scholarly journals Job Demands, Resources and Strains of Outpatient Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3684
Author(s):  
Natascha Mojtahedzadeh ◽  
Tanja Wirth ◽  
Albert Nienhaus ◽  
Volker Harth ◽  
Stefanie Mache
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Important Work ◽  
Northern Germany ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Emotional Demands

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health professionals in a special way, as they are responsible for the care of vulnerable groups. Little is known about how outpatient caregivers perceive their working conditions during the pandemic in Germany and about the difficulties they face. The aims of this study were (1) to examine specific job demands of outpatient caregivers in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) to illuminate their job resources they can rely on and (3) to identify potential strain reactions they experience. Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with outpatient caregivers working in Northern Germany in the period May–June 2020. Interviews were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. Outpatient caregivers experienced daily mask obligation, lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) and stricter hygiene regulations as demanding during the pandemic. They also described a higher workload and emotional demands such as fear of infection or infecting others. They perceived team spirit and communication as important work-related resources. Depressive symptoms and feelings of stress were described as strain reactions. Outpatient care services need to be better prepared for sudden pandemic situations and provide their employees with sufficient PPE and education to reduce pandemic-related job demands leading to negative strain reactions.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic as experienced by the spouses of home-dwelling people with dementia – a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Mork Rokstad ◽  
Janne Røsvik ◽  
Marit Fossberg ◽  
Siren Eriksen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Restrictive Measures ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Worldwide, restrictive measures have been taken to manage the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and self-isolation have considerably affected the lives of people with dementia and their informal caregivers. The purpose of the study was to explore the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic as experienced by the spouses of home-dwelling people with dementia in Norway. Methods The study had a qualitative descriptive design using individual telephone interviews for data collection. A total sample of 17 spouses of people with dementia were included, 14 women and three men ages 52 to 82 years. A qualitative content analysis following six steps inspired by Graneheim and Lundman was used to identify the categories presented. Results The participants emphasized four main perspectives: 1) Radical changes in available services, 2) Restrictions changed everyday life, 3) Impacts on health and well-being, and 4) Actions that made life easier. The participants also described how positive activities and easily accessible services helped them in this situation. Conclusions The governmental restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in radical changes in available services with severe consequences for the lives and well-being of home-dwelling people with dementia and their spouses. Examples of coping strategies and possible psychosocial interventions compatible with virus precautions were identified. The potential of such interventions should be further explored to meet the needs of vulnerable groups in situations like a pandemic.

scholarly journals “One of My Basic Necessities of Life Is Work. That’s Just Broken Away.”—Explorative Triangulation of Personal and Work-Related Impacts for Supervisors and Disabled Employees in German Social Firms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8979
Author(s):  
Ann-Christin Kordsmeyer ◽  
Ilona Efimov ◽  
Julia Christine Lengen ◽  
Volker Harth ◽  
Stefanie Mache
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
The North ◽  
Personnel Planning ◽  
Additional Work ◽  
Disabled Employees

Social firms are located on the general labor market and employ 30–50% of severely disabled people. Findings on personal and work-related impacts for employees and supervisors during the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet available and will be investigated in the present study. Using the approach of a method triangulation, focus groups with employees and individual interviews with supervisors of several social firms from the North of Germany were combined and collected in parallel. Between July and November 2020, 16 semi-structured telephone interviews with supervisors and three focus groups with 3–6 employees each working within the same team (14 employees in total) were conducted. Both formats were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed by using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis. Because a large proportion of the employees and supervisors interviewed worked in the gastronomy sector, they were particularly affected by the “restriction of social contacts” beginning in March 2020. Hygiene and distance regulations were implemented and personnel planning and distribution of work were adapted. Challenges were raised for employees with disabilities due to the implementation of hygiene and distance regulations, a sudden loss of work, lacking routines, additional work, a lack of movement, social contacts and financial challenges. Both employees and supervisors reported fears of infection, conflicts, additional work and fears of job loss. Additionally, supervisors dealt with less staffing, challenges in detaching from work and a strained economic situation. Overall, new insights were gained into the work-related impacts for employees and supervisors in inclusive workplaces during the current COVID-19 pandemic but further research on health-promoting structures is needed.

scholarly journals Occupational Health and Safety Measures in German Outpatient Care Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2987
Author(s):  
Mara Shirin Hetzmann ◽  
Natascha Mojtahedzadeh ◽  
Albert Nienhaus ◽  
Volker Harth ◽  
Stefanie Mache
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Work Organisation ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Threats ◽  
Company Doctor

