for their direct addressees as well as their neurotypical colleagues, including managerial staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał T. Tomczak
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Maria Szulc
- Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
| | - Małgorzata Szczerska
- Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
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