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Hernandez I, Söderström M, Rudman A, Dahlgren A. Under pressure - Nursing staff's perspectives on working hours and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2024; 7:100225. [PMID: 39139601 PMCID: PMC11321373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100225] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased pressure on healthcare systems. During periods when the demands exceed the capacity of healthcare organizations, adaptive strategies are used to meet these demands. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working hours for nursing staff were reorganized and extended. This has posed challenges for recovery, which may be a key factor for maintaining health and safety under such conditions. Objectives The aim of the study was to bring insights into how nursing staff perceived their working hours and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if they experienced any changes in their sleep and well-being. Design A qualitative descriptive design was chosen, as it is suitable for gaining insight into perceptions and experiences. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Sixteen registered nurses and six certified nursing assistants from four Swedish hospitals participated in the study. Results The organization of working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered suboptimal and resulted in more demanding working hours and poor recovery. Nursing staff experienced loss of control as they lost influence over working hours, working hours became more unpredictable and the boundaries between work and leisure became blurred. Nursing staff also experienced a decline in their health and well-being, including extreme fatigue, impaired sleep and physical/mental changes. Conclusion The strategies used by healthcare organizations to meet increasing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to impaired recovery and well-being of nursing staff, which could generate negative feedback loops contributing to depletion of resources at the organizational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Hernandez
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marie Söderström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ann Rudman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Anna Dahlgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Alexiou E, Wijk H, Åkerström M, Jonsdottir IH, Degl' Innocenti A, Ahlstrom L. Worry perception and its association with work conditions among healthcare workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a web-based multimethod survey at a university hospital in Sweden. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080248. [PMID: 38382952 PMCID: PMC10882285 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we explored healthcare workers' (HCWs) worry perception and its association with their work situation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A web-based multimethods survey including multiple choice and open-ended questions was used. SETTING The study was conducted at a university hospital in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS All HCWs who were working during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March-June 2020 were eligible. HCWs (n=6484, response rate=41%) from 69 departments fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and responded to the survey. Of them, we analysed data from the 3532 participants who replied to the open-ended questions (54% of the respondents). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Worry perception and its association with work conditions among HCWs. RESULTS 29% (n=1822) and 35% (n=2235) of the responding HCWs experienced a daily or more than daily strong worry of being infected or infecting others with SARS-CoV-2. This finding could be further confirmed and explored with themes from the qualitative results: 'ambiguity of feeling safe and secure', 'being obliged to adapt to a new reality' and 'into the unknown'. The themes consisted of 6 main categories and 15 subcategories. The findings revealed that the two main drivers of worry perceived by HCWs were lack of personal protective equipment and fear of bringing the virus home to their families and friends. CONCLUSIONS Worries of getting infected are common among HCWs during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors are raised that plausibly could minimise the negative effects of worry among HCWs. Thus, effective preventive work plans should be created, promoted and communicated in order to minimise the effects of such crises and support HCWs. By focusing on effective communication and preparedness, including access to relevant protective equipment and providing general support to HCWs, the work environment and patient care could be sustained during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Alexiou
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health (CELAM), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Åkerström
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl' Innocenti
- Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health (CELAM), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Regionhälsan, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Veje M, Linden K, Sengpiel V, Carlsson Y, Jonsdottir IH, Degl'Innocenti A, Ahlstrom L, Wijk H, Akerstrom M. Working conditions for healthcare workers at a Swedish university hospital infectious disease department during the COVID-19 pandemic: barriers and facilitators to maintaining employee wellbeing. