Medical and allied health staff self-reported long-term conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 418-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Smyth ◽  
David Lindsay ◽  
Daryl Brennan ◽  
Daniel Lindsay
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Term Condition ◽  
Professional Groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the self-reported long-term conditions of medical officers and allied health staff working in a regional public health service in northern Australia and how these conditions are managed. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample was all medical officers and allied health staff employed in mid-2015. Findings Of the 365 respondents, 217 (59.5 per cent) reported having at least one long-term condition. There was a statistically significant association between professional group and the number of long-term conditions reported, χ2=10.24, p<0.05. A greater proportion of medical officers (n=29, 43.9 per cent) reported having only one long-term condition compared with allied health staff (n=36, 24.5 per cent). The top four categories of conditions were respiratory, musculoskeletal, mental health and episodic and paroxysmal, although the patterns varied amongst the professional groups, and across age groups. Respondents usually managed their main long-term conditions with personal strategies, rarely using workplace strategies. Research limitations/implications Although somewhat low, the response rate of 32 per cent was similar to previous surveys in this health service. Since this survey, the health service has implemented a broad Health and Wellness Programme to support their qualified workforce. Future evaluations of this programme will be undertaken, including whether the programme has assisted health professionals to manage their long-term conditions. Practical implications There is an urgent need for targeted, workplace-based health promotion strategies to support staff with long-term conditions. Such strategies would complement self-management approaches, and also provide an important recruitment and retention initiative. Originality/value This study adds empirical evidence regarding the long-term conditions among health professionals and their self-management strategies. Little is known about the long-term conditions among the various health professional groups and the findings thus make an important contribution to the existing literature.

Administrative staff self-reported long-term conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 483-494
Author(s):  
Kathy Lee Wright ◽  
Karen Verney ◽  
Daryl Brennan ◽  
David Lindsay ◽  
Daniel Lindsay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Musculoskeletal Conditions ◽  
Term Condition

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-term conditions affecting the administration workforce of a regional Australian health service, and their self-management of these conditions. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of all administration staff members employed in 2018 across a large regional health service in Northern Australia. Findings Of the 328 respondents, 167 (51 per cent) reported having at least one long-term condition. Of these, 136 (81.4 per cent) indicated a single main condition for which management strategies were used. Musculoskeletal conditions were the most commonly nominated category (59.6 per cent), followed by mental health (10.3 per cent). Respondents with musculoskeletal conditions were statistically more likely to have a co-existing mental health long-term condition, χ2(1) = 95.64, p<0.001. There was also a statistically significant association between respondents reporting a mental health condition and being overweight, χ2(1) = 54.27, p< 0.05. Research limitations/implications The response rate of 35 per cent, whilst relatively low, is a slight increase on similar surveys within this organisation. The reliability of the self-report data, presence of study bias and a weakening of the study’s external validity is acknowledged. Practical implications Targeted workplace intervention strategies, such as holistic wellness programs, should complement personal approaches, promote an ergonomic environment and create opportunities for increased dialogue between employees and their line managers, particularly regarding the complex interplay between long-term physical and mental health. Originality/value This is the first study of self-reported long-term conditions among administration staff within a health service, and augments findings from previous studies involving health professional groups in the same organisation.

Conceal or reveal? Patterns of self-disclosure of long-term conditions at work by health professionals in a large regional Australian health service

