scholarly journals ‘…the way it was staffed during COVID is the way it should be staffed in real life…’: a qualitative study of the impact of COVID-19 on the working conditions of junior hospital doctors

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050358
Author(s):  
John-Paul Byrne ◽  
Jennifer Creese ◽  
Anne Matthews ◽  
Aoife M McDermott ◽  
Richard W Costello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
System Response ◽  
Workforce Retention ◽  
Hospital Doctors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

ObjectivesCOVID-19 has prompted the reconfiguration of hospital services and medical workforces in countries across the world, bringing significant transformations to the work environments of hospital doctors. Before the pandemic, the working conditions of hospital doctors in Ireland were characterised by understaffing, overload, long hours and work–life conflict. As working conditions can affect staff well-being, workforce retention and patient outcomes, the objective of this study was to analyse how the pandemic and health system response impacted junior hospital doctors’ working conditions during the first wave of COVID-19 in Ireland.Methods and analysisUsing a qualitative study design, the article draws on semi-structured interviews with 30 junior hospital doctors. Informed by an abductive approach that draws iteratively on existing literature and empirical data to explain unexpected observations, data were analysed using inductive and deductive coding techniques to identify the key themes reflecting the experiences of working in Irish hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19. We use the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research to present this research.ResultsOur analysis generated three themes which demonstrate how COVID-19 prompted changes in medical staffing which in turn enhanced interviewees’ work environments. First, interviewees felt there were more doctors staffing the hospital wards during the first wave of the pandemic. Second, this had positive implications for a range of factors important to their experience of work, including the ability to take sick leave, workplace relationships, collective workplace morale, access to senior clinical support and the speed of clinical decision-making. Third, interviewees noted how it took a pandemic for these improvements to occur and cautioned against a return to pre-pandemic medical staffing levels, which had negatively impacted their working conditions and well-being.ConclusionsInterviewees’ experience of the first wave of COVID-19 illustrates how enhanced levels of medical staffing can improve junior hospital doctors’ working conditions. Given the pervasive impact of staffing on the quality of interviewees’ work experience, perhaps it is time to consider medical staffing standards as a vital job resource for hospital doctors and a key policy lever to enhance medical workforce retention. In a global context of sustained COVID-19 demands, pressures from delayed care and international health worker shortages, understanding frontline experiences and identifying strategies to improve them are vital to the development of more sustainable work practices and to improve doctor retention.

scholarly journals Paramedic experiences of providing care in wales (UK) during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic (PECC-19): a qualitative study using evolved grounded theory

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048677
Author(s):  
Nigel Rees ◽  
Lauren Smythe ◽  
Chloe Hogan ◽  
Julia Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Social Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo explore paramedic experiences of providing care during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and develop theory in order to inform future policy and practice.DesignQualitative study using constructivist evolved grounded theory (EGT) methodology. One-to-one semistructured interviews were conducted using a general interview guide. Voice over Internet Protocol was used through Skype.SettingConducted between March 2020 and November 2020 in the Welsh Ambulance Services National Health Services Trust UK which serves a population of three million.ParticipantsParamedics were recruited through a poster circulated by email and social media. Following purposive sampling, 20 Paramedics were enrolled and interviewed.ResultsEmergent categories included: Protect me to protect you, Rapid disruption and adaptation, Trust in communication and information and United in hardship. The Basic Social Process was recognised to involve Tragic Choices, conceptualised through an EGT including Tragic personal and professional choices including concerns over personnel protective equipment (PPE), protecting themselves and their families, impact on mental health and difficult clinical decisions, Tragic organisational choices including decision making support, communication, mental health and well-being and Tragic societal choices involving public shows of support, utilisation and resourcing of health services.ConclusionsRich insights were revealed into paramedic care during the COVID-19 pandemic consistent with other research. This care was provided in the context of competing and conflicting decisions and resources, where Tragic Choices have to be made which may challenge life’s pricelessness. Well-being support, clinical decision making, appropriate PPE and healthcare resourcing are all influenced by choices made before and during the pandemic, and will continue as we recover and plan for future pandemics. The impact of COVID-19 may persist, especially if we fail to learn, if not we risk losing more lives in this and future pandemics and threatening the overwhelming collective effort which united society in hardship when responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic.Trial registration numberIRAS ID: 282 623.

