scholarly journals Socioeconomic and Psychosocial Adversities Experienced by Creative Freelancers in the UK During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom May ◽  
Katey Warran ◽  
Alexandra Burton ◽  
Daisy Fancourt
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Cultural Sector ◽  
Income Instability ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences ◽  
The Impact

There are concerns that the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19, including unemployment and financial insecurity, are having adverse effects on the mental wellbeing of the population. One group particularly vulnerable to socioeconomic adversity during this period are those employed freelance within the cultural industry. Many workers in the sector were already subject to income instability, erratic work schedules and a lack of economic security before the pandemic, and it is possible that COVID-19 may exacerbate pre-existing economic precarity. Through interviews with 20 freelancers working within the performing arts, visual arts, and film and television industries, this article explores the impact of the pandemic on their working lives. Findings suggest the pandemic is affecting the psychological wellbeing of freelancers through employment loss, financial instability and work dissonance, and illustrates the need for urgent economic and psychosocial support for those employed within the cultural sector.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic adversities experienced by creative freelancers in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom May ◽  
Katey Warran ◽  
Alexandra Burton ◽  
Daisy Fancourt
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Film And Television ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Income Instability ◽  
Socioeconomic Consequences ◽  
The Impact

There are concerns that the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19, including unemployment and financial insecurity, are having adverse effects on the mental wellbeing of the population. One group particularly vulnerable to socioeconomic adversity during this period are those employed freelance within the creative and cultural industries. Many workers in the sector were already subject to income instability, erratic work schedules and a lack of economic security before the pandemic, and it is possible that COVID-19 may exacerbate pre-existing economic precarity. Through interviews with 20 freelancers working within the performing arts, visual arts, and film and television industries, this article explores the impact of the pandemic on their working lives. Findings suggest the pandemic is affecting the psychological wellbeing of freelancers through employment loss, financial instability and work dissonance, and illustrates the need for urgent economic and psychosocial support for those employed within this sector.

scholarly journals Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872199681
Author(s):  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Hilary Tetlow ◽  
Kym Ward ◽  
Justine Shenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

scholarly journals Exploring patient-reported outcomes of home-based cardiac rehabilitation in relation to Scottish, UK and European guidelines: an audit using qualitative methods

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e024499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ranaldi ◽  
Carolyn Deighan ◽  
Louise Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Medical Risk ◽  
European Guidelines ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThe Heart Manual (HM) is the UK’s leading facilitated home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme for individuals recovering from myocardial infarction and revascularisation. This audit explored patient-reported outcomes of home-based CR in relation to current Scottish, UK and European guidelines.SettingPatients across the UK returned their questionnaire after completing the HM programme to the HM Department (NHS Lothian).ParticipantsQualitative data from 457 questionnaires returned between 2011 and 2018 were included for thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified from the guidelines. This guided initial deductive coding and provided the basis for inductive subthemes to emerge.ResultsThemes included: (1) health behaviour change and modifiable risk reduction, (2) psychosocial support, (3) education, (4) social support, (5) medical risk management, (6) vocational rehabilitation and (7) long-term strategies and maintenance. Both (1) and (2) were reported as having the greatest impact on patients' daily lives. Subthemes for (1) included: guidance, engagement, awareness, consequences, attitude, no change and motivation. Psychosocial support comprised: stress management, pacing, relaxation, increased self-efficacy, validation, mental health and self-perception. This was followed by (3) and (4). Patients less frequently referred to (5), (6) and (7). Additional themes highlighted the impact of the HM programme and that patients attributed the greatest impact to a combination of all the above themes.ConclusionsThis audit highlighted the HM as comprehensive and inclusive of key elements proposed by Scottish, UK and EU guidelines. Patients reported this had a profound impact on their daily lives and proved advantageous for CR.

scholarly journals The impact of journal re-grading on perception of ranking systems: Exploring the case of the Academic Journal Guide and Business and Management scholars in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T Walker ◽  
Ammon Salter ◽  
Rita Fontinha ◽  
Rossella Salandra
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Ranking Systems ◽  
Large Scale Survey ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Business And Management

Abstract The marked increase in the use of metrics, such as journal lists, to assess research has had a profound effect on academics’ working lives. While some view the diffusion of rankings as beneficial, others consider their diffusion as a malicious development, which further acerbates a tendency towards managerialism in academia, and undermine the integrity and diversity of academic research. Using data from a large-scale survey and a re-grading of journals in a ranking used by Business and Management UK scholars—the Academic Journal Guide—as a pseudo-experiment, we examine what determines negative and positive perceptions of rankings. We find that the individuals who published in outlets that were upgraded were less hostile to the ranking than those who did not benefit from these changes, and that individuals were also less hostile to the ranking if outlets in their field had benefited from re-grading in the new list. We also find that the individuals who published in outlets that were upgraded were more positive to the ranking than those who did not benefit from these changes, and that individuals were also more positive to the ranking if outlets in their field had benefited from re-grading in the new list.

