scholarly journals High Exhaustion in Geriatric Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Second Lockdown

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mohamad El Haj ◽  
Philippe Allain ◽  
Cédric Annweiler ◽  
Claire Boutoleau-Bretonnière ◽  
Guillaume Chapelet ◽  
...  

Background: In a previous study, we assessed burnout in geriatric healthcare workers during the first lockdown that lasted from March to May 2020 in France, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Objective: We carried out a follow-up study to assess burnout in the same population during the second lockdown that was implemented at the end of October 2020. Methods: We used an online survey to assess burnout in terms of exhaustion and disengagement in a sample of 58 geriatric healthcare workers. Results: We found higher levels of exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout among geriatric healthcare workers during the second than during the first lockdown. We also found high levels of exhaustion but moderate disengagement and burnout during the second lockdown. Conclusion: The increased exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout during the second lockdown can be attributed to the increased workload in geriatric facilities throughout this crisis and during the second lockdown due to shortage in staff and increased number of shifts and allocated duties. The high levels of exhaustion reported among geriatric healthcare workers during the second lockdown can reflect their physical fatigue, as well as their feelings of being emotionally overextended and exhausted by their workload.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad El Haj ◽  
PHILIPPE ALLAIN ◽  
Cedric Anneweiler ◽  
Claire boutoleau Bretonnière ◽  
Guillaume Chapelet ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND In a previous study, we assessed burnout in geriatric healthcare workers during the first lockdown that lasted from March to May 2020 in France, in response to the Covid-19 crisis. OBJECTIVE We carried out a follow-up study to assess burnout in the same population during the second lockdown that was implemented at the end of October 2020. METHODS We carried out an online study to assess burnout in the geriatric healthcare workers. RESULTS We found higher levels of exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout among geriatric healthcare workers during the second than during the first lockdown. We also found high levels of exhaustion but moderate disengagement and burnout during the second lockdown. CONCLUSIONS The increased exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout during the second lockdown can be attributed to the increased workload in geriatric facilities throughout this crisis and during the second lockdown due to shortage in staff and increased number of shifts and allocated duties. The high levels of exhaustion reported among geriatric healthcare workers during the second lockdown can reflect their physical fatigue, as well as their feelings of being emotionally overextended and exhausted by their workload.


Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ◽  
Gianni Nepa ◽  
Tracy A. Prout ◽  
Fabrizio Albertini ◽  
Stefano Marcelli ◽  
...  

The experience of working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis has presented a cumulative traumatic experience that affects healthcare professionals’ well-being. Psychological resources such as resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms are essential in protecting individuals from severe stress and burnout. During September 2020, 233 healthcare workers responded to an online survey to test the impact of demographic variables, COVID-19 exposure, and psychological resources in determining stress and burnout during the COVID-19 emergency. Frontline workers reported higher scores for stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization (p < 0.001) as compared to colleagues working in units not directly serving patients with COVID-19. Mature defensive functioning was associated with resilience and personal accomplishment (r = 0.320; p < 0.001), while neurotic and immature defenses were related to perceived stress and burnout. Stress and burnout were predicted by lower age, female gender, greater exposure to COVID-19, lower resilience, and immature defensive functioning among healthcare professionals (R2 = 463; p < 0.001). Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provoke greater stress and burnout. On the other hand, resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms predicted better adjustment. Future reaction plans should promote effective programs offering support for healthcare workers who provide direct care to patients with COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 883-887
Author(s):  
Hemapriya L ◽  
Maureen Prativa Tigga ◽  
Anil Kumar M.R ◽  
Prathap T ◽  
Neha Wali ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures


Author(s):  
N. Al Mahyijari ◽  
A. Badahdah ◽  
F. Khamis

Objectives: The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic is wreaking havoc on healthcare systems and causing serious economic, social, and psychological anguish around the globe. Healthcare workers (HCWs) who diagnose and care for COVID-19 patients have been shown to suffer burnout, stress, and anxiety. Methods: In this study, we collected data from 150 frontline HCWs who had close contact with COVID-19 patients at several health facilities in the Sultanate of Oman. The participants completed an online survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Results: The study found that a substantial number of healthcare professionals experienced relatively high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as suboptimal levels of well-being. Perceived stress and anxiety were significant predictors of HCWs’ well-being. Conclusions: This study adds to the increasing literature indicating harmful effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of HCWs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Tristan Kiraly ◽  
Shelagh Quinn ◽  
Janice Fyfe ◽  
Edith Kernerman

There is limited research on interdisciplinary communication between lactation consultants (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant [IBCLC]) and other healthcare professionals. An online survey assessed how healthcare professionals (physicians, surgeons, and alternative practitioners) perceive lactation consultants and what language, forms of communication, and practices are helpful. Participants (N = 75) indicated mostly positive experiences. Negative experiences included lack of communication or dissatisfaction with experience or outcome. Breastfeeding terms were, on average, “somewhat clear,” and several were correlated with perceived adequacy of breastfeeding knowledge. Participants indicated that communications from lactation consultants should include a plan for follow-up, an outline of the safety and rationale for use of potentially unfamiliar treatments, and contact information. The preferred form of communication varied. Improving interdisciplinary communication and collaboration will likely result in better support for breastfeeding dyads.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 82-91
Author(s):  
Elena Pérez Estevan

