scholarly journals Hospice Caregiver Burden and Work Productivity: An Exploratory Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1044-1045
Author(s):  
Megan Thomas Hebdon ◽  
Jiayun Xu ◽  
Djin Tay ◽  
Maija Reblin ◽  
Kristin Cloyes ◽  
...  

Abstract Hospice caregivers experience burden that impacts their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Little is known about how caregiver burden impacts occupational well-being through employment and work productivity. Thus, our purpose was to explore the relationships between caregiver burden and dimensions of work productivity/impairment (absenteeism, presenteeism, activity impairment, and overall impairment) among working hospice cancer caregivers. This is a secondary data analysis of baseline data from a larger study of caregiver communication and bereavement. Study data including demographics, preparedness for caregiving, caregiver burden, and work productivity/impairment were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression. Dimensions of work productivity/impairment were dependent variables, and age and preparedness for caregiving were covariates. Working caregivers (N=54) had an average age of 52 (SD: 12.65), and were primarily White (83%), female (70%), married (69%), employed full-time (70%) and had a household income of $50,000 or more (65%). Greater caregiver burden was significantly associated with lower preparedness for caregiving (r=-.41, p<.01), and greater activity impairment (r=.50, p<.01), presenteeism (r=.44, p<.01), and overall impairment (r=.36, p<.05), but not absenteeism. Caregiver burden predicted activity impairment (b=1.72 [.72, 2.71], p<.01), presenteeism (b=1.44 [.33, 2.55], p<.01), and overall impairment (b=1.42 [.09, 2.74], p<.05), even after controlling for age and preparation for caregiving. More burdened caregivers may be having more challenges with work productivity. Additional research is needed to examine these relationships in a larger, more diverse sample. Future research should also investigate how supportive work environments and leave policies reduce caregiver burden and promote work productivity.

2020 ◽  
pp. 193229682097640
Author(s):  
Michelle Dugas ◽  
Weiguang Wang ◽  
Kenyon Crowley ◽  
Anand K. Iyer ◽  
Malinda Peeples ◽  
...  

Background: Digital health solutions targeting diabetes self-care are popular and promising, but important questions remain about how these tools can most effectively help patients. Consistent with evidence of the salutary effects of note-taking in education, features that enable annotation of structured data entry might enhance the meaningfulness of the interaction, thereby promoting persistent use and benefits of a digital health solution. Method: To examine the potential benefits of note-taking, we explored how patients with type 2 diabetes used annotation features of a digital health solution and assessed the relationship between annotation and persistence in engagement as well as improvements in glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Secondary data from 3142 users of the BlueStar digital health solution collected between December 2013 and June 2017 were analyzed, with a subgroup of 372 reporting A1C lab values. Results: About a third of patients recorded annotations while using the platform. Annotation themes largely reflected self-management behaviors (diet, physical activity, medication adherence) and well-being (mood, health status). Early use of contextual annotations was associated with greater engagement over time and with greater improvements in A1C. Conclusions: Our research provides preliminary evidence of the benefits of annotation features in a digital health solution. Future research is needed to assess the causal impact of note-taking and the moderating role of thematic content reflected in notes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorcas E. Beaton ◽  
Sarah Dyer ◽  
Annelies Boonen ◽  
Suzanne M.M. Verstappen ◽  
Reuben Escorpizo ◽  
...  

Objective.Indicators of work role functioning (being at work, and being productive while at work) are important outcomes for persons with arthritis. As the worker productivity working group at OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), we sought to provide an evidence base for consensus on standardized instruments to measure worker productivity [both absenteeism and at-work productivity (presenteeism) as well as critical contextual factors].Methods.Literature reviews and primary studies were done and reported to the OMERACT 12 (2014) meeting to build the OMERACT Filter 2.0 evidence for worker productivity outcome measurement instruments. Contextual factor domains that could have an effect on scores on worker productivity instruments were identified by nominal group techniques, and strength of influence was further assessed by literature review.Results.At OMERACT 9 (2008), we identified 6 candidate measures of absenteeism, which received 94% endorsement at the plenary vote. At OMERACT 11 (2012) we received over the required minimum vote of 70% for endorsement of 2 at-work productivity loss measures. During OMERACT 12 (2014), out of 4 measures of at-work productivity loss, 3 (1 global; 2 multiitem) received support as having passed the OMERACT Filter with over 70% of the plenary vote. In addition, 3 contextual factor domains received a 95% vote to explore their validity as core contextual factors: nature of work, work accommodation, and workplace support.Conclusion.Our current recommendations for at-work productivity loss measures are: WALS (Workplace Activity Limitations Scale), WLQ PDmod (Work Limitations Questionnaire with modified physical demands scale), WAI (Work Ability Index), WPS (Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey), and WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Our future research focus will shift to confirming core contextual factors to consider in the measurement of worker productivity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 426-426
Author(s):  
A. Deodhar ◽  
P. J. Mease ◽  
L. S. Gensler ◽  
P. Rahman ◽  
V. Navarro-Compán ◽  
...  