scholarly journals P059 Wellbeing and shielding of patients with rheumatic disease on biologic therapy during the early COVID-19 pandemic: a single centre experience

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy M Carter ◽  
Hannah Irvine ◽  
Adnan D’Cunha Kamath ◽  
Ankita Sahni ◽  
Patrick Hanna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Disease ◽  
Biologic Therapy ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Medical Officer ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
British Society ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background/Aims  Individuals on immunosuppressive therapies were among those identified by the UK Department of Health and Chief Medical Officer as clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Advice on shielding from infection was disseminated by NHS England, primary care and NHS hospital trusts to those identified at highest risk. The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) developed further risk stratification guidance specifically focused on autoimmune rheumatic disease. As the UK entered a period of nationwide lockdown on 23rd March 2020, the clinically highly vulnerable group were asked to shield from infection by staying at home and avoiding any face-to-face contact for an initial period of 12 weeks. The implications of social isolation, disruption to planned medical care and economic consequences became increasingly recognised. This work aimed to understand the experience and wellbeing of this patient group during week 5 -6 of UK Lockdown, as a guide to how we might best adapt services and address the needs of this group. Methods  Short semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 141 patients during week five and six of UK lockdown, between 20th April and 1st May 2020. Participants were sampled systematically from the departmental biologic therapy database at Wexham Park Hospital, a general hospital providing services to a diverse population of approximately 450,000 people in Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. Results  Telephone interview was conducted with 141 patients prescribed biologic therapy. Written advice on risk and shielding was received by over 90%. Sixty four percent of respondents were female with a median age of 56 years. Thirty-nine percent of those interviewed fell within highest BSR risk category for whom full shielding was highly recommended, yet at the time of interview 51.1% of respondents reported they had committed to full shielding. Four percent of respondents self-identified as key workers and had continued their usual commitments. Amongst those interviewed, 35% reported significant adverse impact on their emotional and mental wellbeing within the first six weeks of UK lockdown. Isolation, uncertainty, limited physical exercise and cancellations to planned appointments were common themes. Twenty-eight percent of respondents felt their disease control had significantly deteriorated during the ongoing pandemic. Due to prevailing anxiety about the impact of immunosuppression on COVID-19 risk, 5% of patients had adjusted their prescribed therapies without the direct supervision or clinical advice. Conclusion  This study gives initial insights into the behaviours and concerns of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disease on biologic therapy during the first wave of COVID-19 in the UK. Wellbeing and disease management have considerably suffered for many individuals. Further understanding patient experience may help guide restructuring of rheumatology services in next phase of the UK pandemic. Disclosure  L.M. Carter: None. H. Irvine: None. A. D’Cunha Kamath: None. A. Sahni: None. P. Hanna: None. N. Rahimi: None. K. Bhamra: None.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiography practice: findings from a UK radiography workforce survey

BJR|Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20200023
Author(s):  
Theophilus N Akudjedu ◽  
Olanrewaju Lawal ◽  
Meera Sharma ◽  
Jason Elliott ◽  
Sharon Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Radiographers are key patient-facing healthcare professionals involved in many aspects of patient care. The working patterns and professional practice of the radiography workforce (RW) has been altered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on radiography practice in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of the UK RW was performed (March 25th to April 26th, 2020). The survey sought information regarding 1. Demographics 2. Impact of the pandemic on professional practice 3. Infection prevention/control and 4. COVID-19 related stress. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (v.26). Results: A total of 522 responses were received, comprising n = 412 (78.9%) diagnostic and n = 110 (21.1%) therapeutic RW categories from across the UK. 12.5% (65/522) of the respondents were redeployed. Redeployment did not appear to contribute (p = 0.31) to work-related stress. However, fear of contracting the infection and perceived inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) were identified as key contributors to stress during the study period. Compared to the therapeutic RW, a significantly higher proportion of the diagnostic RW identified fear of being infected as a major stressor (166/412 (40.3%) vs 30/110 (27.3%), p = 0.01). Conclusion: This survey has demonstrated changes to clinical practice, in particular to working patterns, service delivery and infection prevention and control were key contributors to workplace-related stress during the pandemic. Advances in knowledge: Timely and adequate staff training and availability of PPE as well as psychosocial support during future pandemics would enhance quality patient and staff safety.

scholarly journals Exploring support needs of people living with diabetes during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic: insights from a UK survey.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Sauchelli ◽  
Julia Bradley ◽  
Clare England ◽  
Aidan Searle ◽  
Alex Whitmarsh
Keyword(s):  
Personal Networks ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Consistent Information ◽  
The Impact