Religion and Medicine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Levin ◽  
Stephen G. Post
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Religion And Medicine ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Baylor University ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

In Religion and Medicine, Dr. Jeff Levin, distinguished Baylor University epidemiologist, outlines the longstanding history of multifaceted interconnections between the institutions of religion and medicine. He traces the history of the encounter between these two institutions from antiquity through to the present day, highlighting a myriad of contemporary alliances between the faith-based and medical sectors. Religion and Medicine tells the story of: religious healers and religiously branded hospitals and healthcare institutions; pastoral professionals involved in medical missions, healthcare chaplaincy, and psychological counseling; congregational health promotion and disease prevention programs and global health initiatives; research studies on the impact of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices on physical and mental health, well-being, and healing; programs and centers for medical research and education within major universities and academic institutions; religiously informed bioethics and clinical decision-making; and faith-based health policy initiatives and advocacy for healthcare reform. Religion and Medicine is the first book to cover the full breadth of this subject. It documents religion-medicine alliances across religious traditions, throughout the world, and over the course of history. It summarizes a wide range of material of relevance to historians, medical professionals, pastors and theologians, bioethicists, scientists, public health educators, and policymakers. The product of decades of rigorous and focused research, Dr. Levin has produced the most comprehensive history of these developments and the finest introduction to this emerging field of scholarship.

Kwantitatieve en kwalitatieve baanonzekerheid: samenhangen met arbeidstevredenheid en psychisch welzijn

2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasmin Handaja ◽  
Hans De Witte
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Bank Employees ◽  
Job Content ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Quantitative and qualitative job insecurity: associations with job satisfaction and well-being Quantitative and qualitative job insecurity: associations with job satisfaction and well-being Y. Handaja & H. De Witte, Gedrag & Organisatie, volume 20, June 2007, nr. 2, pp. 137-159 This study analyses the associations between both quantitative and qualitative job insecurity and job satisfaction and psychological ill-being. We also analyse whether the relationship between job insecurity and psychological ill-being is mediated by job satisfaction. A more subtle and differentiated measurement of qualitative job insecurity is used, in which insecurity is measured regarding four aspects: the job content, working circumstances, working conditions and social relations. Data gathered among Belgian bank employees are used to test the hypotheses. The results show that both quantitative and qualitative job insecurity are negatively associated with job satisfaction and positively associated with psychological ill-being. The relationship between job insecurity and psychological ill-being is only partially mediated by job satisfaction. This signifies that the impact of job insecurity exceeds the boundaries of work, since it exerts an autonomous impact on the psychological well-being of individual workers. Limitations of the research and recommendations for further research are discussed.  

Psychosocial Consequences Among Nurses in the Affected Area of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and the Fukushima Complex Disaster: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 519-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideko Sato ◽  
Teeranee Techasrivichien ◽  
Atsuko Omori ◽  
Masako Ono-Kihara ◽  
Masahiro Kihara
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Great East Japan Earthquake ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Mutual Care ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to assess the psychosocial consequences among nurses affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in order to identify their coping strategies and explore possible countermeasures against complex disasters.MethodsIn 2012, we conducted a qualitative study and screened participants for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).ResultsThirty-eight nurses participated in this study. The result showed a relatively high proportion of probable PTSD (39%). Thirty-two conceptual codes emerged from the data and were grouped into 8 categories: “initial acute stress,” “acute stress turning chronic,” “chronic physical and mental fatigue,” “occupational stress,” “fear of the impact of radiation on children’s health,” “occupational satisfaction,” “positive influences of the disaster experiences,” and “impact of mutual care through interpersonal cognition.”ConclusionsThe study reveals that mutual care may have a positive impact in assisting recovery and enhancing the psychological well-being of nurses. We suggest that disaster management should take into consideration the conflict between professional and family responsibilities. In the light of the chronic impact of the nuclear crisis, enhanced support for interpersonal relationships and human resources, as well as appropriate safety precautions, is urgently needed to help affected nurses. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:519-526)