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1183084. [PMID: 37275708 PMCID: PMC10233109 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1183084] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) at infectious disease departments have held the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to maintaining the employees' wellbeing that may be used to increase preparedness for future pandemics within ID Departments. Methods In September 2020, a web-based survey on demographics and work environment was distributed to all HCWs at the Infectious Disease Department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Results were compared with a pre-COVID-19 survey from October 2019. A quantitative analysis of the overall effects of the pandemic on the working conditions of HCWs was conducted; in addition, a qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses was performed. Results In total, 222 and 149 HCWs completed the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 surveys (84 and 54% response rate), respectively. Overall, we found significant changes regarding increased workload, lack of emotional support in stressful work situations, and inability to recover after shifts. These factors correlated both with younger age and concern of becoming infected. The open-ended answers (n = 103, 69%) revealed five generic categories (Workload; Organizational support; Worry and ethical stress; Capability; and Cooperation and unity) with a total of 14 identified factors representing plausible individual and organizational-level barriers or facilitators to sustained employee wellbeing. Conclusion Younger HCWs as well as those expressing worries about contracting the infection were found to be particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and these groups may require additional support in future outbreaks. Factors both increasing and decreasing the pandemic-induced negative health consequences for HCWs were identified; this knowledge may be utilized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Veje
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Verena Sengpiel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ylva Carlsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl'Innocenti
- Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Affdal A, Malo MF, Blum D, Ballesteros F, Beaubien-Souligny W, Caron ML, Nadeau-Fredette AC, Vasilevsky M, Rios N, Suri RS, Fortin MC. Lived Experiences of Hemodialysis Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study from the Quebec Renal Network. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:188-197. [PMID: 36821610 PMCID: PMC10103388 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0004252022] [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] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Key Points Hemodialysis workers' well-being and work were affected by the COVID-19 pandemics. Effective communication strategies and taking into account psychological distress are ways to mitigate the challenges faced by health care workers. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health systems and created numerous challenges in hospitals worldwide for patients and health care workers (HCWs). Hemodialysis centers are at risk of COVID-19 outbreaks given the difficulty of maintaining social distancing and the fact that hemodialysis patients are at higher risk of being infected with COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs have had to face many challenges and stressors. Our study was designed to gain HCWs' perspectives on their experiences of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in hemodialysis units. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 HCWs (nurses, nephrologists, pharmacists, social workers, patient attendants, and security agents) working in five hemodialysis centers in Montreal, between November 2020 and May 2021. The content of the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified during the interviews. The first was the impact of COVID-19 on work organization, regarding which participants reported an increased workload, a need for a consistent information strategy, and positive innovations such as telemedicine. The second theme was challenges associated with communicating and caring for dialysis patients during the pandemic. The third theme was psychological distress experienced by hemodialysis staff and the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on their personal lives. The fourth theme was recommendations made by participants for future public health emergencies, such as maintaining public health measures, ensuring an adequate supply of protective equipment, and developing a consistent communication strategy. Conclusions During the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs working in hemodialysis units faced multiple challenges that affected their well-being and their work. To minimize challenges for HCWs in hemodialysis during a future pandemic, the health care system should provide an adequate supply of protective equipment, develop effective communication strategies, and take into account the psychological distress related to HCWs' professional and personal lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Affdal
- Bioethics Program, École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Françoise Malo
- Bioethics Program, École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dan Blum
- Division of nephrology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fabian Ballesteros
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Beaubien-Souligny
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculté de médecine de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Line Caron
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie-Claire Nadeau-Fredette
- Faculté de médecine de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Norka Rios
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rita S. Suri
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Chantal Fortin
