scholarly journals Professional moral character of physicians and clinical working environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 107 (12) ◽  
pp. 590-596
Author(s):  
Svanur Sigurbjörnsson ◽  
◽  
Vilhjálmur Árnason ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Moral Character ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Professional Autonomy ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
General Physicians ◽  
First Time

INTRODUCTION. A survey of the experience of Icelandic medical candidates, general physicians, and specialty physicians of clinical work, aimed to show how the working environment affects doctors’ moral character and experience of support, well-being and expectations. For comparison, results of a British survey with the same questions for specialty physicians were used. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A total of 89 physicians answered 15 questions. Statistical comparison was made between results from topical clusters of questions. RESULTS. The results show a significant problem in work conditions of Icelandic doctors. Their experience is rated low in the second quarter (2,1 – 3,0) on a numerical scale of how the environment thwarts professional character and of lack of support. In comparison with British specialists, their experience is similar but slighly better regarding supportiveness. Icelandic candidates and general physicians experience significantly more stress, less support and autonomy in their work than specialists. Compared to the British, the experience of Icelandic specialists was more positive about professional autonomy and emotional attachment to the work. Our survey shows for the first time the effect of the working environment on professional virtues of Icelandic doctors. DISCUSSION. These findings resonate with the literature that the moral character of doctors contributes to satisfaction, flourishing and experience of meaningfulness. They substantiate views raised by Icelandic physicians about tremendous work stress and scarcity of staff. The survey demonstrates the doctors‘ experience of work-related challenges and provides reasons for society to improve their working conditions to enable them to live up to their ideals.

scholarly journals Psychosocial impact on frontline health and social care professionals in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e047353
Author(s):  
Henry Aughterson ◽  
Alison R McKinlay ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Communication Challenges ◽  
The Uk

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.

scholarly journals Occupational medicine - then and now: Where we could go from here

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 139-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Belkic ◽  
Olesja Nedic
Keyword(s):  
Work Stress ◽  
Occupational Medicine ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Starting Point

Occupational medicine has a long-standing history in the region of the former Yugoslavia with seminal contributions to the theory and practice of this discipline. This tradition should be expanded to incorporate psychosocial stressors. We review the sociological work stress models and empirical evidence gleaned thereby, and then the occupational stressor index, an additive burden model developed from a cognitive ergonomics perspective. In numerous studies, the occupational stressor index is significantly associated with risk behaviors: smoking, obesity and sedentariness and clinical outcomes: hypertension, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. The occupational stressor index characterizes the work conditions of physicians including surgeons and anesthesiologists; professional drivers and other groups at elevated risk for stress-related disorders. Much of these empirical data are from this region. Work-stress related health disorders are a major public health problem, with enormous human and economic costs. A more proactive role for physicians is needed vis-?-vis our working environment and that of patients. We physicians face a heavy job stressor burden strongly implicated with adverse health outcomes. The challenge is to identify effective strategies to lower the risk of work-stressor related illness. The critical gap is the lack of evidence-based guidelines. Intervention studies are needed in which job stressors are ameliorated as a therapeutic/preventive modality; the logical starting point is within our own profession. We also suggest how the relevant clinical competence could be enhanced. Alongside clinical enhancement should be the full restoration of physician empowerment to implement work-related recommendations. A participatory action research perspective by physicians for physicians and for our patients is needed.

scholarly journals Work related stressors that affect diagnostic and ultrasound radiographers in a public hospital in the Gauteng province

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lindiwe Gumede
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Work Related Stressors

Introduction Work related stressors are identified as the main reason for the decline in patient care in Radiography in public hospitals. Radiographers opt to leave the public sector because of stressful experiences. Research has shown that the scarcity of qualitative studies on the phenomenon makes it difficult to understand work related stress in relation to radiography as a profession. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore and describe work related stressors in Radiography at a public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Methodology This study was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study. An interview guide was used to elicit information from 10 participants through semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were one-on-one and were audio-recorded. The data were analysed through Tesch’s eight steps of thematic analysis. Findings The following three themes emerged during data analysis, namely: personal well-being of Radiographers; decline in quality patient care and impaired radiography service; and, environmental enablers. The findings of the study revealed that the participants’ general health was compromised by various factors pertaining to work related stress. Conclusion Interventions necessary for dealing with work related stressors are highlighted as a way of enabling improvement of the working environment conditions. The participants in the study felt that hiring more staff could alleviate their work related stressors. The study has shown that it is also imperative that staff and management are constantly communicating well.