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, outpatient caregivers are exposed to new serious health threats at work. To protect their health, effective occupational health and safety measures (OHSM) are necessary. Outpatient caregivers (n = 15) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews in May/June 2020 (1) to examine the pandemic-related OHSM that have been implemented in their outpatient care services, as well as (2) to identify their corresponding unmet needs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by using qualitative content analysis in accordance with Mayring. Available OHSM in outpatient care services described by outpatient caregivers mainly included personal protective equipment (PPE) and surface disinfection means after an initial shortage in the first peak of the pandemic. Further OHSM implied social distancing, increased hygiene regulations and the provision of pandemic-related information by the employer, as well as the possibility to consult a company doctor. Our study revealed that OHSM were largely adapted to the health threats posed by COVID-19, however an optimum has not yet been achieved. There is still a need for improvement in the qualitative and quantitative supply of PPE, as well as on the organisational level, e.g., with regard to the development of pandemic plans or in work organisation.

scholarly journals What are the risk factors for avoidable transitions in the last year of life? A qualitative exploration of professionals’ perspectives for improving care in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Kasdorf ◽  
◽  
Gloria Dust ◽  
Vera Vennedey ◽  
Christian Rietz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Nursing Services ◽  
Value Based Care ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

Abstract Background Little is known about the nature of patients’ transitions between healthcare settings in the last year of life (LYOL) in Germany. Patients often experience transitions between different healthcare settings, such as hospitals and long-term facilities including nursing homes and hospices. The perspective of healthcare professionals can therefore provide information on transitions in the LYOL that are avoidable from a medical perspective. This study aims to explore factors influencing avoidable transitions across healthcare settings in the LYOL and to disclose how these could be prevented. Methods Two focus groups (n = 11) and five individual interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in hospitals, hospices and nursing services from Cologne, Germany. They were asked to share their observations about avoidable transitions in the LYOL. The data collection continued until the point of information power was reached and were audio recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four factors for potentially avoidable transitions between care settings in the LYOL were identified: healthcare system, organization, healthcare professional, patient and relatives. According to the participants, the most relevant aspects that can aid in reducing unnecessary transitions include timely identification and communication of the LYOL; consideration of palliative care options; availability and accessibility of care services; and having a healthcare professional taking main responsibility for care planning. Conclusions Preventing avoidable transitions by considering the multicomponent factors related to them not only immediately before death but also in the LYOL could help to provide more value-based care for patients and improving their quality of life.

scholarly journals The job demands-resources model and the international work context – a systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy T.B. Rattrie ◽  
Markus G. Kittler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Domestic Work ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Work ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Contexts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis and evaluation of literature surrounding the job demands-resources (JD-R) model (Demerouti et al., 2001) in the first decade since its inception, with particular emphasis on establishing an evidence-based universal application towards different national and international work contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a systematic review approach following the stages suggested by Tranfield et al. (2003). Based on empirical data from 62 studies, the authors systematically analyse the application of the JD-R model and queries whether it is applicable outside merely domestic work contexts. Findings – The authors find convincing support for the JD-R model in different national contexts. However, the authors also found an absence of studies employing the JD-R model in cross-national settings. None of the empirical studies in the sample had explicitly considered the international context of today’s work environment or had clearly associated JD-R research with the IHRM literature. Research limitations/implications – Based on the wide acceptance of the JD-R model in domestic work contexts and the increased interest in work-related outcomes such as burnout and engagement in the IHRM literature, the study identifies a gap and suggests future research applying the JD-R model to international work and global mobility contexts. Originality/value – This study is the first to systematically assess the application of the JD-R model in domestic and international work contexts based on a systematic review of empirical literature in the first decade since the inception of the model. The study identifies a lack of internationally focussed JD-R studies and invites further empirical research and theoretical extensions.

scholarly journals Job Stress and Burnout among Social Workers in the VUCA World of COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7109
Author(s):  
Gabriela Dima ◽  
Luiza Meseșan Schmitz ◽  
Marinela-Cristina Șimon
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Supervisory Support ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Study Results ◽  
High Level