Background:Patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) experience impairments in health-related quality of life comparable to those seen in ankylosing spondylitis, including impacts on work productivity. Ixekizumab (IXE) is a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A and effectively treats axial spondyloarthritis.1,2,3Objectives:This analysis evaluated the effect of IXE treatment for 52 weeks on work productivity and activity impairment as measured by absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment in patients with active nr-axSpA.Methods:COAST-X (NCT02757352) was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group outpatient study investigating the efficacy and safety of 80 mg IXE every 2 weeks (Q2W) and every 4 weeks (Q4W) compared to placebo (PBO) in 303 patients naïve to biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs with active nr-axSpA during a 52-week treatment period. From Weeks 16 through 44, if patients’ disease activity required escalation of treatment at investigator discretion, patients were switched to open-label IXE Q2W or subsequent tumor necrosis factor inhibitor treatment. Analysis was performed for the intent-to-treat population, which included data up to the time of biologic switching. Patients who switched to open-label IXE were considered non-responders. Changes from baseline in work productivity were measured for patients reporting full- or part-time work at Weeks 16 and 52 with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire for Spondyloarthritis and analyzed with an analysis of covariance model including treatment, geographic region, screening magnetic resonance imaging and C-reactive protein level status, and baseline value as factors. Missing data was imputed using the modified baseline observation carried forward.Results:A majority of patients (63.5–65.7%) reported part-time or full-time paid work at baseline, with baseline scores for presenteeism and overall work activity slightly higher for patients in the PBO arm (p<0.05). Patients treated with IXE Q4W had significantly greater improvement than PBO in activity impairment at Weeks 16 (p=0.003) and 52 (p=0.004), presenteeism at Weeks 16 (p=0.007) and 52 (p=0.003), and overall work impairment at Weeks 16 (p=0.014) and 52 (p=0.005; Figure). Patients treated with IXE Q2W had significantly greater improvement than PBO in activity impairment at Weeks 16 (p=0.007) and 52 (p=0.006; Figure). Patients treated with either IXE regimen had numeric improvements in all WPAI measures compared to those receiving PBO at Weeks 16 and 52 (Figure).Conclusion:Patients with nr-axSpA treated with either IXE regimen had significant improvements in activity impairment compared to PBO. Patients receiving IXE Q4W also had significant improvements in presenteeism and overall work impairment.References:[1]Sieper, et al. (2016)Clin Exp Rheumatol.34(6):975-83.[2]Van der Heijde, et al. (2018)Lancet. 392(10163):2441-51.[3]Deodhar, et al. (2019)Arthritis Rheumatol.71(4):599-611.Figure.Changes from baseline in A) Absenteeism, B) Presenteeism, C) Overall Work Impairment, and D) Activity Impairment.Disclosure of Interests:Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Genentech, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB Pharma, Lianne S. Gensler Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, UCB, Proton Rahman Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer., Speakers bureau: Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Victoria Navarro-Compán Consultant of: Abbvie, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, MSD, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Helena Marzo-Ortega Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, UCB, Theresa Hunter Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, David Sandoval Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Andris Kronbergs Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Baojin Zhu Shareholder of: Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, Ann Leung: None declared, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB


Author(s):  
Dhruva Pathak ◽  
Vijayakumar Bharathi S. ◽  
Padma Mala E.

