scholarly journals Changing patterns of sickness absence among healthcare workers in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Edge ◽  
Diana A van der Plaat ◽  
Vaughan Parsons ◽  
David Coggon ◽  
Martie J van Tongeren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Eye Problems ◽  
Gastrointestinal Problems ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Back Problems ◽  
Delays In Diagnosis ◽  
Nose And Throat

Abstract Objective To explore impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of sickness absence among staff employed by the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Methods We analysed prospectively collected, pseudonymised data on 959,356 employees who were continuously employed by NHS trusts during 1 January 2019 to 31 July 2020, comparing the frequency of new sickness absence in 2020 with that at corresponding times in 2019. Results After exclusion of episodes directly related to COVID-19, the overall incidence of sickness absence during the initial 10 weeks of the pandemic (March-May 2020) was more than 20% lower than in corresponding weeks of 2019, but trends for specific categories of illness varied. Marked increases were observed for asthma (122%), infectious diseases (283%) and mental illness (42.3%), while reductions were apparent for gastrointestinal problems (48.4%), genitourinary/gynaecological disorders (33.8%), eye problems (42.7%), injury and fracture (27.7%), back problems (19.6%), other musculoskeletal disorders (29.3%), disorders of ear, nose and throat (32.7%), cough/flu (24.5%) and cancer (24.1%). A doubling of new absences for pregnancy-related disorders during 18 May to 19 July of 2020 was limited to women with earlier COVID-19 sickness absence. Conclusions Various factors will have contributed to the large and divergent changes that were observed. The findings add to concerns regarding delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancers, and support a need to plan for a large backlog of treatment for many other diseases. Further research should explore the rise in absence for pregnancy-related disorders among women with earlier COVID-19 sickness absence.

scholarly journals Changing patterns of sickness absence among healthcare workers in England during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Edge ◽  
Diana A van der Plaat ◽  
Vaughan Parsons ◽  
David Coggon ◽  
Martie van Tongeren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
National Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Delays In Diagnosis ◽  
Working Populations

Abstract Background Patterns of sickness absence shed useful light on disease occurrence and illness-related behaviours in working populations. Methods We analysed prospectively collected, pseudonymized data on 959 356 employees who were continuously employed by National Health Service trusts in England from 1 January 2019 to 31 July 2020, comparing the frequency of new sickness absence in 2020 with that at corresponding times in 2019. Results After exclusion of episodes directly related to COVID-19, the overall incidence of sickness absence during the initial 10 weeks of the pandemic (March–May 2020) was more than 20% lower than in corresponding weeks of 2019. Trends for specific categories of illness varied substantially, with a fall by 24% for cancer, but an increase for mental illness. A doubling of new absences for pregnancy-related disorders during May–July of 2020 was limited to women with earlier COVID-19 sickness absence. Conclusions Various factors will have contributed to the large and divergent changes that were observed. The findings reinforce concerns regarding delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancers and support a need to plan for a large backlog of treatment for many other diseases. Further research should explore the rise in absence for pregnancy-related disorders among women with earlier COVID-19 sickness absence.

scholarly journals Occupational risks of COVID-19 in NHS workers in England

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DA van der Plaat ◽  
I Madan ◽  
D Coggon ◽  
M van Tongeren ◽  
R Edge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Risk Reduction Strategies