Background The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has radically compromised healthcare for people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Government-imposed restrictions to contain the spread of the virus has forced people to suddenly adjust their lifestyle. This study aimed to capture the impact of the pandemic on people living with diabetes and the views of these individuals on ways in which the information, advice and support they are receiving could be improved. Research design and methods An online anonymous survey was distributed across the UK during the first lockdown and initial easing. The survey comprised questions about confidence in diabetes self-management, resources used to obtain information, advice and support, and opinions on how these could be improved. Open-ended captured subjective experiences. Results The survey was completed by 773 adults living with diabetes (69.2% type 1, 28.5% type 2). There was notable variability in the impact of the pandemic on confidence in self-management, with confidence having deteriorated most commonly in the ability to take care of own mental wellbeing (37.0% respondents) and improved most commonly in maintaining a healthy weight (21.1% respondents). 41.2% of respondents living alone reported not receiving any outside support. The quality of information, advice and support received from the healthcare team was rated poorly by 37.2%. Respondents sought greater communication and tailored advice from their care team, clear and consistent information from the government and news channels, and improved understanding of diabetes and its challenges from their personal networks and employers. Conclusion Adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic has strained the mental health and wellbeing of people living with diabetes. Diabetes care teams must receive assistance to support these individuals without risking further inequalities in access to healthcare. Equipping personal networks and employers with knowledge on diabetes and skills to support self-management may reduce the burden on the NHS.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of UK healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Gilleen ◽  
Aida Santaolalla ◽  
Lorena Valdearenas ◽  
Clara Salice ◽  
Montserrat Fusté
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Controllable Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need to understand the psychological impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on UK healthcare workers (HCW).AimsTo reveal risk and protective factors associated with poor mental wellbeing of HCW working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.Method2773 UK HCWs completed a survey between 22ndApril and 10th May 2020 containing scales measuring anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress, and questions about roles and COVID-19-related factors including workplace preparation and risk management. Respondents were classified as high or low symptomatic on each mental health scale and logistic regression revealed risk and protective factors associated with each outcome. Change in wellbeing from pre to during COVID-19 was also quantified.ResultsA large proportion of UK HCW had high mental health symptoms. ‘Fixed’ risk factors of poor mental health included being female, being ‘frontline’, pre-existing mental health diagnoses, and experience of stressful/traumatic events. An additional set of ‘controllable’ factors also significantly increased risk: PPE availability, workload, lack of COVID-19 preparation and training, and insufficient communication of clinical procedures. Resilience and sharing stress reduced risk, as did ethical support for those making treatment decisions. Allied HCW and managers were at elevated risk of high symptoms particularly PTSD. Wellbeing, especially of frontline workers, had significantly worsened compared to before COVID-19.ConclusionsPoor mental wellbeing was prevalent in HCW during the UK COVID-19 response. A number of controllable factors should be targeted, and protective factors promoted, to reduce the detrimental effect of COVID-19 and other pandemics on HCW mental health.

scholarly journals Pensions and the Extending Working Lives Agenda in the UK: The Impact on Women

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Foster
Keyword(s):  
Later Life ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Key Policy ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractExtending working lives (EWLs) has been a key policy response to the challenges presented by an ageing population in the United Kingdom (UK). This includes the use of pension policies to encourage working longer. However, opportunities and experiences of EWLs are not equal. While much has been written about EWLs more broadly, limited attention has been paid to connecting those EWLs policies associated with pensions and their potentially unequal impact on women. This article aims to address this gap, taking a feminist political-economy perspective to explore the structural constraints that shape EWLs and pensions. Initially it briefly introduces the EWLs agenda, before focussing on pension developments and their implications for EWLs, considering the gendered nature of these policies. Finally, it touches upon potential policy measures to mitigate the impact of these developments on women. It demonstrates how women’s existing labour market and pension disadvantages have been largely overlooked in the development of EWLs policy, perpetuating or expanded many women’s financial inequalities in later life. It highlights the need for a greater focus on gendered pension differences in developing EWLs policy to ensure women’s circumstances are not adversely impacted on.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of parkrun participants in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Alice Bullas ◽  
Mike Graney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract IntroductionLockdown restrictions imposed across the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on many people’s health and wellbeing. People were encouraged to be active, but population surveys suggest some groups found this easier than others. We explored the changes in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels among a sample in the UK who experienced the sudden loss of a weekly community-based physical activity opportunity, parkrun.MethodsA sample of UK parkrun participants responded to two surveys; pre-COVID-19 in January/February 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Outcomes were happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health, mental health and physical activity. The sample was stratified by gender, age, deprivation status, physical activity and number of parkruns completed. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics. Distributions between sub-groups were compared using Chi-square tests while differences in outcomes were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Open text responses were also analysed. FindingsHappiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health and mental health of 450 parkrun participants were negatively impacted for all sub-groups, although the impact was not experienced equally. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental wellbeing of a greater proportion of females, younger adults, inactive people, those from higher deprivation areas, and those who had completed fewer parkruns.ConclusionsThere is evidence that the wellbeing of those who were more active, and those more involved in a community-based physical activity initiative pre-pandemic, was less negatively affected during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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