The study investigated the impact of mandatory work from home due COVID-19 on personal and professional lives of people with different demographics. Statistical analysis of an online survey data (N=237) reveals that the impact on personal life dimensions—healthy lifestyle, family bonding, and physical stress—does not differ across people within different demographics. However, impact on emotional well-being is sensitive to gender and industry groups. Family size is also an important demographic factor impacted upon personal life dimensions. Professional dimensions related to work productivity and adopting new ways of working does not differ across demographics except for occupational role. Dimensions related to new skill development and change in professional attitude does differ across occupational roles. The study concludes by stating future research directions for mandatory work from home situation, and prescription to post-COVID-19 strategies for organizations.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler L Renshaw

This brief report presents an analog test of the relative classification validity of three cutoff values (CVs; 16, 18, and 20) derived from responses to the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Total Difficulties Scale. Results from Bayesian t-tests, using several school-specific subjective well-being indicators as dependent variables, yielded evidence suggesting all CV models effectively differentiated between students with lower and higher levels of risk. Evidence also indicated that the lowest CV (16) was more effective than the higher CVs (18, 20) at identifying students with greater levels of risk, and that the higher CVs functioned comparably well. Implications for future research and practice are noted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-809
Author(s):  
Tyler L. Renshaw ◽  
Jeffrey S. Chenier

This brief report presents a secondary analysis of responses to the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (SSWQ) with a sample of urban middle-schoolers. Relative classification validity evidence was evaluated for two screening models derived from responses to the SSWQ: one based on the Overall Wellbeing Scale (OWS) and the other based solely on the Academic Efficacy Subscale (AES). Results from Bayesian t tests, using several school-reported outcomes as dependent variables, indicated evidence in favor of classification validity for both the OWS and AES screening models. Yet findings also show that the evidence for the AES model was stronger than that for the OWS model. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.


Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie L Boucher ◽  
Jeffrey J VanWormer ◽  
Heather R Britt ◽  
James M Peacock ◽  
Kevin J Graham

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyles are associated with low workplace productivity, but lifestyle risks tend to cluster and the impact of this is not well studied. This analysis examined the cross-sectional association between an optimal lifestyle score (OLS) and overall workplace productivity in the Heart of New Ulm Project. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that a higher OLS would be associated with higher workplace productivity relative to a lower OLS. Methods: Complete data was available from 2,987 adults age 18-85 years (with ≥0.40 FTE work agreement) without self-reported diabetes or heart disease, who underwent a cardiovascular risk factor screening in 2009. For each participant, an OLS of 0-4 total points was created by summing one point for each of the following factors: non-smoker, ≥150 min/wk of moderately equivalent physical activity, 1-14 alcoholic drinks/wk, and ≥5 serv/d of fruits and vegetables. Overall productivity loss combined absenteeism and presenteeism from the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, reflecting the percentage loss of all available work hours (per work agreement) due to health reasons. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and Perceived Stress Scale score, least squares adjusted mean±SE productivity loss was 9.9±1.9% for an OLS of 0, 5.7±0.6% for an OLS of 1, 4.9±0.4% for an OLS of 2, 4.9±0.4% for an OLS of 3, and 4.7±1.0% for an OLS of 4 (p for trend <0.001). Post hoc comparisons revealed that OLS’s of 0 were significantly different (p =0.05) from all other OLS’s, while OLS’s of 1, 2, 3, or 4 were statistically indistinguishable (p=0.05) from one another. Conclusions: A beneficial threshold of having at least one optimal lifestyle factor was observed. When productivity loss is converted to lost dollars under the assumptions that all employees work full time with an annual salary of $50,000, an OLS of 0 (-$4,950/employee) has over two-fold higher annual estimated workplace productivity losses relative to an OLS of 4 (-$2,350/employee). Employees with no optimal lifestyle habits, however, represent a very small proportion (1.5% of this analysis; 46 of 2,987) of the total workforce. As such, greater absolute economic benefits may be realized by focusing interventions primarily on supporting the maintenance of existing optimal lifestyle habits.


1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Ross Colquhoun

The Work Repertory Grid was developed to investigate a Personal Construct model of burnout for an empirical study involving 60 mental health professionals working in the Illawarra area. This paper backgrounds some of the theories of stress and burnout and the traditional methods of measuring predictor and dependent variables. It also describes the development of the Work Repertory Grid and how it was derived from both Personal Construct and burnout theory. Results from the empirical study suggest a valuable role for the instrument in interpreting and exploring results from future research in conjunction with other objective measures, which, in turn, tend to validate the instrument. By fixing constructs relating to personal attributes and relating styles the Work Repertory Grid holds the promise of early prediction of burnout in stressful work environments.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6542-6542
Author(s):  
L. Bordeleau ◽  
D. Warr ◽  
P. Goodwin ◽  
N. Lathia ◽  
O. Jugovic ◽  
...  

