scholarly journals Measuring Stress in Health Professionals over the Phone using Automatic Speech Analysis during COVID-19 Pandemic : Observational Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra König ◽  
Kevin Riviere ◽  
Nicklas Linz ◽  
Julia Elbaum ◽  
Roxane Fabre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Speech Analysis ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Speech Characteristics ◽  
Stress Levels

BACKGROUND During the current COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals are directly confronted with the suffering of patients and their families. By making them main actors in the management of this health crisis, they are exposed to various psychosocial risks (stress, trauma, fatigue, etc.). Paradoxically, stress-related symptoms are often underreported in this vulnerable population but potentially detectable through passive monitoring of changes in speech behavior. OBJECTIVE The study aims to investigate the use of a rapid and remote measure of stress levels in health professionals working during this COVID 19 outbreak through the analysis of their speech behavior during a short phone call conversation, and in particular a positive/negative and neutral story telling task. METHODS For this, speech samples of 89 healthcare professionals were collected over the phone and various voice features extracted and compared with classical stress measures via standard questionnaires. Regression analysis was additionally performed. RESULTS Certain speech characteristics correlated with stress levels in both genders; mainly spectral (formant) features as the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) and prosodic characteristics such as the fundamental frequency (F0) seemed sensitive to stress. Overall, for both male and female participants, using vocal features from the positive tasks for regression yielded most accurate prediction results of stress scores (MAE = 5.31). CONCLUSIONS Automatic speech analysis could help with early detection of subtle signs of stress in vulnerable populations over the phone. Combining the use of this technology with timely intervention strategies it could contribute to the prevention of burn outs as well as the development of co-morbidities such as depression or anxiety.

scholarly journals Measuring Stress in Health Professionals Over the Phone Using Automatic Speech Analysis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Pilot Study

10.2196/24191 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e24191
Author(s):  
Alexandra König ◽  
Kevin Riviere ◽  
Nicklas Linz ◽  
Hali Lindsay ◽  
Julia Elbaum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Speech Analysis ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Speech Characteristics ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficient

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have been directly confronted with the suffering of patients and their families. By making them main actors in the management of this health crisis, they have been exposed to various psychosocial risks (stress, trauma, fatigue, etc). Paradoxically, stress-related symptoms are often underreported in this vulnerable population but are potentially detectable through passive monitoring of changes in speech behavior. Objective This study aims to investigate the use of rapid and remote measures of stress levels in health professionals working during the COVID-19 outbreak. This was done through the analysis of participants’ speech behavior during a short phone call conversation and, in particular, via positive, negative, and neutral storytelling tasks. Methods Speech samples from 89 health care professionals were collected over the phone during positive, negative, and neutral storytelling tasks; various voice features were extracted and compared with classical stress measures via standard questionnaires. Additionally, a regression analysis was performed. Results Certain speech characteristics correlated with stress levels in both genders; mainly, spectral (ie, formant) features, such as the mel-frequency cepstral coefficient, and prosodic characteristics, such as the fundamental frequency, appeared to be sensitive to stress. Overall, for both male and female participants, using vocal features from the positive tasks for regression yielded the most accurate prediction results of stress scores (mean absolute error 5.31). Conclusions Automatic speech analysis could help with early detection of subtle signs of stress in vulnerable populations over the phone. By combining the use of this technology with timely intervention strategies, it could contribute to the prevention of burnout and the development of comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety.

scholarly journals The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – the international COVISTRESS survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257840
Author(s):  
Sébastien Couarraze ◽  
Louis Delamarre ◽  
Fouad Marhar ◽  
Binh Quach ◽  
Jiao Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Paramedical Staff ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Very High

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic. Materials and methods The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress). Results Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87–2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors’ (1.88, 1.50–2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61–2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26–1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50). Conclusions The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.