scholarly journals The impact of sleep disturbances on care home residents with dementia: the SIESTA qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 839-847
Author(s):  
Lucy Webster ◽  
Kingsley Powell ◽  
Sergi G. Costafreda ◽  
Gill Livingston
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Topic Guide ◽  
Disturbed Sleep ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTObjectives:Nearly 40% of care home residents who are living with dementia also have symptoms of disturbed sleep. However, the impact of these disturbances is relatively unknown and is needed to indicate whether interventions are warranted; therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact.Design:One-to-one semi-structured interviews.Settings:Four UK care homes.Participants:We interviewed 18 nurses and care assistants about residents with sleep disturbances.Measurements:We used a topic guide to explore staff experience of sleep disturbance in residents with dementia. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and then analyzed thematically by two researchers independently.Results:Staff described that sleep disturbances in most, but not all, residents impacted negatively on the resident, other residents, staff, and relatives. Residents became more irritable or agitated if they had slept badly. They slept in the daytime after a bad night, which then increased their chances of being awake the following night. For some, being sleepy in the day led to falls, missing medication, drinks, and meals. Staff perceived hypnotics as having low efficacy, but increasing the risk of falls and drowsiness. Other residents were disturbed by noise, and staff described stress when several residents had sleep disturbance. Some of the strategies reported by staff to deal with sleep disturbances such as feeding or providing caffeinated tea at night might be counterproductive.Conclusions:Sleep disturbances in care home residents living with dementia negatively affect their physical and psychological well-being. These disturbances also disturb other residents and increase stress in staff.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of the Interaction between Human Rights Defenders and Society in Russia: Assessing the Impact of the 'Foreign Agents' Law

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Polina Malkova
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
World Regions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Systematic Knowledge ◽  
The Way

In various world regions, human rights defenders (HRDs) often become targets for smear campaigns that seek to discredit and marginalise them. Russia’s “foreign agents” law which brands NGOs as “foreign agents” – a phrase that carries Soviet-era connotations of a spy or traitor – is just one example of states’ attempts to cultivate an unfavorable image of rights defenders in society. Yet, despite the global context of such stigmatising campaigns and their potential to put defenders at further risk, there is very little systematic knowledge about the way citizens react to such rhetoric and whether they express more hostility towards HRDs. This paper seeks to address this gap and explores the interaction of rights defenders with the domestic society in Russia. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with representatives of the domestic human rights community, it demonstrates that while the wider public lacks familiarity with actors in the human rights field, certain social segments do interact with them, both in antagonistic and supportive ways. The paper argues that in the adverse conditions created by the “foreign agents” law, there is a need for rights groups to expand and strengthen the links with their constituencies.

scholarly journals Time and well¬being

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Robert Levine
Keyword(s):  
Time Use ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Temporal Orientation ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Event Time ◽  
Country Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