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify occupational risks of Covid-19 among healthcare staff during the first wave of the pandemic in EnglandMethodsUsing pseudonymised data on 902,813 individuals continuously employed by 191 National Health Service trusts during 1.1.19 to 31.7.20, we explored demographic and occupational risk factors for sickness absence ascribed to Covid-19 during 9.3.20 to 31.7.20 (n = 92,880). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsWith adjustment for employing trust, demographic characteristics, and previous frequency of sickness absence, risk relative to administrative/clerical occupations was highest in additional clinical services (a group that included care assistants) (OR 2.31), registered nursing and midwifery professionals (OR 2.28) and allied health professionals (OR 1.94), and intermediate in doctors and dentists (OR 1.55). Differences in risk were higher after the employing trust had started to care for documented Covid-19 patients, and were reduced, but not eliminated, following additional adjustment for exposure to infected patients or materials, assessed by a job-exposure matrix. For prolonged Covid-19 sickness absence (episodes lasting >14 days), the variation in risk by staff group was somewhat greater.ConclusionsAfter allowance for possible bias and confounding by non-occupational exposures, we estimated that relative risks for Covid-19 among most patient-facing occupations were between 1.5 and 2.5. The highest risks were in those working in additional clinical services, nursing and midwifery and in allied health professions. Better protective measures for these staff groups should be a priority. Covid-19 may meet criteria for compensation as an occupational disease in some healthcare occupations.Key messagesWhat is already known about this subject?Healthcare workers and other keyworkers (workers whose job was considered essential to societal functioning) had a higher likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19 than other workers during the first lockdown in England. Amongst healthcare workers, those working in inpatient settings had the highest rate of infection.What are the new findings?Between March and July 2000, the overall risk of COVID-19 sickness absence in National Health Service staff in England was lower at older ages, higher in non-white staff, and (in comparison with administrative and clerical staff) more than doubled in registered nurses and among workers such as healthcare assistants providing support to health professionals. Risk in health care scientists was little different from that in administrative and clerical occupationsHow might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?Our results suggest that the risk reduction strategies that were in place for healthcare scientists were effective. However, the protection for nursing and supporting health professionals was insufficient. In the event of a further ‘wave’ of infections resulting in high hospital admissions, attention should be paid to ensuring that risk reduction strategies for nurses and supporting health professionals are improved.

scholarly journals Interventions to reduce sickness absence among healthcare workers: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-162
Author(s):  
Laura Simmons ◽  
Arwel W. Jones ◽  
Niro Siriwardena ◽  
Christopher Bridle
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multicomponent Intervention

Purpose Sickness absence is a major concern for healthcare services and their employees with healthcare workers having higher sickness absence rates compared to the general population. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review randomised control trials (RCTs) that aimed to reduce sickness absence among healthcare workers. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted that aimed to include RCTs with study participants who were employed in any part of the healthcare sector. This review included any type of intervention with the primary outcome measure being sickness absence. Findings Seven studies were included in the review and consisted of one exercise-only intervention, three multicomponent intervention programmes, two influenza vaccination interventions and one process consultation. Three studies (exercise-only, one multicomponent intervention programme and one influenza vaccination intervention) were able to demonstrate a reduction in sickness absence compared to control. Research limitations/implications Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, this review identified that there are currently no interventions that healthcare organisations are able to use to effectively reduce sickness absence among their employees. This review also highlights the importance of a standardised measure of sickness absence for healthcare staff, such as shifts. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review to synthesise such evidence among healthcare workers.

scholarly journals 666 Innovations in ENT Surgery During The COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Aziz ◽  
M Benamer ◽  
S Hany ◽  
Y Sahib
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Ear Surgery ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ent Surgery ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Theatre Staff ◽  
Reduce Risk ◽  
Nose And Throat

Abstract Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID – 19) global pandemic. Similar coronavirus epidemics over the past years affected healthcare workers significantly. Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) presented a unique risk to ear, nose and throat (ENT) Surgeons. We introduce various methods of reducing risk in ENT AGPs. Recommendations During trachesostomies we advocate the adoption of a specialist checklist based on ENT UK guidelines. We also advise the use of a clear drape to create a clear barrier between the patient and staff. For ear surgery we advise suturing 2 microscope pieces together end-to-end so that a clear drape can sperate the patient from surgeon. During nasal and sinus surgery, we advise attaching a clear drape to the sterile camera drape used in rigid nasal endoscopy to create a barrier between patient and surgeon. Discussion Our recommendations will create an extra barrier between the patient and the rest of healthcare team. This should reduce the risks to theatre staff from AGPs. Conclusions COVID 19 is a serious health issue affecting healthcare workers, especially during AGPs in ENT surgery. We recommend several techniques to reduce risk. These can also be used during future epidemics.