Resumen: La llegada masiva de extranjeros en las últimas décadas ha dado lugar a un nuevo colectivo que acude a los centros sanitarios. El objetivo del presente trabajo es confirmar la hipótesis de que una fase de contacto previa o encuentro extra rutinario entre el intérprete y el profesional sanitario contribuye a una mejora de los resultados en la interpretación en consulta y un aumento en la calidad. Para ello, se estudian factores clave: la comunicación, los roles, el código deontológico, la legislación, la entrevista clínica y la visibilidad. Se ha realizado un estudio observacional, descriptivo con seguimiento y un estudio de caso para conocer las opiniones de los intérpretes profesionales y los profesionales sanitarios. Los resultados confirman la necesidad de un encuentro previo. En este sentido, afirmamos que la interpretación médica es un sector en crecimiento y dada la escasez de estudios sobre estos factores, es aquí donde se engloba el presente estudio. Abstract: The massive arrival of foreign people in the last decades has originated a new group of people with new healthcare needs. The aim of this paper is to ensure the hypothesis that a previous interpreter-doctor contact or an out of the routine encounter contributes to improve the interpreting services during the consultation and it enhances better quality. To that end, some key factors such as communication, roles, code of ethics, law, clinical interview stages and visibility are studied in this research work. We have carried out an observational, descriptive and follow-up study and a case study to discover the opinions of professional interpreters and healthcare professionals. Finally, the previous encounter assumption is confirmed based on the findings of the study. In this sense, medical interpreting constitutes an interesting growing field. This research focuses on the mentioned field due to the lack of studies. 


Author(s):  
Alessia Visconti ◽  
Veronique Bataille ◽  
Niccolò Rossi ◽  
Justine Kluk ◽  
Ruth Murphy ◽  
...  

AbstractImportanceSARS-CoV-2 causes multiple immune-related reactions at various stages of the disease, and the wide variety of cutaneous presentations has delayed linking these to the virus. Previous studies had attempted to look at the prevalence and timing of COVID-19 rashes but were mostly based on hospitalized severe cases with limited follow up.ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic value of new skin rashes in SARS-CoV-2 infection.DesignObservational study including data collected longitudinally via the COVID Symptom Study app between May 7th and June 22nd, 2020, as well as data from an independent online survey on skin-related symptoms.SettingCommunity-basedParticipantsVolunteer sample of 336,847 UK users of the COVID Symptom Study app and 11,546 surveyees, aged 1 to 90 years old.ExposureUsers self-reporting a positive or negative SARS-CoV-2 swab test result, untested symptomatic users, and survey respondents.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)the diagnostic value of new skin rashes in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and observation on their duration and timing in relation to other COVID-19 symptomsResultsIn the app data, 8.8% of the swab positive cases (N=2,021) reported either a body rash or an acral rash, compared to 5.4% of those with a negative swab test (N=25,136). Together, these two cutaneous presentations showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-1.97) for being swab positive. Skin rashes were also predictive in the larger untested group of symptomatic app users (N=54,652), as 8.2% of those who had reported at least one classic COVID-19 symptom, i.e., fever, persistent cough, and/or anosmia, also reported a rash. Data from the independent online survey showed that in 17% of swab positive cases, the rash was the initial presentation. Furthermore, in 21%, the rash was the only clinical sign.Conclusions and RelevanceSkin rashes cluster with other COVID-19 symptoms, are predictive of a positive swab test and occur in a significant number of cases, either alone or before other symptoms. Recognising rashes is important for the early detection of COVID-19 cases. To help healthcare professionals in this task we have established a large library of high-quality manually curated photos, available at: https://covidskinsigns.comKey pointsQuestionWhat is the diagnostiv value of the cutaneous manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection?FindingsWe confirmed, in a community-based setting, that the presence of a rash is predictive of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and provided a large library of cutaneous manifestation photos to help healthcare professionals in diagnosing COVID-19.MeaningSkin rashes should be considered as part of the clinical presentation of COVID-19 to aid earlier diagnosis and curb the spread of the infection.


Author(s):  
Michella Hill ◽  
Erin Smith ◽  
Brennen Mills

Abstract Objectives The majority of research investigating healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to work during public health emergencies asks participants to forecast their perceptions based on hypothetical emergencies, rather than in response to actual public health emergencies they have experienced. This research explored frontline HCWs willingness to work during Australia’s first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among frontline HCWs. Methods Participants (n=580) completed an online questionnaire regarding their willingness to work during the pandemic. Results Forty-two percent of participants reported being less willing to work during the pandemic compared to before. Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), concern expressed by family members, and viral exposure were significant barriers. One-third of participants disagreed that some level of occupational risk for exposure to infectious disease was acceptable. One-quarter of participants had received communications from their workplace concerning obligations to work during COVID-19. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Australian frontline HCWs’ willingness to work. Scarcity of PPE and exposure to the virus were the most cited reasons impacting on willingness to work. Appropriate policies and practices should be implemented and communicated efficiently to frontline HCW’s. This research provides insight into the lived experiences of Australian healthcare professionals’ willingness to work during a pandemic.


Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjeev Singh ◽  
Esmita Charani ◽  
Chand Wattal ◽  
Anita Arora ◽  
Abi Jenkins ◽  
...  

Background: To understand the role of infrastructure, manpower, and education and training (E&T) in relation to Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in Indian healthcare organizations. Methods: Mixed method approach using quantitative survey and qualitative interviews was applied. Through key informants, healthcare professionals from 69 hospitals (public & private) were invited to participate in online survey and follow up qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the key emerging themes from the interviews. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 60 healthcare professionals from 51 hospitals responded to the survey. Eight doctors participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. 69% (27/39) of the respondents received E&T on AMS during undergraduate or postgraduate training. 88% (15/17) had not received any E&T at induction or during employment. In the qualitative interviews three key areas of concern were identified: (1) need for government level endorsement of AMS activities; (2) lack of AMS programs in hospitals; and, (3) lack of postgraduate E&T in AMS for staff. Conclusion: No structured provision of E&T for AMS currently exists in India. Stakeholder engagement is essential to the sustainable design and implementation of bespoke E&T for hospital AMS in India.


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