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 339-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lindsay ◽  
Daryl Brennan ◽  
Daniel Lindsay ◽  
Colin Holmes ◽  
Wendy Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Professional ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Regional Health ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the patterns of self-disclosure of long-term conditions at work by health professionals in a large regional health service. Recent research by the authors has reported on the self-reported long-term conditions of nursing, medical and allied health staff within a large regional hospital and health service in North Queensland, Australia. Data regarding self-disclosure of health information were gathered during those two previous studies, but has yet to be reported. This current study thus offers the opportunity to explore and describe patterns of self-disclosure by a multi-disciplinary cohort of health professionals within that regional health service.Design/methodology/approachThis current study was a component of two larger studies, reported elsewhere, which explored long-term conditions among health professional staff at a large regional health service in North Queensland, Australia. A cross-sectional survey design was used.FindingsDecision-making associated with self-disclosure of long-term conditions by health professional staff in the workplace is multifactorial, and affected by considerations of age, gender, workplace circumstances and nature of the health condition. It also differs according to professional grouping. The medical profession were less likely than nurses and allied health workers to disclose to their work colleagues. Respondents with a mental health condition were more cautious and selective in their disclosures, and alone in being more likely to disclose to their supervisor than to colleagues; they were also most likely to value the sympathy and understanding of their colleagues and managers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted across only one large regional health service; a fuller picture of patterns of self-disclosure of long-term conditions by health professional staff would be gained by expanding the number of sites to include metropolitan hospitals, smaller rural or remote health services and non-hospital settings.Practical implicationsHealthcare organizations need to develop support strategies and communication processes so that staff with one or more long-term condition, particularly those that have associated stigma, are empowered to disclose information to line managers and colleagues without fear of discrimination, ostracism, incivility or bullying.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of evidence about self-disclosure of long-term conditions by health professionals and this study therefore makes an important contribution to the extant literature. The findings raise important questions about the culture and dynamics of health care organizations in respect to the patterns of self-disclosure of health professional staff.

scholarly journals Living Well With a Long-Term Condition

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Stenberg ◽  
Penny J. Furness
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Term Condition ◽  
Living Well ◽  
The North ◽  
Management Interventions

The outcomes of self-management interventions are commonly assessed using quantitative measurement tools, and few studies ask people with long-term conditions to explain, in their own words, what aspects of the intervention they valued. In this Grounded Theory study, a Health Trainers service in the north of England was evaluated based on interviews with eight service-users. Open, focused, and theoretical coding led to the development of a preliminary model explaining participants’ experiences and perceived impact of the service. The model reflects the findings that living well with a long-term condition encompassed social connectedness, changed identities, acceptance, and self-care. Health trainers performed four related roles that were perceived to contribute to these outcomes: conceptualizer, connector, coach, and champion. The evaluation contributes a grounded theoretical understanding of a personalized self-management intervention that emphasizes the benefits of a holistic approach to enable cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social adjustments.

scholarly journals Employer perspectives concerning the self-management support needs of workers with long-term health conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Hemming ◽  
Hilary McDermott ◽  
Fehmidah Munir ◽  
Kim Burton
Keyword(s):  
Health Conditions ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Work Demands ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Workplace Support ◽  
Line Manager

PurposeLong-term health conditions are a significant occupational and global burden and can undermine people's ability to work. Workplace support for self-management of long-term conditions has the potential to minimise adverse work effects, by enhancing health and work outcomes. No data exist about employers' views concerning supporting workers with long-term conditions to self-manage.Design/methodology/approachThe exploration of employers' views involved recruiting 15 participants with responsibilities for workplace health, well-being and safety responsibilities, who participated in a semi-structured interview about self-management and support. Data were analysed using a qualitative six-stage thematic analysis technique.FindingsSelf-management support is not purposely provided to workers with long-term conditions. Support in any form rests on workers disclosing a condition and on their relationship with their line-manager. While employers have considerable control over people's ability to self-manage, they consider that workers are responsible for self-management at work. Stigma, work demands and line-manager behaviours are potential obstacles to workers' self-management and support.Practical implicationsWorkplace discussions about self-managing long-term conditions at work should be encouraged and opened up, to improve health and work outcomes and aligned with return-to-work and rehabilitation approaches. A wider biopsychosocial culture could help ensure workplaces are regarded as settings in which long-term conditions can be self-managed.Originality/valueThis study highlights that employer self-management support is not provided to workers with long-term conditions in a purposeful way. Workplace support depends on an employer knowing what needs to be supported which, in turn, depends on aspects of disclosure, stigma, work demands and line management.