6542 Background: There is a paucity of data assessing the potential impact of breast cancer diagnosis on the productivity of affected women. The objective was to identify and quantify lost productivity, health utilities and quality of life experienced in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: A consecutive cross-sectional cohort of women with breast cancer (at any stage) attending outpatient clinics at Mount Sinai Hospital/Princess Margaret Hospital were eligible and consented to participate in the study. Women completed questionnaires assessing demographic and disease related information, work productivity and activity impairment utility (EQ5D VAS) and quality of life (FACT-B). Results: Data from 103 patients age 56.5 ± 11.9 years (mean +SD) were collection. Distribution of stage at diagnosis was as follows: 0 (31%), I (26%), II (10%), III (5%), IV (17%), unknown (11%). Time since diagnosis was 30.0 ± 39.1 months. Most women had recently been on active treatment for their breast cancer: chemotherapy (47%), hormone manipulation (23%), herceptin (6%), radiation (27%) and unknown (15%). 9% of women had metastatic disease, 35% had an income between $0 and $30,000. 58% of women were working full time for pay before their diagnosis, whereas only 19% were working full time for pay at the time of the assessment. At the time of the assessment, 18% were on disability leave. 8.7% of the women retired between the times of their diagnosis to the current assessment. Of those still working, a mean of 8.7 ± 11.6 days were missed from work in the previous 30 days due to problems related to breast cancer. The average number of days that employed patients actually worked (N=27) was 16.0 ± 9.0 days (range 4–30 days). 8% of patients required paid health care assistance during the past 4 weeks. 44% of patients had a spouse as an unpaid caregiver, followed by child/parent (20%) and friend (13%). Mean overall health rated by the respondents using the EQ5D VAS was 73.2 ± 16.3. The FACT-B mean was 68.0 ± 12.5 (range 27 to 98). Conclusion: Breast cancer negatively impacts work productivity and overall activity. The significant use of both paid and unpaid assistance would amount to significant societal costs which are currently not included in most cost-effectiveness analyses. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


10.28945/4467 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 057-074
Author(s):  
Hyrine Mueni Matheka ◽  
Ellen E.P.W.A. Jansen ◽  
Adriaan W.H.A Hofman

Aim/Purpose: Kenya plans to be a middle-income country by the year 2030. To achieve this development target, the country has rapidly expanded its university sub-sector in order to produce the requisite skilled professionals. This has put a strain on the available PhD holders thus heightening the pressure on universities to produce more PhD graduates to meet the required larger pool of highly qualified professionals to service the academia and other sectors of the economy. However, the PhD graduation rate per year is very low and unexplained. This study sought to explain the factors influencing PhD success rates in Kenyan universities. Background: This cross-sectional study set out to establish how PhD students’ background and program characteristics are related to their success. This knowledge will inform policies and strategies to enhance PhD training and success in Kenya. Methodology: Data on 1,992 PhD students was collected from 10 universities by using the Microsoft Excel data tool to collect administrative data. The researchers utilized the data collection to construct a quantitative research design. The PhD students were enrolled in the following program domains/clusters: Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Physical and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences and Medical Sciences. Contribution: PhD success factors have been extensively studied in developed countries. This paper builds on this body of knowledge with a specific focus on developing countries like Kenya. Findings: Students’ background characteristics (age, nationality, gender, financial support and marital statuses) were not related to PhD students’ success, however, full-time employed PhD students had better progression than their part-time colleagues. Program characteristics (program cluster and mode of study) were significantly related to students’ success. Students who had delayed for two years or more years had limited chance to graduate. Recommendations for Practitioners: To improve the PhD education system, practitioners should endeavor to monitor and track the progress of their PhD students. To do this, the researchers recommend that the universities collect and keep good records of these types of data. Universities should come up with strategies to build on or mitigate against the factors that have been identified to influence PhD success. Recommendation for Researchers: The researchers recommend further research, especially in developing countries, to understand the PhD study systems and inform effective interventions. Impact on Society: To identify, conceptualize or mitigate against the factors which influence PhD success lead to higher success in PhD training in order to enhance knowledge to solve societal problems. Future Research: Further research is recommended especially in the context of developing countries to establish how supervisor–student interactions, availability of infrastructural resources, and students’ motivation, efficacy and well-being relate to PhD success in Kenyan universities


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