COVID-19 and mental disorders in Healthcare Personnel: A Novel Framework to Develop Personas from an Online Survey

Effective medical communication is an extremely important aspect of patient-centered medicine. It allows for achieving better treatment outcomes and is of key importance in the case of patients experiencing mental problems. Research clearly indicates that the quality of communication is a fundamental element of medical services, which not only affects patient satisfaction, but can also reduce the risk of burnout among staff who have contact with patients. A sense of mutual understanding translates into trust and contributes to more conscientious adherence to medical recommendations. Considering the cooperation of all medical and non-medical personnel, high-quality communication reduces the risk of tensions and conflicts, as well as the number of complaints reported by patients. Both research findings and our own experience show that individuals with mental disorders often feel misunderstood, stigmatised, or ignored by healthcare personnel. Based on the above assumptions, the experts from Józef Babiński Specialist Hospital in Kraków developed their own program entitled “Communication in the Treatment Process.” It was implemented in 2018 by the Ministry of Health among over 2,500 professionals in the Małopolskie and Podkarpackie provinces. The aim of the project was to improve the communication skills of medical and non-medical personnel in the context of communication with patients with mental disorders. The paper describes in detail the theoretical background, the goals, and the course of the program.

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Toward ICD-11 Implementation: Attitudes and Expectations of the Russian Psychiatric Community

Consortium Psychiatricum ◽

10.17816/cp80 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 23-34

Author(s):

Maya A. Kulygina ◽

Timur S. Syunyakov ◽

Ilya A. Fedotov ◽

George P. Kostyuk

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Narrative Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Russian Society ◽

Professional Networks ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Icd 10

Background. ICD-11 implementation will start in early 2022 in WHO member countries, including Russia. This process should be preceded not only by the official translation and wide distribution of ICD-11 statistical classification and diagnostic guidelines but also by clinicians training. For recent years ICD-11 development and innovations in the diagnosis of mental disorders were in the focus of attention of mental health professionals in all over the world. Objectives. This online survey aimed to identify the current views of the Russian psychiatric community on the upcoming implementation of ICD-11. Methods. A survey was composed in a Google form and circulated through the website of the Russian Society of Psychiatrists and other professional networks. Statistical and narrative analysis was provided. The sample was represented by 148 psychiatrists working in inpatient or outpatient clinical settings. Results. Expectations for the classification of mental disorders reported by the respondents were wider than the current purpose of ICD-10. In general, the Russian psychiatrists expressed their interests to forthcoming ICD-11 implementation. Positive attitudes to ICD-11 innovations were associated with the familiarity with the ICD-11 draft. Conservative or negative views were related to longer years of clinical experience. Early carrier psychiatrists were more practically oriented than old school clinicians. Conclusion. This survey may help to promote the ICD-11 by focusing on its advantages for clinical practice and develop targeted training programs.

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Pre-exposure prophylaxis' knowledge, attitudes, practices amongst italian men who have sex with men

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.877 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

G Voglino ◽

MR Gualano ◽

S Rousset ◽

F Bert ◽

R Siliquini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Barriers To Access ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

High Infection ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Prep Awareness ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)high-infection-risk people, foremost amongst males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. Methods An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour, knowledge on HIV and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify possible associations with PrEP knowledge. Results A total of 196 MSM completed the survey. Overall data showed very good HIV and safe sexual behaviour knowledge (94.4% of correct answers). Nevertheless, our sample rarely used PrEP because of existing barriers: high therapy price (26.9%)and fear of side effects (23.8%). Only 10.3% of partecipants were informed on HIV and PReP by institutional channels, even less (7.5%) from specialized physicians and general practitioners. The most significant association with PrEP knowledge was having regular HIV-tests (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-9.29); Conclusions PreP's Knowledge was well established, but PrEP use was not widespread. It is necessary to improve communication on PrEP and to lower existing barriers in order to grant access to PrEP access. Key messages Barriers to access PrEP have to be lowered. Healthcare personnel has to be involved in PrEP's benefits communication.

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Mental Disorders Among Health Care Workers at the Early Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya; Findings of an Online Descriptive Survey

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.665611 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Edith Kamaru Kwobah ◽

Ann Mwangi ◽

Kirtika Patel ◽

Thomas Mwogi ◽

Robert Kiptoo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Early Phase ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Care Workers

