Work Does Not End When You Leave: Concerns and Coping Strategies Among Nursing Home Social Workers During COVID-19

Abstract Nursing home social workers (NH SW) at the frontline during COVID-19 are faced with many challenges in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents while balancing their own well-being needs. In order to explore the experiences of NH SW during COVID-19, the study utilized a cross-sectional survey distributed to social media sites (e.g., Reddit, Facebook) and professional networks. The survey asked participants (N = 63) open-ended questions which were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) method. Themes suggested that fear for self, lack of administrative support, and overall stress were notable concerns among NH SW. Findings also suggested that support from family/friends and self-care were most personally helpful to NH SW. Lastly, themes related to coping strategies included talking with co-workers, mindfulness, and boundary setting. Findings suggest the need for increased supports for NH SW. Implications related to stress and coping during COVID-19 are offered.

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Prepared and highly committed despite the risk of COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians’ concerns and coping strategies in Singapore

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01370-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jerrald Lau ◽

David Hsien-Yung Tan ◽

Gretel Jianlin Wong ◽

Yii-Jen Lew ◽

Ying-Xian Chua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Stress Management ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Well Being ◽

Pandemic Preparedness ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Accessible Information ◽

And Coping

Abstract Background Primary care physicians (PCPs) are first points-of-contact between suspected cases and the healthcare system in the current COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines PCPs’ concerns, impact on personal lives and work, and level of pandemic preparedness in the context of COVID-19 in Singapore. We also examine factors and coping strategies that PCPs have used to manage stress during the outbreak. Methods Two hundred and sixteen PCPs actively practicing in either a public or private clinic were cluster sampled via email invitation from three primary care organizations in Singapore from 6th to 29th March 2020. Participants completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire consisting of items on work- and non-work-related concerns, impact on personal and work life, perceived pandemic preparedness, stress-reduction factors, and personal coping strategies related to COVID-19. Results A total of 158 questionnaires were usable for analyses. PCPs perceived themselves to be at high risk of COVID-19 infection (89.9%), and a source of risk (74.7%) and concern (71.5%) to loved ones. PCPs reported acceptance of these risks (91.1%) and the need to care for COVID-19 patients (85.4%). Overall perceived pandemic preparedness was extremely high (75.9 to 89.9%). PCPs prioritized availability of personal protective equipment, strict infection prevention guidelines, accessible information about COVID-19, and well-being of their colleagues and family as the most effective stress management factors. Conclusions PCPs continue to serve willingly on the frontlines of this pandemic despite the high perception of risk to themselves and loved ones. Healthcare organizations should continue to support PCPs by managing both their psychosocial (e.g. stress management) and professional (e.g. pandemic preparedness) needs.

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Concerns and coping strategies of older adult Veterans in Canada at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health ◽

10.3138/jmvfh-2021-0712 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e20210712

Author(s):

Alyson Mahar ◽

Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher ◽

Megan Edgelow ◽

Shailee Siddhpuria ◽

Julie Hallet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Family Member ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

College Hospital ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Travel Restrictions ◽

Survey Responses ◽

Retail Services ◽

And Coping

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic, including associated public health measures such as travel restrictions, cancellation of elective surgeries, and the closure of public spaces and retail services (full list available at: https://github.com/jajsmith/COVID-19NonPharmaceuticalInterventions ), has resulted in risks to the health and well-being of Veterans, including disruptions to healthcare, loss of income, social isolation, and viral infection and mortality. Although a few studies are ongoing to better understand who may be at greatest risk, little is known about how Veterans experienced the pandemic and what coping strategies they employed at the outset. This infographic summarizes national cross-sectional survey responses collected from 210 Veterans aged 55 years and older who participated in the Canadian COVID-19 Coping Study between May-June 2020 (Women’s College Hospital Research Ethics Board REB # 2020-0045-E). The average age of Veterans who participated was 72 years; 29% were female, 93% completed the survey in English and 84% were retired. This population is older and more likely to be female than the gen-eral Veteran population.4 None of the Veterans included in this study had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of study. A total of 11% had a family member or friend with a diagnosis or symptoms, and less than 5% had a family member or friend hospitalized, or who died as a result of COVID-19.