scholarly journals Critical moments in long-term condition management: A longitudinal qualitative social network study

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Caroline Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Term Condition ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Critical Moments

Objectives Recent literature has demonstrated the nature and importance of social networks. This study aimed to understand how support needs of people with long-term conditions change over time and how this influences their ability to self-manage. Methods A longitudinal qualitative design was used to explore changes in individual’s social networks over a period of year. Thirty participants were recruited and completed initial in-depth face-to-face interviews, telephone follow-ups, and final face-to-face interviews. Results Findings illuminated that changes in health and changes in social networks can influence each other. The social networks implicated in the management of long-term conditions change over time at critical moments and can range between positive and negative reciprocal influences with self-management. Network changes, such as the breaking or reconnecting of ties influenced the context of health management and the degree of engagement with self-management activities. Discussion By examining the specific processes of support and resource provision, this study highlights how overtime the variety of relationships and support available implicated in long-term condition management changes. This has implications for the provision of formal support services and the need for a wider range of support to be identified that recognises change in support requirements as self-management strategies evolve.

Development, implementation and evaluation of nurse-led integrated, person-centred care with long-term conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Lynette Harvey ◽  
Jonathan Sibley ◽  
Janine Palmer ◽  
Andrew Phillips ◽  
Eileen Willis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Global Increase

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline a conceptual plan for innovative, integrated care designed for people living with long-term conditions (LTCs). Design/methodology/approach The conceptual plan delivers a partnership between the health system, the person with LTCs (chronic), their family, and the community. The partnership aims to support people at home with access to effective treatment, consistent with the New Zealand Government Health Strategy. This concept of people-owned care is provided by nurses with advanced practice skills, who coordinate care across services, locations and multiple LTCs. Findings With the global increase in numbers of people with multiple chronic conditions, health services are challenged to deliver good outcomes and experience. This model aims to demonstrate the effective use of healthcare resources by supporting people living with a chronic condition, to increase their self-efficacy and resilience in accordance with personal, cultural and social circumstance. The aim is to have a model of care that is replicable and transferable across a range of health services. Social implications People living with chronic conditions can be empowered to manage their health and well-being, whilst having access to nurse-led care appropriate to individual needs. Originality/value Although there are examples of case management and nurse-led coordination, this model is novel in that it combines a liaison nursing role that works in partnership with patients, whilst ensuring that care across a number of primary and secondary care services is truly integrated and not simply interfaced.

scholarly journals Migrant mental health and representation in routine administrative registers

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-95
Author(s):  
Ciara Mary Close ◽  
Tania Bosqui ◽  
Dermot O’Reilly ◽  
Michael Donnelly ◽  
Anne Kouvonen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Migrant Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migrant Mental Health

Purpose There has been an increase in the use of registers and record linkages to study migrant mental health. However, the accuracy of these registers and the degree to which they are representative of the migrant population in Northern Ireland (NI) are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore: the coverage of the NI migrant population in general practitioner (GP) data and Census records; the issues faced by migrants in terms of registering and accessing the local health system; and the reporting of racial hate crimes against migrants to police. Design/methodology/approach Two focus groups of professionals (n=17) who worked with migrants were conducted. Group discussions were guided by a research-informed topic guide, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes emerged: issues with the use of GP registration, Census and hate crime data for researching migrant mental health; barriers to health service use (e.g. low cultural awareness among health staff and access to interpreters); and risk factor exposure and mental health status in migrant communities (e.g. poverty, isolation and poor working conditions). Originality/value Record linkage and registry studies of migrant health and well-being using Census and health service sources need to be mindful of the likelihood that some migrants may be missed. The possible underrepresentation of migrants in health registers may be explained by reduced use of such services which may be caused my encountering staff with limited cultural competency and the inability to access an interpreter promptly.

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