scholarly journals Job demands, resources and work-related well-being in UK firefighters

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 604-609
Author(s):  
N Payne ◽  
G Kinman
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Role Clarity ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Recovery Strategies ◽  
Relationship Conflicts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Job Demands And Resources

Abstract Background There is evidence that firefighters are at risk of work-related stress and mental health problems, but little is known about the organizational hazards they experience. Insight is needed into the work-related factors that are most likely to threaten or protect their work-related well-being. Aims To identify levels of job demands and resources (including demands relating to workload, work patterns and the working environment, relationship conflicts, control, support, role clarity and change management) among firefighters, and to use a job demands–resources framework to examine their impacts on work-related well-being. The role played by recovery strategies in predicting work-related well-being was also considered. Methods Job demands and resources were assessed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool. Validated scales measured recovery strategies (detachment, affective rumination and problem-solving pondering) and work-related well-being (anxiety–contentment and depression–enthusiasm). The impact of job demands, resources and recovery strategies was tested by multiple linear regression. Results The sample comprised 909 firefighters across seven Fire and Rescue Services in the UK (85% male). Levels of job demands and resources did not meet HSE benchmarks. The main risk factors for poor work-related well-being were relationship conflicts and affective rumination, but resources such as role clarity and job control and the use of problem-solving pondering and detachment were beneficial. Conclusions Interventions that aim to reduce relationship conflicts at work and promote problem-solving rather than affective rumination, and detachment from work when off-duty, are likely to improve work-related well-being. Attention to enhancing job resources may also be beneficial.

scholarly journals Architectural Interventions to Mitigate Occupational Stress Among Office Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-40
Author(s):  
Hirbod Norouzianpour
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Stress Levels

Stress is one issue that affects the health and well-being of every building occupant. The negative effects of stress are more pronounced in workplaces, where stress can act as a major agent of disease and an impediment to employee productivity and satisfaction. The underlying causes of occupational stress are varied and include job insecurity, extended hours, excessive workload, altercations within the organization, tight deadlines, changes in responsibilities, and lack of autonomy, among others. One of the factors that can contribute to overall occupational stress is the working environment itself—a factor that can be mitigated by design. While occupational stress may arise from a multiplicity of causes, designers have numerous interventions they can employ to decrease it. The literature on occupational health, well-being, satisfaction, and productivity is broad and multifaceted; however, this paper is limited to exploring stress factors that correlate with the built environment and focuses on employees who are experiencing a high rate of stress in office buildings as the target group. To address these issues, supporting literature was explored to identify environmental interventions that could reduce stress or enhance the stress-coping abilities of workers in offices by improving the environmental quality of the built environment. This article explores the following questions: How does space cause people to experience mental stress? In what ways can the built environment itself be a generator of stress? What are the main environmental factors in offices that can mitigate the stress levels of employees or help them to recover more easily from work-related stress? To answer these questions, it is necessary to understand the causes and mechanisms of chronic stress, including work-related stressors, and to identify the factors in the built environment that can be associated with occupational stress. The present paper is based on concurrent analyses of supporting literature in the rather different fields of architecture, public health, psychology, management, and environmental studies. The outcome is an identified set of practical strategies that provide solutions for healthier and more productive workplaces. By concentrating on measures that can reduce employee stress levels, these strategies can be used as a source for evidence-based workplace designs.

scholarly journals DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORK CONDITIONS ON HUMAN FACTOR