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Nursing Home Social Workers Perceptions of Preparedness and Coping for COVID-19

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbaa143 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vivian J Miller ◽

Noelle L Fields ◽

Keith A Anderson ◽

Nancy Kusmaul ◽

Christy Maxwell

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Social Workers ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nursing Home Staff ◽

Additional Support

Abstract Objectives Social work has a long history of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations during times of crisis and disaster. Social workers are working at the front lines responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of health care practice settings, including nursing homes; however, it is unclear how social workers perceive their preparedness during this time. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional survey to nursing home social workers via social media on feelings of preparedness for COVID-19, what has been most professionally helpful for social workers during these times in their role in COVID-19, as well as demographic questions. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique. Results Data are based on a sample of 63 (N = 63) nursing home social workers. Findings revealed that while some social workers felt prepared for the coronavirus, many respondents stated that they were unprepared to meet the demands and challenges they were facing. Moreover, participants shared that professional support was critically important to get through COVID-19. Discussion These findings are important, as social workers are tasked with ensuring each resident attains their highest level of psychosocial well-being, which can be achieved only when nursing home staff are supported. Findings from the present study suggest that additional support for nursing home staff ought to include peer mentoring and mutual support. Additionally, improved leadership across health care settings is worth assessing.

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Nursing Home Social Workers Perceptions of Preparedness and Coping for COVID-19

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3487 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 953-953

Author(s):

Vivian Miller ◽

Noelle Fields ◽

Nancy Kusmaul ◽

Keith Anderson ◽

Christy Maxwell

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Social Workers ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nursing Home Staff ◽

Additional Support

Abstract Social work has a long history of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations during times of crisis and disaster. Social workers are working at the front lines responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of health care practice settings, including nursing homes, however it is unclear how social workers perceive their preparedness during this time. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to nursing home social workers via social media on feelings of preparedness for COVID-19, what has been most professionally helpful for social workers during these times in their role in COVID-19, as well as demographic questions. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique. Data are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Findings revealed that while some social workers felt prepared for the coronavirus, many respondents stated that they were unprepared to meet the demands and challenges they were facing. Moreover, participants shared that professional support was critically important to get through COVID-19. These findings are important, as social workers are tasked with ensuring each resident attains their highest level of psychosocial well-being, which can be achieved only when nursing home staff are supported. Findings from the present study suggest that additional support for nursing home staff ought to include peer mentoring and mutual support. Additionally, improved leadership across health care settings is worth assessing.

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Resettled Bhutanese Refugees in Ottawa: What Coping Strategies Promote Psychological Well-Being?

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/0844562119828905 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 51 (3) ◽

pp. 168-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anita Subedi ◽

Dana S. Edge ◽

Catherine L. Goldie ◽

Monakshi Sawhney

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Bhutanese Refugees ◽

Self Blame ◽

Brief Cope ◽

Positive Reframing

Background Since 2008, Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in Canada, including Ottawa. This relocation and resettling process is associated with significant physical and psychological stress, as individuals acclimatize to a new country. Purpose To assess the relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being of Bhutanese refugees resettled in Ottawa. Methods A cross-sectional survey utilizing a convenience sample of adults (n = 110) was conducted in the fall of 2015 in Ottawa. Two tools, Brief COPE and general well-being schedule were used. Results Bhutanese refugees were in moderate distress. Using multiple linear regression, age, education, and three coping strategies (positive reframing, self-blame, and venting) were identified as predictors of general well-being ( F (11, 96) = 3.61, p < .001, R2 = 21.2%). Higher levels of education and positive reframing were associated with greater general well-being scores, while self-blame and well-being between ages 41 and 50 years were inversely associated with general well-being. Conclusions Findings suggest that a broad intersectorial approach between nurses and partner agencies is needed to enhance the mental health of this population for better adjustment in the host country. Nurses could provide support and counseling to minimize the use of self-blame and venting and promote positive coping strategies.

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Awareness, anxiety and coping regarding COVID-19 among South Indian population: web based cross sectional survey

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203914 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 3504

Author(s):

Puvaneswari Kanagaraj ◽

Anbueswari Kanagaraj ◽

Madhusheela Srinivasan ◽

Jessy Jacob ◽

Mariamma Philip

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

South Indian Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

South Indian ◽

The Government ◽

And Coping ◽

And Control

Background: COVID-19, a highly infectious pandemic illness, has caused stress in everyone globally. It is a new situation, where no one is prepared to battle. With the currently available data, health care and the government makes guidelines and fights against this pandemic. The cooperation of the public is highly important to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.Methods: A web based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 519 participants using convenience snowballing technique to assess the awareness, anxiety, and coping strategies regarding COVID-19 from 14 May 2020 to 24 May 2020. The validated online Google form questionnaire consisted of demographic variables, questionnaire related to awareness on COVID-19, anxiety related to COVID-19, and coping strategies. The analysis was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The majority of them were graduates and postgraduates. And 78% of them reported that no COVID-19 positive cases were identified in their area. The awareness score was 7.47±1.37 (median=8, range: 1-10). And the overall anxiety regarding COVID-19 was 47.74±11.58 (Range 17-85). On average, participants practiced 4 coping strategies ranged from 1-8 mainly ‘talking to friends and family’ and ‘taking care of diet’. Awareness was positively correlated with behavioral anxiety (r=0.103, p=0.019) and the number of coping strategies used (r=0.146, p=0.001).Conclusions: The study showed that awareness was positively associated with hand washing, social distancing which are the parts of preventive activities. Health promotion activities in terms of health education can improve the behavioural change.