Memorandum on Amalgamation of Psychiatric with General Hospital Groups

1967 ◽  
Vol 113 (495) ◽  
pp. 235-237 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
National Health ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Mental Subnormality

At the inception of the National Health Service, most of the large psychiatric hospitals were constituted independent administrative “Groups”. In some cases a mental and a mental subnormality hospital, or two mental subnormality hospitals were joined to form a Group; and a number of the smaller psychiatric hospitals (either for mental illness or for mental subnormality) were attached to Groups consisting mainly of general and specialist hospitals for bodily diseases.

scholarly journals Sickness absence in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 338-342
Author(s):  
Basem Gohar ◽  
Michel Larivière ◽  
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
Keyword(s):  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Healthcare Workers

Further Flexing? Issues of Employment Contract Flexibility in the UK Nursing Workforce

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Buchan
Keyword(s):  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Nursing Workforce ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
College Of Nursing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Official Data

This paper, based on research commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing (Buchan, 1995), reports on the changing working patterns and flexibility in the employment of nursing staff in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. It reviews relevant literature, examines official data and draws information from 12 case study NHS trusts. Flexibility is invariably portrayed as a good thing, and as a means to a positive end, yet is rarely defined in detail, if at all. The aim of this paper is to consider flexibility not as a slogan or panacea, but in terms of the rationales for, and likely effects of, changing patterns of nursing work. It examines the reasons why NHS employers have been attempting to increase the flexibility of their nursing workforce.

scholarly journals Psychiatric morbidity in patients referred for individual psychotherapy within and outwith the NHS

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Mitchell ◽  
Chris P. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Psychiatric Services ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Individual Psychotherapy ◽  
Referral Source ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Adult Psychiatry

Aims and methodDemographic and medical characteristics of waiting list patients for National Health Service (NHS) psychotherapy, non-NHS psychotherapy or NHS general adult psychiatry were compared by postal questionnaires.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-three subjects replied. High rates of psychiatric morbidity were reported in both psychotherapy populations but general psychiatric referrals were more disturbed, taking more psychotropic medication than non-NHS psychotherapy but not NHS psychotherapy subjects. The biggest referral source to non-NHS psychotherapy was general practitioners.Clinical implicationsNon-NHS psychotherapists should be able to recognise severe mental illness and have a basic understanding of psychotropic medication and psychiatric services.

scholarly journals Invited commentary on The mental health of prisoners

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-201
Author(s):  
Tony Maden
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Mentally Disordered Offenders ◽  
Home Office ◽  
Mentally Disordered ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Government

Psychiatrists have always been concerned about the mental health of prisoners. If they did not devote much energy to their treatment, it was only because they had more-pressing problems, including how to squeeze ten patients into nine beds. In any case, it was someone else's job to look after prisoners. Luke Birmingham's article (Birmingham, 2003, this issue) could not be more timely, as this situation has now changed. With the publication of The Future Organisation of Prison Healthcare (Prison Service & NHS Executive Working Group, 1999), and the creation of a joint Department of Health and Home Office task force, the Government has made it clear that the problem of mentally disordered offenders belongs to the National Health Service (NHS). There is a plan, there is a partnership and there are targets. Can those of us who have been worrying about prisoners with mental illness sit back and relax, as the solution unfolds?

The future of services for the chronically mentally ill: a priority case?

1993 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 582-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Som D. Soni ◽  
Rafeek F. Mahmood ◽  
Anant Shah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Royal College ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Prevalence

Research into delivery of psychiatric care has shown that the chronic mentally ill (CMI) patients continue to pose major difficulties not only in terms of economic cost to patients, their families and the state but also in the ability of authorities to provide adequate facilities in the community. The latter is especially important now because of rapid discharge of patients into the community from long-stay wards of mental hospitals, often with little rehabilitative preparation and even less consideration of the effects of the environment into which they are relocated. Although follow-up in some cases has been of exceptionally high quality, a majority have filtered through the network into inadequate residence; this surely is unacceptable. The high prevalence of mental illness among the homeless and the difficulties of providing care for them by an inflexible health service have been highlighted by a recent report of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Bhugra et al, 1991). This paper attempts to define the possible adverse consequences of the recent reorganisation of National Health Service (NHS) on the care of the chronic mentally ill.

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