scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of Nurses: Impact on International Health Security

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonca Ustun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
International Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Prevention Activities ◽  
Insufficient Number

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread rapidly in many other countries. This situation, defined now as a pandemic, has turned into a worldwide public health problem that threatens health security, especially that of healthcare professionals. Nurses, particularly those at the forefront of healthcare and directly involved in COVID-19 patient care, have been affected not only physically but also mentally. Because nurses have longer communication and interaction times with patients, they are more concerned about becoming infected or infecting others. Nurses have the highest level of occupational stress compared to other groups and are accordingly subjected to anxiety and depression. For many reasons such as intense working hours, working in a shift system, an insufficient number of personnel, severe conditions of the unit, being in constant contact with patients and their relatives and showing intense empathy for them, nurses experience primary and secondary traumatic stress, job burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral injuries. For this reason, conducting appropriate prevention activities and planning prevention strategies for future pandemic situations is important to support nurses psychologically and to protect their mental health.

scholarly journals Complementary Therapy as an Approach in Managing Occupational Stress

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-62
Author(s):  
Nur Aishah Nor Hashim ◽  
Florianna Lendai Michael Mulok ◽  
Helmi Sumilan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Complementary Therapies ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
Natural Way

Occupational stress is caused by various reasons, such as, workload and long working hours. This leads to occurrence of trend in using wellness activities to treat physical and psychological illness that is known as complementary therapy, which is Yoga, Aromatherapy, Qi gong, and Islamic Medical Practices (Ruqyah). Therefore, this research offered a perspective on the use of complementary therapies as a tool in improving and maintaining mental health condition of employees located in Penang, Malaysia. Qualitative method was used where 5 complementary therapy practitioners were interviewed to identify the perceptions towards the use of complementary therapy and to identify the type of therapy that can be practiced to reduce stress, as well as, discuss the benefits of complementary therapies. It was found that complementary therapy is very beneficial as it acts as a holistic treatment, natural way of healing and more empowering, as it helps to improve employee’s mental, emotional and physical health.Keywords: occupational stress; complementary therapy; mental health; holistic; conventional

Psychological distress constructs in police with different roles

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Sheard ◽  
Melissa Ellen Burnett ◽  
Helen St Clair-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Police Personnel

Purpose Police personnel report relatively high rates of mental health difficulties, and are at an increased risk of experiencing stress, burnout, secondary traumatic stress and anxiety as a result of the nature of their work and may also experience low compassion satisfaction. However, it is likely that the prevalence of psychological distress varies across roles. The purpose of this paper is to explore psychological distress, in a large sample of police personnel, examining differences between individuals in a number of police roles. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire assessing experience of mental health problems, perceived stress, compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress), compassion satisfaction and anxiety was administered to 602 police personnel, who were classified into one of ten roles (24/7 officers, communications, firearms, crime, resolution without deployment, neighbourhood, custody, safeguarding, operations and other roles). Differences based on role and the requirement for shift work were then examined. Findings 24/7 officers had higher compassion fatigue and lower compassion satisfaction than individuals in a number of other roles. Firearms officers had lower levels of perceived stress and anxiety. Resolution without deployment officers reported higher secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. The findings also revealed that respondents who partake in shift work showed higher levels of perceived stress. Originality/value This is the first study to the authors’ knowledge to investigate experience of mental health problems and reports of psychological distress in different roles within a UK police force. The findings have important implications, for example, in terms of identifying groups who may be particularly at risk from psychological distress.

Minimising compassion fatigue in obstetrics/gynaecology doctors: exploring an intervention for an occupational hazard

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Allen ◽  
Felice Watt ◽  
Brendan Jansen ◽  
Edwina Coghlan ◽  
Elizabeth A Nathan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Occupational Hazard ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Given

Aim: To explore the indicators of occupational stress in a group of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors and to investigate the impact of work-focused discussion groups over a 6 month period. Methods: The ProQOL questionnaire was used to measure the efficacy of monthly psychiatrist-led Balint style discussion groups on minimising Compassion Fatigue (consisting of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout). The 25 doctors were given the given the ProQOL questionnaire to complete: (a) at the initiation of the intervention in July 2015, (b) in October 2015, and (c) in December 2015. Results: Significantly decreased levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress ( p=0.008), Burnout ( p=0.010), as well as significantly increased rates of Compassion Satisfaction ( p=0.035) were recorded. Participants requested that the groups be continued. Conclusions: Psychiatrist-led work focused discussion groups were associated with improved rates of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in this sample group.