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Illness perception and coping among women living with breast cancer in Ghana: an exploratory qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. e033019

Author(s):

Nuworza Kugbey ◽

Kwaku Oppong Asante ◽

Anna Meyer-Weitz

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Social Support ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Illness Perceptions ◽

Illness Perception ◽

Psychosocial Interventions ◽

Well Being ◽

Factual Knowledge ◽

Psychosocial Needs ◽

And Coping

ObjectiveIllness perception has been shown to have significant influence on the well-being and coping strategies of persons living with chronic medical conditions. Understanding of how women living with breast cancer cognitively and emotionally represent their illness and coping strategies used is likely to help in designing focused psychosocial interventions aimed at improving their health and well-being. This study explored the illness perceptions and coping strategies among women receiving care for breast cancer.DesignA qualitative phenomenological study (using semi-structured in-depth interviews).SettingOncology department of a tertiary hospital in Ghana.ParticipantsEleven women receiving breast cancer treatment were purposively sampled and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with questions based on illness perception and coping literature.ResultsIn terms of illness perceptions, it emerged that most of the participants lacked adequate factual knowledge about breast cancer and perceived causes but believed in the curability of their illness through medical treatments and the help of God. Spirituality, social support and diversion coping were the key resources for coping among the participants.ConclusionBreast cancer patients lacked adequate factual knowledge of breast cancer and their perception about the causes of breast cancer is rooted in biopsycho-spiritual model of illness. The reliance on spirituality and social support as the main coping strategies suggests the need for psychosocial interventions tailored to the spiritual and psychosocial needs of the patients.

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Work-nonwork interference: Can ministers currently cope with increasing job demands against limited resources within South Africa?

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies ◽

10.4102/hts.v71i2.2091 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 71 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Anso Van der Westhuizen ◽

Eileen Koekemoer

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Survey Design ◽

Job Demands ◽

Job Characteristics ◽

Job Resources ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multiple Levels ◽

And Coping

Ministers of religion have a unique occupation with designated job demands and incongruous resources at their disposal. Literature indicates that stressors within the work environment are significant predictors of work-nonwork interference. Ministers play a key role within society and provide support for individuals on multiple levels. However, limited studies are found in South Africa focussing on ministers’ job characteristics related to work-nonwork interference, and how ministers cope. The main objective of this study was to investigate job demands and job resources as significant predictors of work-nonwork interference amongst ministers of religion, and to identify which coping strategies are most significant for ministers in dealing with work-nonwork interference. A cross-sectional survey design was used amongst ministers working in the three sister churches (N = 199). Various instruments were administered to measure job characteristics, work-nonwork interference and coping strategies empirically. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, product-moment correlations and multiple regression analyses. Results indicated that for ministers different job demands (i.e. cognitive demands and pace and amount of work) and job resources (i.e. financial support and job significance) significantly predicted work-parent, work-home and work-religion/spirituality interference. Results indicated turning to religion as the only significant coping strategy used by ministers to deal with work-parent interference and work-religion interference. Ministers of religion are continually exposed to increasing job demands and a lack of job resources, and therefore experience work-nonwork interference. Nevertheless, the ministers apparently cope by using the strategy best related to their profession, turning to religion/spirituality. Turning to religion/spirituality seems to be the most effective in dealing with work-nonwork interference.

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Is social work a green profession? An examination of environmental beliefs

Journal of Social Work ◽

10.1177/1468017311407555 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 3-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Terry V Shaw

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Social Work ◽

Social Workers ◽

Small Body ◽

Work Practice ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Social Work Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

• Summary: Social work has developed to meet the needs of an industrializing society. As environmental concerns have increased, national, and international social work organizations have called on social workers to incorporate issues of the environment into their professional practice. Although there is a small body of literature related to social work and the environment, the profession has not fully embraced the need to incorporate these issues into social work education or practice. This cross-sectional survey in the United States of a random sample of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) members ( n = 373) was designed to gauge the environmental knowledge and attitudes of social work professionals. • Findings: Though social work shares many of the same underlying tenets of groups interested in environmental justice, results suggest that social workers as a profession are no more, nor less, environmentally friendly than the general population. • Applications: By failing to incorporate ecological issues facing the United States and abroad, our current social policies are at best not sustainable, and at worst dangerous for our continued social well-being. Social workers can play a leading role through an understanding of the interrelationship that exists between people and the environment, the integration of environmental issues into their social work practice, and advocating for vulnerable populations.

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