scholarly journals P67 Risk factors for musculoskeletal pain amongst health and social care workers in the UK: results from the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania D'Angelo ◽  
Georgia Ntani ◽  
Holly Syddall ◽  
E C Harris ◽  
Cathy Linaker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main causes of sickness absence in the UK and their prevalence is likely to increase in workers, with the rise of state pension age. Previous research has shown that these conditions are common among health and social care workers. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among health and social care workers and to explore personal and occupational risk factors for pain at specific anatomical sites and for multi-site pain. Methods We used data from the second year of follow up of the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study, a cohort study of 8,134 adults aged 50-64, recruited through 24 English general practices. Health and social care workers, identified through the Standard Occupational Classification 2010, were the focus of this cross-sectional analysis. The outcome under investigation was self-reported pain lasting more than a day in the past month, at one or more of eight anatomical sites: neck, low back, mid-back, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, knee, foot/ankle. Socio-demographic variables, self-reported health measures, psychosocial work factors (job dissatisfaction, lack of appreciation, lack of support) and occupational activities (kneeling or squatting for more than 1 hr/day, standing for most of the day) were ascertained through postal questionnaire, and associations with pain at specific anatomical sites and multi-site (≥2 anatomical sites) pain were explored with logistic regression, firstly adjusted for age and sex and then adjusted for additional confounders. Results A total of 282 participants were working in health and social care at second year follow up. Mean age was 59 years and 90% of them were women. Of these workers, n = 199 (71%) reported pain in at least one site, while n = 147 (52%) reported multi-site pain. The most reported anatomical sites with pain were knee and low back, with a prevalence of 39% and 34% respectively. Significant risk factors for knee pain were poor self-rated health (OR = 4.2; 95%CI 2.1 to 8.2) and being exposed to kneeling for longer than an hour/day at work (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.2 to 3.4). Similar results were found for low back pain, while for multi-site pain mental exhaustion also appeared to have an effect. None of the socio-demographic variables or psychosocial work factors influenced the outcomes. Conclusion In a sample of health and social care workers in the UK, the prevalence of low back, neck and multi-site pain is high. The common risk factors were being exposed to kneeling at work and reporting poor/fair health. Disclosures S. D'Angelo: None. G. Ntani: None. H. Syddall: None. E.C. Harris: None. C. Linaker: None. M. Stevens: None. K. Walker-Bone: None.

Epidemiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-242
Author(s):  
Paula McFadden ◽  
Ruth D. Neill ◽  
John Moriarty ◽  
Patricia Gillen ◽  
John Mallett ◽  
...  

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world, it is important to examine its effect on societies and individuals, including health and social care (HSC) professionals. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from HSC staff in the UK at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021). The HSC staff surveyed consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers from across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Multiple regressions were used to examine the effects of different coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on participants’ wellbeing and quality of working life to see how and if the predictors changed over time. An additional multiple regression was used to directly examine the effects of time (Phase 1 vs. Phase 2) on the outcome variables. Findings suggested that both wellbeing and quality of working life deteriorated from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The results have the potential to inform interventions for HSC staff during future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, other infectious outbreaks or even other circumstances putting long-term pressures on HSC systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 480-481
Author(s):  
George Winter

With the UK Health Security Agency announcement that those over 50 as well as health and social care workers are to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine boster, George Winter investigates whether research supports the necessity to do so


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadie Bell ◽  
Richard M Clarke ◽  
Sharif A Ismail ◽  
Oyinkansola Ojo-Aromokudu ◽  
Habib Naqvi ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe UK began delivering its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 December 2020, with health and social care workers (H&SCWs) given high priority for vaccination. Despite well- documented occupational exposure risks, however, there is evidence of lower uptake among some H&SCW groups.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach - involving an online cross-sectional survey and semi- structured interviews – to gain insight into COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours amongst H&SCWs in the UK by socio-demographic and employment variables. 1917 people were surveyed – 1658 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 261 social care workers (SCWs). Twenty participants were interviewed.FindingsWorkplace factors contributed to vaccination access and uptake. SCWs were more likely to not be offered COVID-19 vaccination than HCWs (OR:1.453, 95%CI: 1.244 – 1.696). SCWs specifically reported uncertainties around how to access COVID-19 vaccination. Participants who indicated stronger agreement with the statement ‘I would recommend my organisation as a place to work’ were more likely to have been offered COVID-19 vaccination (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.06 – 1.56). Those who agreed more strongly with the statement ‘I feel/felt under pressure from my employer to get a COVID-19 vaccine’ were more likely to have declined vaccination (OR:1.75, 95%CI: 1.27– 2.41). Interviewees that experienced employer pressure to get vaccinated felt this exacerbated their vaccine concerns and increased distrust.In comparison to White British and White Irish participants, Black African and Mixed Black African participants were more likely to not be offered (OR:2.011, 95%CI: 1.026 – 3.943) and more likely to have declined COVID-19 vaccination (OR:5.55, 95%CI: 2.29 – 13.43). Reasons for declining vaccination among Black African participants included distrust in COVID-19 vaccination, healthcare providers, and policymakers.ConclusionH&SCW employers are in a pivotal position to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination access, by ensuring staff are aware of how to get vaccinated and promoting a workplace environment in which vaccination decisions are informed and voluntary.