scholarly journals Employee Wellness Pilot Program

2020 ◽  
pp. 216507992097652
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Van Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Intent To Leave ◽  
Intent To Stay ◽  
Employee Wellness ◽  
Current Position

Background Mental health professionals caring for the veteran population are at increased risk for compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress based on the nature of their work. While mental health professionals may experience positive outcomes from providing compassionate care to veterans, compassion fatigue can lead to instability of the workforce. Methods A pilot employee wellness program was implemented over a 9-week period, offering a different wellness module weekly during the employee lunch hour. Demographic data were collected pre-program, and mental health employees were surveyed pre- and post-program using an intent to stay scale and the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL-5) to measure compassion satisfaction, burn out, and secondary traumatic stress. Findings Pre-program participants ( N = 42) reported significant differences in intent to stay in their current position for the next year compared to the post-program group ( N = 15). Pre-program participants reported no intent to leave their current position, apply for internal or external positions, or retire in the following year. However, post-program participants reported intent to leave their current positions, apply to internal or external positions, or retire. Pre- and post-program compassion satisfaction scores increased and burnout and secondary traumatic stress scores decreased; these scores were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions/Application to Practice While no significant differences were found between ProQOL-5 subscale scores, the change in participants’ scores may indicate some change, potentially as a result of the intervention. This pilot program offered a creative solution to organizations with limited resources to combat occupation-related compassion fatigue.

scholarly journals Why are job stressors relevant for psychiatry?

2014 ◽  
Vol 205 (6) ◽  
pp. 425-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Čedo Savić ◽  
Karen Belkić
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Clinical State ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Job Stressors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Health Disorders

SummaryWork-related mental health disorders are a major public health problem. Consequently, psychiatrists encounter many patients whose clinical state is profoundly affected by work conditions. Psychiatrists therefore, need training in occupational/stress medicine. This would help integrate health services for these patients, aimed at preservation of work fitness and mental health.

scholarly journals Prolonged Stress Causes Depression in Frontline Workers Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Magnavita ◽  
Paolo Maurizio Soave ◽  
Massimo Antonelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Intention To Leave ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely tested the mental health of frontline health care workers. A repeated cross-sectional study can provide information on how their mental health evolved during the various phases of the pandemic. The intensivists of a COVID-19 hub hospital in Rome were investigated with a baseline survey during the first wave of the pandemic in April 2020 and were contacted again in December 2020, during the second wave. 152 of the 205 eligible workers responded to an online questionnaire designed to measure procedural justice, occupational stress (effort/reward imbalance), sleep quality, anxiety, depression, burnout, job satisfaction, happiness, and turnover intention. Workers reported a further increase in workload and compassion fatigue, which had already risen during the first wave, and a marked reduction in the time devoted to meditation and mental activities. A low level of confidence in the adequacy of safety procedures and the need to work in isolation, together with an increased workload and lack of time for meditation were the most significant predictors of occupational stress in a stepwise linear regression model. Occupational stress was, in turn, a significant predictor of insomnia, anxiety, low job satisfaction, burnout, and intention to leave the hospital. The number of workers manifesting symptoms of depression increased significantly to exceed 60%. Action to prevent occupational risks and enhance individual resilience cannot be postponed.

The Cost of Caring: Compassion Fatigue Among Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings in British Columbia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Mamdani ◽  
Sophie McKenzie ◽  
Emma Ackermann ◽  
Rayne Voyer ◽  
Fred Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background The drug toxicity crisis has had dramatic impacts upon communities of people who use substances. Peer workers, individuals with lived/living experience of substance use who work in overdose response settings, are particularly susceptible to negative impacts on wellbeing caused by this crisis. Coupled with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic including reduced capacity and hours of overdose prevention services and physical distancing regulations, the burden placed upon peers is large. However, these mental health impacts have yet to be studied and measured. Methods The Professional Quality of Life Scale survey (Version 5) was taken by 47 peer workers between September 2020 and March 2021 to assess compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. It was administered as a part of a larger survey administered by peer research assistants - to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions identified and implemented through a peer-led project. Some questions from the tool were also asked prior to implementation of the intervention (September 2020). Participants were recruited by their organizational managers and paid a $25 honorarium. Results Our study uncovered a HIGH mean score for compassion satisfaction, a LOW mean score for burnout, and a MEDIUM mean score for secondary traumatic stress among peers working in overdose response settings in British Columbia. We also found changes before and after implementation of the intervention. After implementation, peer workers felt more satisfied from their work, more connected to others, less worn out and were less affected by the traumatic stress of those they help. Conclusion Although peers derive significant pleasure and fulfillment from their jobs, i.e., compassion satisfaction, they also face considerable feelings of overwhelmingness, i.e. burnout, and stress due to continuous exposure to the trauma of the people they support, i.e. secondary traumatic stress. These results lay the groundwork for further research on the intersectional factors contributing to negative mental health impacts upon peer workers and highlight potential strategies that bolster the fulfillment they derive from their jobs.