Background: Healthcare workers responding to the Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID-19) are at risk of mental illness. Data is scanty on the burden of mental disorders among Kenyan healthcare workers responding to the pandemic that can inform mental health and psychosocial support. The purpose of this study was to establish the frequency and associated factors of worry, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and poor quality of sleep among Kenyan health care workers at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We conducted an online survey among 1,259 health care workers in Kenya. A researcher developed social demographic questionnaire and several standardized tools were used for data collection. Standardized tools were programmed into Redcap, (Research Electronic Data Capture) and data analysis was performed using R Core Team. In all analysis a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: 66% of the participants reported experiencing worry related to COVID-19. 32.1% had depression, 36% had generalized anxiety, 24.2% had insomnia and 64.7% scored positively for probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Depression was higher among females compared to men (36.5 vs. 26.9%, p = 0.003), workers <35 years old compared to older ones (38.1 vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001), and those who were not married compared to those who were married (40.6 vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001). Generalized anxiety was commoner among workers aged <35 years (43.5 vs. 29.3%, p < 0.001), females (41.7 vs. 29.2%, p < 0.001), those who mere not married compared to the married (45.2 vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001) and those with <10 years working experience (41.6 to 20.5%, p < 0.001). Younger health care professional had a higher proportion of insomnia compared to the older ones (30.3 vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001). Insomnia was higher among those with <10 years' experience compared to those with more than 20 years' experience(27.3 vs. 17.6%, p = 0.043)Conclusion: Many Kenyan healthcare workers in the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic suffered from various common mental disorders with young, female professionals who are not married bearing the bigger burden. This data is useful in informing interventions to promote mental and psychosocial wellbeing among Kenyan healthcare workers responding to the pandemic.

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Determinants of managerial preventive actions in relation to common mental disorders at work

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.313 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

I W H van de Voort ◽

A De Rijk ◽

G Hensing ◽

M Bertilsson

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Work Environment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Limited Attention ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Preventive Actions ◽

And Training

Abstract Background Managers may prevent Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) among their subordinates due to their authority to influence the work environment. Yet, their perspective has received only limited attention in research. This study aims to increase managers’ capacity to contribute to the prevention of CMDs by exploring the determinants of two managerial preventive actions: ’reviewing assignments and the work situation’ (MPA-review) and ’taking initiative to talk about depression and anxiety at work’ (MPA-talk). Methods An online survey was sent to 4,737 Swedish managers, aged 20-65 years (71% participated, n = 3,358) in 2017, of which 2,921 were included as they answered the MPA-items. Ten possible determinants of MPAs, comprising person-, work-, and competence-related characteristics of managers were related to performing MPAs (yes or no). Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to test associations (OR with 95% CI) between each determinant and MPAs. We have adjusted for experience-related characteristics of managers and company size. Results 50% of managers initiated MPA-review and 57% MPA-talk. Managers had a higher odds to initiate respectively MPA-review and MPA-talk when being female (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.17-1.73; OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08-1.64), working in organizations offering lectures on CMDs (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.83; OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.30-2.60) or stress counselling (OR 1.79, 95% 1.46-2.20; OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.22-1.91), having responsibility for the work environment (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15-1.74; OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.16-1.79), or having had received training on CMDs (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.27-1.93; OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.28-2.03). Conclusions Managers report taking more actions to prevent CMDs in their workforce when they are female, have received training on CMDs or work in organisations where CMD preventive measures have been implemented. Key messages Organizations could invest in company-wide preventive measures and training to enable MPAs. Managerial education should include information on CMDs in order to improve managers’ preventive capacity.

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When Our Work Hits Home: Trauma and Mental Disorders in Correctional Officers and Other Correctional Workers

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.493391 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Nina Fusco ◽

Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽

Laleh Jamshidi ◽

R. Nicholas Carleton ◽

Nigel Barnim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Public Safety ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Correctional Officers ◽

Well Being ◽

Public Safety Personnel ◽

Psychiatric Staff ◽

Safety Personnel

Background: International estimates suggest that up to one in three public safety personnel experience one or more mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Canadian data have been sparse until very recently, and correctional officers and forensic psychiatric staff have rarely been included. Working as a correctional officer is associated with negative health outcomes and increased work-related stress, with several variables affecting reported levels of stress. Healthcare staff also report higher rates of PTSD, especially those who are exposed to aggression in their workplace. In the present study, we compare current symptoms of diverse staff working in correctional occupations.Method: Data were collected from a Canadian national online survey of public safety personnel, including employees of correctional services at the federal level. Correctional officers and wellness services staff were compared for prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal ideation.Results: Correctional officers self-reported statistically significantly more exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events than wellness services employees. Correctional officers also self-reported higher rates of symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. There were no statistically significant differences in reports of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.Contribution to Society: Correctional and forensic staff contribute to society by working with justice-involved individuals in correctional institutions. Trauma-related disorders and other mental health problems threaten the well-being of correctional and forensic staff. Mental health likely impacts the ability of correctional and forensic staff to develop a therapeutic or working alliance with persons in custody. Staff well-being must be recognized and addressed to ensure that prisoners and staff receive optimal treatment in prison.Conclusion: Our results add to the limited knowledge about the well-being of staff, particularly wellness staff in prisons, who provide daily treatment and care for prisoners with serious mental disorders. Our work is a step toward identifying avenues for promoting staff well-being.