2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
SC Allen

SummarySmoking remains prevalent in elderly people in the UK and similar countries. The adverse health effects of current smoking continue to accumulate in old age and stopping smoking in old age confers benefits on function, morbidity and mortality. Many elderly people wish to stop smoking and many are successful. Structured support from health and social care workers improves quit rates and nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective aid to smoking cessation in old age. Doctors and other healthcare staff should use the opportunities of patient contact to encourage older smokers to quit. Cognitive impairment is a barrier to successful smoking cessation.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e047353
Author(s):  
Henry Aughterson ◽  
Alison R McKinlay ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton

ObjectivesTo explore the psychosocial well-being of health and social care professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignThis was a qualitative study deploying in-depth, individual interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for coding.ParticipantsThis study involved 25 participants from a range of frontline professions in health and social care.SettingInterviews were conducted over the phone or video call, depending on participant preference.ResultsFrom the analysis, we identified 5 overarching themes: communication challenges, work-related stressors, support structures, personal growth and individual resilience. The participants expressed difficulties such as communication challenges and changing work conditions, but also positive factors such as increased team unity at work, and a greater reflection on what matters in life.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence on the support needs of health and social care professionals amid continued and future disruptions caused by the pandemic. It also elucidates some of the successful strategies (such as mindfulness, hobbies, restricting news intake, virtual socialising activities) deployed by health and social care professionals that can support their resilience and well-being and be used to guide future interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1882781
Author(s):  
Talya Greene ◽  
Jasmine Harju-Seppänen ◽  
Mariam Adeniji ◽  
Charlotte Steel ◽  
Nick Grey ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Perry ◽  
Fiona L. Mason

SummaryThe health and social care landscape in the UK is changing, and there is now, more than ever, a real need for doctors to embrace leadership and management. Evidence shows that medical leadership is associated with better outcomes for patients. Psychiatrists are particularly well suited to such roles, given the interpersonal skills and self-awareness that they develop in their training. In this article, we examine the role of the psychiatrist in leading at a patient, team and organisational level and the impact this has. We also discuss different leadership and management styles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0002
Author(s):  
Brendon C. Mitchell ◽  
Matthew Y. Siow ◽  
Alyssa Carrol ◽  
Andrew T. Pennock ◽  
Eric W. Edmonds

Background: Multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) refractory to rehabilitation can be treated with arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction with suture anchors. No studies have reported on outcomes or examined the risk factors that may contribute to poor outcomes in adolescent athletes. Hypothesis/Purpose: To identify risk factors for surgical failure by comparing anatomic, clinical, and demographic variables in adolescents who underwent surgical intervention for MDI. Methods: All patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery at one institution between January 2009 and April 2017 were reviewed. Patients >20 years old at presentation were excluded. Multidirectional instability was defined by positive drive-through sign on arthroscopy plus positive sulcus sign and/or multidirectional laxity on anterior and posterior drawer testing while under anesthesia. Two-year minimum follow-up was required, but those whose treatment failed earlier were included for reporting purposes. Demographics and intraoperative findings were recorded, as were Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scoring, Pediatric and Adolescent Shoulder Survey (PASS), and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) results. Results: Eighty adolescents (88 shoulders) were identified for having undergone surgical treatment of MDI. Of these 80 patients, 42 (50 shoulders; 31 female, 19 male) were available at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Mean follow-up was 6.3 years (range, 2.8-10.2 years). Thirteen (26.0%) shoulders experienced surgical failure defined by recurrence of subluxation and instability, all of which underwent re-operation. Time to re-operation occurred at a mean of 1.9 years (range, 0.8-3.2). Our cohort had an overall survivorship of 96% at 1 year after surgery and 76% at 3 years. None of the anatomic, clinical, or demographic variables tested, or the presence of generalized ligamentous laxity, were correlated with subjective outcomes or re-operation. Number of anchors used was not different between those that failed and those that did not fail. Patients reported a mean SANE score of 83.3, PASS score of 85.0, and QuickDASH score of 6.8. Return to prior level of sport (RTS) occurred in 56% of patients. Conclusion: Multidirectional shoulder instability is a complex disorder that can be challenging to treat. Adolescent MDI that is refractory to non-surgical management appears to have long-term outcomes after surgical intervention that are comparable to adolescent patients with unidirectional instability. In patients who do experience failure of capsulorraphy, we show that failure will most likely occur within 3 years of the index surgical treatment. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]


Author(s):  
Esme Choonara

The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 in the context of a COVID-19 pandemic that was already disproportionally impacting on the lives of people from black, Asian and other minority ethnicities in the UK and the US has provoked scrutiny of how racism impacts on all areas of our lives. This article will examine some competing theories of racism, and ask what theoretical tools we need to successfully confront racism in health and social care. In particular, it will scrutinise the different levels at which racism operates – individual, institutional and structural – and ask how these are related. Furthermore, it will argue against theories that see racism as a product of whiteness per se or ‘white supremacy’, insisting instead that racism should be understood as firmly bound to the functioning and perpetuation of capitalism.


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