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
pp. 4841-4846
Author(s):  
DANIELA ONOFREJOVA ◽  
◽  
JAROSLAVA KADAROVA ◽  
JAROSLAVA JANEKOVA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factor ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Social Stability ◽  
External Disturbances ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The Social ◽  
Environmental Work ◽  
The Eu

Industry 5.0 follows the idea of continuous digitization and transfer to digital factory. Industries must adopt the green and digital transitions to continue to be competitive. Besides the preservation of resources, climate change, the social stability is in the focus. Industries strive to become more resilient against external disturbances, such as Covid-19 crisis. Work environment considerably affects the productivity, health and safety of workers. Monitoring of the working environment with reliable miniaturized technology can guarantee suitable working conditions. In the line with the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2014-2020, one of EU-OSHA's priorities is to fortify the prevention of work-related diseases.

Is working in culturally diverse working environment associated with physicians’ work-related well-being? A cross-sectional survey study among Finnish physicians

Health Policy ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Mari Aalto ◽  
Tarja Heponiemi ◽  
Ari Väänänen ◽  
Barbara Bergbom ◽  
Timo Sinervo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Job demands amid work intensity: British Columbia school administrators’ perceptions

2020 ◽  
pp. 174114322095733
Author(s):  
Fei Wang
Keyword(s):  
School Administrators ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Work Demands ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Vice Principals ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Intensification ◽  
Job Challenges

Job demands overburden school administrators’ personal and professional capacity and affect their performance and well-being. However, studies on principals and vice-principals’ work intensification fail to highlight how their work demands and challenges are manifested, and how work demands contribute to the changing nature of their work. This qualitative study explores in what ways job demands are manifested in school administers’ intensified work conditions and how their perceptions of job demands help them create a sense of control. The study utilizes the job demands model as a framework to help closely examine two types of job demands: job challenges; and job hindrances though principals’ accounts. The results show that job challenges tend to be transitory and are more likely to be overcome; job hindrances however tend to be more institutional and less temporary and harder to overcome. Attempting to deal with job challenges the same as dealing with job hindrances may become challenging itself and build up rather than alleviate work-related stress among school principals.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Work-Related Hazards and Their Relationship to the Quality of Life of Nurses—A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Bianka Misiak ◽  
Regina Sierżantowicz ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak ◽  
Karolina Lewko ◽  
Joanna Chilińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Work ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Physical Burden

Background: Nursing requires a commitment to work and care for the well-being of the patient, which is a great mental and physical burden for the nurse. As a result of exposure to adverse psychosocial work conditions and experiencing the resulting work-related stress, the problem of burnout is becoming more common. The aim of the study was to assess the psychosocial work conditions and their relationship to quality of life in the studied group of nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 523 randomly selected professionally active registered nurses. The study was based on a diagnostic survey using standardized psychometric questionnaires: The Psychosocial Working Conditions Questionnaire and the quality of life WHOQOL-Bref. Results: Respondents with a better education assessed the level of demands at work to be higher (p = 0.000); however, they were also more satisfied in the well-being category (p = 0.020). Shift work was associated with a worse perception of psychosocial work conditions in almost all considered domains. The strongest correlations were between the scale of well-being and the assessment of quality of life in the somatic and psychological domains. Conclusion: Nurses doing shift work assessed working conditions as being worse in all domains. They felt the mental and physical burden the most. Psychosocial work conditions were assessed to be better by nurses working in management positions. The strongest correlations were between the scale of well-being and the assessment of quality of life in the somatic and psychological domains.

scholarly journals ‘Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected’: a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e050945
Author(s):  
Tom May ◽  
Henry Aughterson ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Psychosocial Concerns ◽  
Postal Services ◽  
Exposure Risks ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesNon-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about ‘essential’ work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and well-being of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.DesignIn-depth, qualitative interviews, analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.SettingTelephone or video call interviews, conducted in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021.Participants23 participants aged 26–61 (mean age=47.2) years employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services, the police and fire services, waste collection, finance and religious services.ResultsKeyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient personal protective equipment and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment.ConclusionsIn efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (eg, seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.

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