This paper aimed to explore the changes posed by the new COVID-19 pandemic to the field of social work and its impact on social workers in terms of job stress and burnout in Romania. Two conceptual models were used to frame the discussion: the theoretical framework of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) to discuss the challenges that the unprecedented context of the COVID-19 pandemic has created for social workers; and the Job Demands and Resources model (JD-R) to understand job demands perceived as stressors and burnout. Based on convergent mixed methods, the study sample consisted of 83 social workers employed in statutory and private social services in Romania, from different areas of intervention. Results showed that social workers perceived a high level of job stress related to work during the pandemic, which was associated with higher levels of burnout in the areas of personal burnout (average score 55.9) and work-related burnout (average score 52.5). Client-related burnout was lower (average score 38.4), indicating that stress was generated mainly by organisational factors and work-related factors (workload, aligning to new legislative rules and decisions, inconsistency, instability, ambiguity of managerial decisions, and lack of clarity of working procedures) and less by client-related stressors (lack of direct contact with clients, risk of contamination, managing beneficiaries’ fears, and difficulties related to technology). High job demands and limited job resources (managerial and supervisory support, financial resources, and recognition and reward) led to a high to very high level of work-related burnout for 15.7% and an upper-medium level for 44.2% of respondents. A group of 27.7% reported lower to medium levels of work-related burnout, while 14.5% had very low levels, managing to handle stress factors in a healthy manner. Study results pointed to the importance of organisational support and the development of a self-care plan that help to protect against job stress and burnout. Recommendations were made, putting forward the voice of fieldworkers and managers fostering initiatives and the application of sustainability-based measures and activities designed to deal with the challenges of the VUCA environment.

Validatie van de Nederlandstalige Core Self-evaluations vragenlijst

2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene E. de Pater ◽  
Sonja Schinkel ◽  
Bernard A. Nijstad
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Important Work ◽  
Dutch Version ◽  
Total N ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Core Self

Validation of the Dutch Core Self-evaluations Scale Validation of the Dutch Core Self-evaluations Scale I.E. de Pater, S. Schinkel & B.A. Nijstad, Gedrag & Organisatie, volume 20, maart 2007, nr. 1, pp. 82-100 In this article we investigated the reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the Core Self-evaluations scale (CSES, Judge, Erez, Bono & Thoresen, 2003). Research into the English version has shown that CSE is a valid construct, consistently correlating with important work related criteria such as work satisfaction and work performance. Because of the relevance of these findings, we developed a Dutch version of this scale (NCSES). Results from four different studies (total N = 1389) showed that the NCSES is internally consistent, has a high test-retest reliability and has the predicted factor structure. Additionally, the convergent and divergent validity of the NCSES are high, and the NCSES correlates with important work outcomes, such job characteristics, job performance, and affective outcomes. It can be concluded that the NCSES is a valuable and effective instrument for applied psychological research.

scholarly journals MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC: THE EXPERIENCES OF LITHUANIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 217-229
Author(s):  
Rita Vaičekauskaitė ◽  
Jurgita Babarskienė ◽  
Jūratė Grubliauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis

With the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, many countries face an unprecedented mental health crisis, which is being addressed in various ways, including the use of remote mental health services. Lithuania faced two quarantines: in March-June of 2020 and starting November 2020 up to Spring of 2021.  The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of Lithuanian psychologists providing mental health services during the pandemic.  Using the qualitative content analysis method, the following categories were made: from shock to discovery of new opportunities (differences in two lockdowns, better accessibility of services, help-seeking during the pandemic, and the importance of self-care) and contextual challenges (confidentiality, computer literacy, and blurred home/work boundaries). Implications for addressing psychological service issues are discussed, with an emphasis on self-care, setting boundaries, and finding new ways to enhance mental health via mediated communication as well as to reach out to vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals The Review and Future Perspectives of the Postpartum Care Service System for the Improvement of the Private-Postpartum Care Center’s Publicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Hee-Sun Kim ◽  
Jae Hee Lee ◽  
Jeong Rim Lee ◽  
Ji-Won Eom ◽  
Ja Yeun Koo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service System ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Postpartum Care ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Integrated Management System ◽  
The Public ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽  
Care Services

The study aimed to review the current postpartum care service system and suggest measures of improvement for the public reinforcement of the private-postpartum care center (PCC). We conducted a review of literature, including an internet search, and we analyzed the in-depth interviews using questionnaires answered by workers from the 6 private-PCCs operated in Goyang city. Using these data, we derived possible measures which could improve the publicity of private-PCCs. It was found that the 11 nationwide public-PCCs had serious operating deficits, and its utilization by the vulnerable was insufficient. In areas where private-PCCs are concentrated, we can propose the following policies to strengthen publicity, rather than establishing another public-PCC. First, it is important to provide support for private-PCCs to apply cost reductions for vulnerable groups, similar to the maternal and newborn medical care of public-PCCs. Second, publicity would be strengthened by reorganizing the pregnancy and childbirth education program, while also offering additional services for mothers with stillbirths and abortions. For the integrated management of postpartum care services, this should be shifted towards reinforcing the publicity of private-PCCs, rather than operating a public-PCC in relatively concentrated private-PCC areas. Through these policies, it is expected that financial and administrative waste will be reduced, and an integrated management system for postpartum care services will be established.

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