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Acceptance of the German e-mental health portal www.psychenet.de: an online survey

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.2093 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. e2093 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Lisa Tlach ◽

Juliane Thiel ◽

Martin Härter ◽

Sarah Liebherz ◽

Jörg Dirmaier

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Online Survey ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Perceived Usefulness ◽

Perceived Ease Of Use ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Perceived Trust

Background. Taking into account the high prevalence of mental disorders and the multiple barriers to the use of mental health services, new forms of fostering patient information, involvement, and self-management are needed to complement existing mental health services. The study aimed at investigating acceptance regarding design and content of the e-mental health portalwww.psychenet.de.Methods. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2013 and May 2015 using a self-administered questionnaire including items on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards using, and perceived trust. Effects of different participants’ characteristics on the portals’ acceptance were analyzed.Results. The majority of theN= 252 respondents suffered from mental disorders (n= 139) or were relatives from persons with mental disorders (n= 65). The portal was assessed as “good” or “very good” by 71% of the respondents. High levels of agreement (89–96%) were shown for statements on the perceived ease of use, the behavioral intention to use the portal, and the trustworthiness of the portal. Lower levels of agreement were shown for some statements on the perceived usefulness of the portals’ content. There were no effects of different participants’ characteristics on the perceived ease of use, the perceived usefulness, the attitude towards using the website and the perceived trust.Discussion. This survey provides preliminary evidence that the e-mental health portalwww.psychenet.deappears to be a usable, useful and trustworthy information resource for a broad target group. The behavioral usefulness of the portals’ content might be improved by integrating more activating patient decision aids.

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Stigma Levels Toward Psychiatric Patients Among Medical Students—A Worldwide Online Survey Across 65 Countries

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.798909 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Mateusz Babicki ◽

Monika Małecka ◽

Krzysztof Kowalski ◽

Bogna Bogudzińska ◽

Patryk Piotrowski

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Gdp Per Capita ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Per Capita

Background: According to epidemiological data, over 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental disorders, presenting one of the major challenges of modern medicine. In their everyday lives, patients, in addition to fighting the disease itself, often struggle with stigmatization. This phenomenon negatively affects both the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, as well as the patients' everyday functioning. This study aimed to assess stigma attitudes toward psychiatry and psychiatric patients among undergraduate medical students.Methods: This study used a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), which included the standardized items from the Mental Illness: Clinicians' Attitudes (MICA-2) scale to evaluate stigma. The study was disseminated via the internet to students from medical universities from 65 countries worldwide. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The study involved 1,216 students from these 65 countries. Most of the sample were women, and most were medical faculty students and students living in cities with more than 500,000 residents. Taking into consideration Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and Human Development Index (HDI) variables, it can be seen that there was a prevalence of medical students from highly developed countries.Results: For the whole sample, the mean MICA-2 score was 40.5 points. Women and medical and nursing students showed more positive attitudes toward psychiatric patients. Students from countries with the highest economic development levels also achieved statistically lower MICA-2 scores. Lower score means a more positive attitude.Conclusion: Stigma toward both psychiatry and psychiatric patients is common among undergraduate medical students. Female students and respondents with a history of mental disorders in countries with high HDI and GDP per capita indices show more favorable attitudes than other medical students. There is a need to further our understanding of the problem of stigmatization, both among the general population and among medical personnel, and to implement and maintain appropriate measures to reduce stigma toward psychiatry.

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Acceptance of the German e-mental health portal www.psychenet.de: an online survey

10.7287/peerj.preprints.1867v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Lisa Tlach ◽

Juliane Thiel ◽

Martin Härter ◽

Sarah Liebherz ◽

Jörg Dirmaier

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Health Services ◽

Online Survey ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Perceived Usefulness ◽

Perceived Ease Of Use ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Perceived Trust

Background. Taking into account the high prevalence of mental disorders and the multiple barriers to the use of mental health services, new forms of fostering patient information, involvement, and self-management are needed to complement existing mental health services. The study aimed at investigating acceptance regarding design and content of the e-mental health portal www.psychenet.de. Methods. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2013 and May 2015 using a self-administered questionnaire including items on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards using, and perceived trust. Effects of different participants’ characteristics on the portals’ acceptance were analyzed. Results. The majority of the N=252 respondents suffered from mental disorders (n=139) or were relatives from persons with mental disorders (n=65). The portal was assessed as “good” or “very good” by 71% of the respondents. High levels of agreement (89-96%) were shown for statements on the perceived ease of use, the behavioral intention to use the portal, and the trustworthiness of the portal. Lower levels of agreement were shown for some statements on the perceived usefulness of the portals’ content. There were no effects of different participants’ characteristics on the perceived ease of use, the perceived usefulness, the attitude towards using the website and the perceived trust. Discussion. This survey provides preliminary evidence that the e-mental health portal www.psychenet.de appears to be a usable, useful and trustworthy information resource for a broad target group. The behavioral usefulness of the portals’ content might be improved by integrating more activating patient decision aids.

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