Recomendações de equipamentos de proteção individual no combate ao COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
Nicole Maria Miyamoto Bettini ◽  
Fabiana Tomé Ramos ◽  
Priscila Masquetto Vieira de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

A Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS confirmou a circulação internacional do novo Coronavírus em janeiro de 2020, nomeando-o como COVID-19 e, declarando uma pandemia. É de extrema importância que durante a pandemia, os profissionais de saúde tenham acesso e conhecimento sobre o uso correto dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) e suas indicações, tomando assim, as devidas precauções na prevenção de infecções. O presente estudo buscou identificar a padronização mundial quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a pacientes suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil, EUA, China, Espanha, Itália e demais países europeus. Os guidelines apresentam a padronização quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19, indo ao encontro das recomendações fornecidas pela OMS. Até o momento, o uso de EPIs é sem dúvida a estratégia mais importante e eficaz para proteger os profissionais de saúde durante a assistência ao paciente com COVID-19.Descritores: Infecções por Coronavírus, Equipamento de Proteção Individual, Pessoal de Saúde, Enfermagem. Recommendations for personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19Abstract: The World Health Organization - WHO confirmed the international circulation of the new Coronavirus in January 2020, naming it as COVID-19 and declaring a pandemic. It is extremely important that during the pandemic, health professionals have access and knowledge about the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its indications, thus taking appropriate precautions to prevent infections. The present study sought to identify the worldwide standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, USA, China, Spain, Italy and other European countries. The guidelines present a standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed with COVID-19, in line with the recommendations provided by WHO. To date, the use of PPE is undoubtedly the most important and effective strategy to protect healthcare professionals during care for patients with COVID-19.Descriptors: Coronavirus Infections, Personal Protective Equipment, Health Personnel, Nursing. Recomendaciones para el equipo de protección personal para combatir COVID-19Resumen: La Organización Mundial de la Salud - La OMS confirmó la circulación internacional del nuevo Coronavirus en enero de 2020, nombrándolo COVID-19 y declarando una pandemia. Es extremadamente importante que durante la pandemia, los profesionales de la salud tengan acceso y conocimiento sobre el uso correcto del Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP) y sus indicaciones, tomando así las precauciones adecuadas para prevenir infecciones. El presente estudio buscó identificar la estandarización mundial con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para atender a pacientes sospechosos y/o confirmados con COVID-19 en Brasil, Estados Unidos, China, España, Italia y otros países europeos. Las pautas presentan la estandarización con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para cuidar COVID-19 sospechoso y/o confirmado, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones proporcionadas por la OMS. Hasta la fecha, el uso de EPP es, sin duda, la estrategia más importante y efectiva para proteger a los profesionales de la salud durante la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.Descriptores: Infecciones por Coronavirus, Equipo de Protección Personal, Personal de Salud, Enfermería.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Corden ◽  
Rebecca Brewer ◽  
Eilidh Cage
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Quality Assessment Tool ◽  
Professional Background ◽  
Autistic People

AbstractHealthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying and supporting autistic people. This study systematically reviewed empirical research examining healthcare professionals’ knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes towards working with autistic people. Thirty-five studies were included. The included studies sampled a range of countries and professional backgrounds. A modified quality assessment tool found the quality of the included studies was moderately good. Narrative synthesis indicated that healthcare professionals report only moderate levels of autism knowledge and self-efficacy, and often lack training. Variation within and between countries and professional background was not explained by demographic factors. The reviewed evidence suggests health professionals’ limited knowledge and self-efficacy in working with autistic people is a challenge to the provision of healthcare for autistic individuals.

scholarly journals Patterns of use and perceived value of social media for population health among population health stakeholders: a cross-sectional web-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungwon Yoon ◽  
Sharon Wee ◽  
Vivian S. Y. Lee ◽  
Jing Lin ◽  
Julian Thumboo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Preventive Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Patterns Of Use