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculté de médecine de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Björk L, Corin L, Akerstrom M, Jonsdottir IH, Innocenti AD, Wijk H, Ahlstrom L. Under pressure - The working situation of Swedish healthcare managers during the first wave of COVID-19. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1052382. [PMID: 36710753 PMCID: PMC9874142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1052382] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study is to provide insight into the psychosocial work situation of hospital managers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Mixed-effect modelling was used on survey data on job demands, job resources, job motivation, and work-life balance among over 500 managers working in 55 departments of a large Swedish university hospital in 2019 and 2020. Responses from 6011 employees were then used to stratify the analysis for COVID-19 exposure. Inductive content analysis was applied to open-ended questions on the managers' views on organisational prerequisites during the onset of the pandemic. Results The proportion of managers reporting difficulties with role clarity, quantitative demands, decision-making authority, and emotional support, time for recovery at work, motivation deficits, or problems with work-life balance clearly increased during the first wave of the pandemic. The proportion of managers reporting negative responses was higher in departments with high COVID-19 exposure. The qualitative analysis shows that overall governance in terms of clear, fair, and well-communicated routines, resource allocation, and division of responsibilities constituted an important framework for managerial during the crisis. First-line managers also require a mandate to re-organize their roles and their teams to successfully adapt to the situation. Organisational and social support was also important resources. Discussion This is the first study investigating healthcare managers' work situation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Swedish context. As expected, it indicates an increasingly strained work situation during the crisis, but it also provides findings on organisational prerequisites that allow healthcare managers to cope with stressful situations. In line with previous research on organisational resilience, the study provides suggestions for how higher-level managers can act in order to provide front-line managers with the organisational prerequisites they need to adapt, learn and develop successfully during times of unpredictability, insecurity, and rapid change in order to offer the best possible support to health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Björk
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Lisa Björk, ✉
| | - Linda Corin
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl Innocenti
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Quality Strategies, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Orthopedics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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van Elk F, Robroek SJW, Burdorf A, Oude Hengel KM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial work factors and emotional exhaustion among workers in the healthcare sector: a longitudinal study among 1915 Dutch workers. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:27-33. [PMID: 36424169 PMCID: PMC9763172 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate across subgroups of healthcare workers (1) the changes in psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion during the pandemic compared with the situation before, and (2) the impact of different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of hospital pressure on psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion. METHODS Five questionnaire measurements during 2 years from 1915 healthcare workers in the longitudinal study 'the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey-COVID-19' were used. At each measurement, three subgroups were defined: working with patients with COVID-19, working with other patients and not working with patients. For each measurement, hospital pressure was determined by number of hospitalisations per day. Linear mixed models were fitted to analyse differences across subgroups of healthcare workers. RESULTS During COVID-19, psychosocial working conditions deteriorated among healthcare workers working with patients, in particular with patients with COVID-19, compared with healthcare workers not working with patients after correcting for the situation before COVID-19. No changes were observed for emotional exhaustion in any of the subgroups. An increasing hospital pressure improved job autonomy and reduced emotional demands among healthcare workers in COVID-19 wards, but had no influence on other psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion. CONCLUSION Psychosocial working conditions deteriorated for healthcare workers working with (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic, while emotional exhaustion did not change among all groups of healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur van Elk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan J W Robroek
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Burdorf
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Health Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health-Care Workers: A Comparison between Groups Involved and Not Involved in COVID-19 Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122540. [PMID: 36554064 PMCID: PMC9778037 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122540] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Health consequences have been reported among health-care workers (HCWs) exposed to COVID-19. Sweden chose to manage the pandemic with a lower and more equal long-lasting work strain and shorter periods of recovery than in other countries. Few studies have examined the health consequences among HCWs working in such conditions. This study compared the health consequences after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between HCWs involved in the care of COVID-19 patients and other HCWs and between occupational groups working in COVID-19 care. Multinomial logistic regression and univariate general linear models were used to identify differences. The levels of depression, emotional and physical fatigue, sleep quality, and general health were measured 6 months after the onset of the pandemic in 3495 HCW employed in Sweden. HCWs directly involved in COVID-19 care reported significantly poorer sleep quality and higher scores on emotional and physical exhaustion than those not involved in such care. Health consequences did not differ significantly between different occupational groups involved in COVID-19 care except for specialist nurses/midwives. HCWs more frequently involved in COVID-19 care reported higher levels of emotional and physical fatigue and poorer sleep but less severe than those reported in more severely affected countries.