scholarly journals The Moderating Role of Coping Strategies in Occupational Stress and Burnout among Mental Health Practitioners in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-43
Author(s):  
Amna Noureen ◽  
Asghar Ali Shah ◽  
Muhammad Ali Shah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Mental Health Practitioners ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Moderating Role

The current study was aimed to observe the moderating role of coping strategies in occupational stress and burnout among mental health practitioners. It was also aimed to examine the relationship of demographic factors with occupational stress, burnout and coping strategies. Data was collected from 200 mental health practitioners (clinical psychologists and psychiatrists) from different government and private hospitals and rehabilitation centers situated in different cities of Pakistan. Three scales were used in the research, that is, Mental Health Professional Stress Scale to measure occupational stress, Brief Cope to measure coping strategies and Maslcah Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey to assess burnout. The results indicated that there is a strong positive correlation between occupational stress, burnout and emotion focused coping strategies. The analyses showed that coping strategies did not moderate the relation between occupational stress and burnout. In demographic variables, the variables of age, education, experience and work hours were significant. Younger mental health practitioners scored high on occupational stress, burnout and use of emotion focused coping strategies than older ones. In qualification and experience, less qualified and less experienced practitioners had more occupational stress, burnout and used emotion focused coping strategies than more qualified and more experienced practitioners. Those practitioners whose working hours were less had low occupational stress and burnout and used problem focused coping strategies.

scholarly journals Reflecting on the Concept of Compassion Fatigue

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Sabo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Vicarious Traumatization ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Specialty Practice ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Theoretical Conceptualization

A review of the literature on the health of nurses leaves little doubt that their work may take a toll on their psychosocial and physical health and well being.Nurses working in several specialty practice areas, such as intensive care, mental health, paediatrics, and oncology have been found to be particularly vulnerable to work-related stress. Several types of occupational stress have been identified, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization. While the emphasis of this article is on compassion fatigue and its theoretical conceptualization, the concepts of burnout and vicarious traumatization are also discussed. Two questions are posed for discussion: 1) Does compassion fatigue exist on a continuum of occupational stress? If so, is burnout a pre-condition for compassion fatigue; 2) What are the relationships between the types of occupational stress? To what extent does non-resolution of compassion fatigue increase the risk for developing vicarious traumatization? Case examples are provided to support this discussion.

Preventing Suicide in Prisons, Part II

Crisis ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc S. Daigle ◽  
Anasseril E. Daniel ◽  
Greg E. Dear ◽  
Patrick Frottier ◽  
Lindsay M. Hayes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Task Force ◽  
International Association ◽  
Correctional Officers ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Correctional Systems ◽  
Prevention Activities ◽  
Prison Systems

Abstract. The International Association for Suicide Prevention created a Task Force on Suicide in Prisons to better disseminate the information in this domain. One of its objectives was to summarize suicide-prevention activities in the prison systems. This study of the Task Force uncovered many differences between countries, although mental health professionals remain central in all suicide prevention activities. Inmate peer-support and correctional officers also play critical roles in suicide prevention but there is great variation in the involvement of outside community workers. These differences could be explained by the availability of resources, by the structure of the correctional and community services, but mainly by the different paradigms about suicide prevention. While there is a common and traditional paradigm that suicide prevention services are mainly offered to individuals by mental health services, correctional systems differ in the way they include (or not) other partners of suicide prevention: correctional officers, other employees, peer inmates, chaplains/priests, and community workers. Circumstances, history, and national cultures may explain such diversity but they might also depend on the basic way we think about suicide prevention at both individual and environmental levels.

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