Abstract Background Although existing studies have described patterns of social media use in healthcare, most are focused on health professionals in one discipline. Population health requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure diversity and to include diverse stakeholders. To date, what is known about using social media in population health is focused on its potential as a communication tool. This study aims to investigate patterns of use and perceived value of social media usage among stakeholders in population health practice, policy, or research. Methods We conducted a web-based survey of delegates attending the Singapore Population Health Conversations and Workshop. We designed a 24-item questionnaire to assess 1) social media use in terms of type of platform and frequency of use; 2) perceptions of social media relevance and impact on population health; and 3) top three areas in population health that would benefit from social media. We used descriptive and logistic regression analyses to assess the relationships between variables. Results Of the 308 survey respondents, 97.7% reported that they use social media in some form. Messaging (96.8%) was the most dominant activity when using social media. Challenges in implementing social media for population health were time investment by health care professionals (56.2%) and patient adoption (52.9%). The top three population health areas that would benefit most from using social media were the promotion of healthy behaviors (60.7%), community engagement (47.7%), and preventive care (40.6%). Older respondents (> = 40 years) were less likely to view social media as useful for the promotion of healthy behaviors (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). Non-social/healthcare professionals were more likely to consider social media to be useful for community engagement (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.10–2.76). For preventive care, older respondents (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.82) and non-social/healthcare professionals were less likely to view social media as useful (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.97). Conclusions Our findings suggest that it may be important to select the specific care areas that would benefit most from using social media. The time investment needed by population health professionals should be fully addressed in planning to maximize the application and potential value of social media.

scholarly journals Preserving professional identities, behaviors, and values in digital professionalism using social networking sites; a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaista Salman Guraya ◽  
Salman Yousuf Guraya ◽  
Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Professional Identities ◽  
Professional Behaviors ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Abstract Background Despite a rapid rise of use of social media in medical disciplines, uncertainty prevails among healthcare professionals for providing medical content on social media. There are also growing concerns about unprofessional behaviors and blurring of professional identities that are undermining digital professionalism. This review tapped the literature to determine the impact of social media on medical professionalism and how can professional identities and values be maintained in digital era. Methods We searched the databases of PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and EBSCO host using (professionalism AND (professionalism OR (professional identity) OR (professional behaviors) OR (professional values) OR (professional ethics))) AND ((social media) AND ((social media) OR (social networking sites) OR Twitter OR Facebook)) AND (health professionals). The research questions were based on sample (health professionals), phenomenon of interest (digital professionalism), design, evaluation and research type. We screened initial yield of titles using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected a group of articles for qualitative analysis. We used the Biblioshiny® software package for the generation of popular concepts as clustered keywords. Results Our search yielded 44 articles with four leading themes; marked rise in the use of social media by healthcare professionals and students, negative impact of social media on digital professionalism, blurring of medical professional values, behaviors, and identity in the digital era, and limited evidence for teaching and assessing digital professionalism. A high occurrence of violation of patient privacy, professional integrity and cyberbullying were identified. Our search revealed a paucity of existing guidelines and policies for digital professionalism that can safeguard healthcare professionals, students and patients. Conclusions Our systematic review reports a significant rise of unprofessional behaviors in social media among healthcare professionals. We could not identify the desired professional behaviors and values essential for digital identity formation. The boundaries between personal and professional practices are mystified in digital professionalism. These findings call for potential educational ramifications to resurrect professional virtues, behaviors and identities of healthcare professionals and students.

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) Reduces Stress-Related Psychological Distress in Healthcare Professionals

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 897-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Martín-Asuero ◽  
Gloria García-Banda
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
The Other ◽  
Reduction Program ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

This semi-experimental study examines how Mindfulness facilitates a distress reduction in a group of health professionals. The sample comprises 29 professionals seeking stress reduction who undertook an 8 weeks psico-educative intervention, involving 28 hours of class, based on a program called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction or MBSR. Results show a 35% reduction of distress, from percentile 75 to 45, combined with a 30% reduction in rumination and a 20% decrease in negative affect. These benefits lasted during the 3 months of the follow up period. The correlation analysis indicates that the decrease in distress is significantly related to the other two variables. These results confirm the effectiveness of MBSR to decrease distress and its applicability in training programs for health professionals.

scholarly journals Clinical Pharmacology of Hormonal Emergency Contraceptive Pills

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia M. J. Matyanga ◽  
Blessing Dzingirai
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Pharmacology ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Unwanted Pregnancy ◽  
Contraceptive Methods ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Emergency Contraceptive ◽  
Emergency Contraceptives

Emergency contraceptives play a major role in preventing unwanted pregnancy. The use of emergency contraceptives is characterized by myths and lack of knowledge by both health professionals and users. The main objective of this paper is to summarize the clinical pharmacology of hormonal methods of emergency contraception. A literature review was done to describe in detail the mechanism of action, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and drug interactions of hormonal emergency contraceptive pills. This information is useful to healthcare professionals and users to fully understand how hormonal emergency contraceptive methods work.