This paper examines the impact of temporal experience—time use, conceptions of time and temporal norms—on happiness and well-being and suggests public policies to enhance these experiences. First, it reviews literature concerning the interrelationships of time, money and happiness. Second, it reviews data and issues concerning the use of work and non-work hours around the world. Third, it describes a broader range of temporal issues to be considered in policymaking decisions, e.g. clock versus event time-keeping, monochronic versus polychronic approaches, the definition of wasted time, the pace of life, and temporal orientation. Finally, suggestions are of ered for the formulation of time-use policies intended to increase individual and collective happiness. It is a virtual truism that the way we use our time is the way we live our lives. Our time is our most valuable possession. Much of this time, however, is controlled by others, ranging from our employers to our closest family members. It is also clear that there are profound dif erences-- individual, socio-economic, cultural and national--in the degree to which people hold control over their own time (e.g., LEVINE, 1997; LEE, et al., 2007). It may be argued that public policies are needed to protect the “temporal rights” of individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable to exploitation. This paper was sparked by an ambitious large-scale project in which I had the opportunity to participate. The project was initiated in the Spring of 2012 following a United Nations resolution, adopted unanimously by the General Assembly, placing “happiness” on the global agenda. The nation of Bhutan was asked to convene an interdisciplinary group of international “experts” to craft recommendations for policies to raise worldwide happiness; more specifically, to develop a “new paradigm for world development.” Bhutan, a small, landlocked, relatively poor Himalayan nation, was chosen for this task because of its pioneering Gross National Happiness (GNH) project. “Progress,” the GNH designers declared, “should be viewed not only through the lens of economics but also from spiritual, social, cultural and ecological perspectives.” Happiness and development, in other words, depend on more than growth and the accumulation of money. England, Canada and other countries and country-level organizations have subsequently followed Bhutan’s lead and established GNH measures of their own (LEVINE, 2013). One of the nine core domains of Bhutan’s GNH index is “time use,” which comprised my section of the report. The present paper draws heavily on that report and the insights that research of ered me. I will address four major sets of issues: I. The inter-relationships of time, money and happiness. Most importantly, what is the relevance of time use to well-being and happiness? II. Time Use: Work hour issues and policies. III. Other temporal factors that need to be considered when formulating policies to increase happiness. IV. Suggestions for policymaking: The call for a “Temporal Bill of Rights.”

scholarly journals TÉCNICOS ADMINISTRATIVOS E POLÍTICAS AFIRMATIVAS: o que mudou na Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wildacy Gonçalves Ribeiro EVANGELISTA ◽  
Cintia Souza Machado FERREIRA
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
State University ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Development Unit ◽  
Work Routine ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

This study, supported by bibliographical and documentary research, discusses the implementation of Public Policies for Affirmative Actions at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS) and the impacts on the work routine of the institution’s Administrative Technicians. It aims to verify the impact of the extinction of an Organization and Community Development Unit to the category, whose purpose was the development of actions aimed at life quality and social well-being of Technicians, Teachers and Students, for the implantation of a Pro-Dean of Affirmative Policies and Student Affairs aimed at students. The results point to the need for a better understanding of affirmative action policies across the University Community, showing the changes that have affected Administrative Technicians in detriment of this organizational change, reveal the lack of systemic training to support the quota population, and signal the need for a close look to Administrative Technicians demands for improving working conditions and life quality by UEFS.

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF DENSITY ON ACCESS TO LOCAL FACILITIES IN URBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan Nurul Mardiah Wan Mohd Rani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Form ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
The Body ◽  
Local Services ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Local services and facilities in residential neighbourhoods play an important role towards the social sustainability of local residents. It is believed that having good provision and access to these local services and facilities would contribute significantly to the quality of life and residents’ well-being. The form of the neighbourhood influences the way people live in the neighbourhood. The way people settle in neighbourhood’s shapes the quality of life, the richness of the local economy, the level of social cohesion, the level of safety and the amount and the kind of human activities in public spaces. Different urban forms can have very different degrees of sustainability. Density is one of the urban form elements that have been research numerous times and proven to have an influence on the neighbourhood sustainability. Density is the most easily measured urban form element either at a macro level (city) or micro level (neighbourhood). This research discusses the impact of density on the micro scale through estimating its influence on access to local facilities. Through the use of household survey and supported by observation survey, this study findings on the impact of density on access and use of local facilities. The study concludes with establishing the findings of the survey to reflect and fit into the body of knowledge and how it would improve the guidelines and policy on social sustainability in improving the urban living as a whole.

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