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Akerstrom M, Carlsson Y, Sengpiel V, Veje M, Elfvin A, Jonsdottir IH, Degl'Innocenti A, Ahlstrom L, Wijk H, Linden K. Working conditions for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers during extraordinary situations - A pre-/post COVID-19 pandemic analysis and lessons learned. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 33:100755. [PMID: 35853385 PMCID: PMC9273518 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate how the changed work routines during the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the working environment for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers, and to identify preventive measures to be used in future situations when health care organizations are under pressure. Methods All maternity and neonatal health care workers in a Swedish university hospital were surveyed during October 2019 and September 2020. The data was analyzed by document analysis of implemented changes in working routines, a quantitative analysis of the overall effects on the working conditions, and a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Results A total of 660 maternity and neonatal health care workers completed the pre-COVID-19 survey (74% response rate) and 382 the COVID-19 survey (35% response rate). Lack of personal protective equipment, worry about becoming infected, uncertainty whether implemented changes were enough, and challenges in communicating updated routines had negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ working conditions. Team spirit and feeling valued by peers had a positive effect. Conclusions Results suggest that negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ health can partly be prevented in future critical situations by creating a work climate that acknowledges the employees’ worry about being infected, securing adequate pre-conditions for managers, creating a strong psychosocial safety climate and systematically improving the working conditions for the maternity and neonatal health care workers, as well as maintaining the positive perceived effects of increased team spirit and feeling valued by peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Carlsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Verena Sengpiel
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Veje
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Elfvin
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl'Innocenti
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Tavemark S, Wijk H, Pettersson C. Tensions between infection control regulations and the home care working environment: An interview study with health care providers early during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Public Health Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/22799036221104154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate caregivers’ experiences of ordinary homes as a working environment in home care and home health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, hospital care was in focus and the care of older adults was criticized around the world. Design and methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in two municipalities in Sweden between March 2020 and May 2021. One large municipality (population 155,000) with experience of care recipients with COVID-19, and a smaller municipality (population 32,000) were included; both had a focus on preventing the spread of the infection. A total of 27 participants working in home care were interviewed; these were occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and assistant nurses. The interview material was analyzed using content analysis. Results: The interviews provided a comprehensive insight into the complex work environment in municipal home care during the pandemic. The staff had to deal with constantly changing information and new guidelines. They were also given new tasks and work routines that demanded more planning and were time-consuming. The staff experienced higher workload and pressure during the pandemic and did not have enough time to recover. Conclusions: During a pandemic situation, the information must be comprehensive and gathered in one place, and the managers must ensure sufficient staffing levels, time for reflection, and support for prioritization. The managers must also ensure the mental health of staff and meet their needs for recovery, both at and outside work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tavemark
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Örebro municipality Healthcare and Social Services, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Quality Strategies, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Alexiou E, Steingrimsson S, Akerstrom M, Jonsdottir IH, Ahlstrom L, Finizia C, Wijk H, Degl'Innocenti A. A Survey of Psychiatric Healthcare Workers' Perception of Working Environment and Possibility to Recover Before and After the First Wave of COVID-19 in Sweden. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:770955. [PMID: 34912253 PMCID: PMC8666504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.770955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived working environment, including the possibility to recover, among psychiatric healthcare workers (PHCWs) in comparison with pre-pandemic measures. Method: A link to an anonymous, web-based COVID-19 related survey was sent via email to all PHCWs at a university hospital in Sweden (n = 1,618) in September 2020. The response rate was 38% (566 of 1,507 eligible participants). Working environment survey responses collected in 2019 were used as pre-pandemic comparators. Statistical analyses were performed to assess overall impact over time on work demands, support, motivation, and recovery, stratified by professional role, and considering variables such as access to personal protective equipment. Results: The percentage of individuals responding negatively to statements about working environment increased significantly for most items after the first wave. Similarly, the increase of five of the investigated factors indicated a more negative perception of recovery during the pandemic. Registered nurses reported a greater negative impact of the pandemic on perceived working conditions and ability to recover than other professional groups. PHCWs working with patients with COVID-19 (35%) who reported being worried about becoming infected (12%) or infecting others (17%), or lacking adequate personal protective equipment (22%) were more negatively impacted regarding work environment-related items than those who did not. Conclusions: PHCWs' working environment and possibility for recovery were impacted by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses being most affected. Although psychiatric services do not directly care for patients with severe COVID-19 infection, the results from this study suggests that mental health services should also prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Alexiou
- Department of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steinn Steingrimsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Research, Development, Education and Innovation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl'Innocenti
- Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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