scholarly journals Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale

2021 ◽  
pp. 314-323
Author(s):  
Julieta Seixas-Moizes ◽  
Anneke Boerlage ◽  
Érica Negrini Lia ◽  
Lucas Emmanuel Lopes e Santos ◽  
Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Portuguese Version ◽  
Observation Scale

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This study reports on the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of a Portuguese version of the Rotterdam Elderly Pain Observation Scale (REPOS), a Dutch scale to assess pain in patients who cannot communicate, with or without dementia. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a multicenter study in pain and neurological units involving Brazil (clinical phase) and the Netherlands (training phase). We performed a retrospective cross-sectional, 2-staged analysis, translating and culturally adapting the REPOS to a Portuguese version (REPOS-P) and evaluating its psychometric properties. Eight health professionals were trained to observe patients with low back pain. REPOS consists of 10 behavioral items scored as present or absent after a 2-min observation. The REPOS score of ≥3 in combination with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of ≥4 indicated pain. The Content Validity Index (CVI) in all items and instructions showed CVI values at their maximum. According to the higher correlation coefficient found between NRS and REPOS-P, it may be suggested that there was an adequate convergent validity. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The REPOS-P was administered to 80 patients with a mean age of 60 years (SD 11.5). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed a moderate internal consistency of REPOS-P (α = 0.62), which is compatible with the original study of REPOS. All health professionals reached high levels of interrater agreement within a median of 10 weeks of training, assuring reproducibility. Cohen’s kappa was 0.96 (SD 0.03), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 (SD 0.02), showing high reliability of REPOS-P scores between the trainer (researcher) and the trainees (healthcare professionals). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.94–0.97), showing a significant correlation between the total scores of REPOS-P and NRS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The REPOS-P was a valuable scale for assessing elderly patients with low back pain by different healthcare professionals. Short application time, ease of use, clear instructions, and the brief training required for application were essential characteristics of REPOS-P.

scholarly journals El duelo en medicina desde la visión y piel del profesional sanitario

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-100
Author(s):  
Erik Gabriel Díaz Avila ◽  
Marcela Fernández-Carrera Muchova ◽  
Teresa Sánchez Villanueva ◽  
Vega Sánchez Calvo ◽  
Jesús Francisco Mesonero Robles
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Natural Process ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Salud Mental

El duelo es un proceso natural que han de pasar las personas tras la pérdida de un ser querido. Durante la actual pandemia COVID-19 los profesionales sanitarios han sido víctimas, pues se han tenido que enfrentar a una situación sin precedentes en la que se ha puesto en juego su propia salud mental. El objetivo principal del estudio ha sido analizar el duelo en los profesionales sanitarios durante la actual pandemia COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura, no sistemática, en las diferentes bases de datos científicas para analizar el duelo en el ámbito de la medicina ligado al duelo vivido por los profesionales sanitarios, centrado en la situación actual de crisis sanitaria, así como los problemas que añadió la pandemia COVID-19. La pandemia COVID-19 ha puesto de manifiesto la importancia del duelo y la despedida justa, la cual no se pudo dar en la mayoría de los casos. Es imperiosa la preparación que han de recibir los profesionales sanitarios para enfrentar dicho proceso e incluso, los futuros profesionales sanitarios. Queda de manifiesto la importancia de la capacitación y cuidado de la salud mental, tanto en pacientes, familiares, personal sanitario y futuros profesionales de la salud. A la vez que, se ha de garantizar la resiliencia enfocada a los aspectos relacionados con el duelo. Grief is a natural process that people go through after the loss of a loved one. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have been victims, as they have had to face an unprecedented situation in which their own mental health has been put at stake. The main objective of the study has been to analyze the grief in health professionals during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A literatura review, non-systematic was carried out in the different scientific databases to analyze the grief in the field of medicine linked to the grief experienced by health professionals, focused on the current situation of health crisis, as well as the problems added by the COVID-pandemic. 19. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mourning and a fair farewell, which could not be given in most cases. The preparation that health professionals must receive to face this process and even future health professionals is imperative. The importance of training and mental health care is evident, both in patients, relatives, health personnel and future health professionals. At the same time, resilience focused on aspects related to grief must be guaranteed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document