ABSTRACT
Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease 19 pandemic (COVID-19), healthcare workers of a COVID hospital are constantly in an environment that predisposes stress and burnout. In such an environment, low self-esteem can be a huge problem. The work environment in which health workers find themselves during a pandemic contributes significantly to a reduced quality of life. We wanted to explore the level and relationship of self-esteem and quality of life in healthcare workers working in a COVID-19 hospital at the peak of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed. The study was conducted at a COVID-19 hospital in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The survey was conducted between December 2020 and May 2021, at the peak of the third wave. Data from 116 correctly and fully completed questionnaires were analyzed. The following questionnaires were used: the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire personally designed, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the self-esteem level and domains of quality of life (p < 0.001). The results of the regression analyses indicated that the psychological well-being domain significantly predicted the self-esteem level (p < 0.001). It was found that self-esteem significantly predicted the psychological domain at a strongest level (p < 0.001). The physical health domain was significantly negatively affected by the socio-demographic variable “Gender” (p < 0.05), and positively by the “Preparation” variable (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the self-esteem level and QOL among healthcare workers working at a COVID hospital. The self-esteem level significantly predicted all four quality of life domains. © 2021, Opca Bolnica Zadar. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
TOPIC: Education, Research, and Quality Improvement TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: The need for swift international collaboration alongside rapidly deployable remote medical knowledge transition and implementation programs has been highlighted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual programs have emerged as cost-effective alternatives to in-person education to spread best practices to resource-limited locations and garner purposeful learner engagement. Understanding local practice needs is paramount to the development of an effective quality improvement initiative. This study aimed to gain insight into the interests, clinical challenges, and attitudes of a group of interprofessional critical care providers from Bosnia and Herzegovina in preparation for a longitudinal remote education and quality improvement program. METHODS: A novel learning needs assessment tool was implemented in a cohort of critical care professionals from four hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A sequential explanatory design was employed, and a mixed-method assessment was conducted in three phases. 1) Utilizing the Delphi method, twenty statements containing common critical care entrustable professional activities (EPAs) were developed by a board of intensivists and medical education specialists. 2) Local learners used Q Sort methodology to rank-order EPAs based on self-perceived learning priorities, with subsequent by-person factor analysis. 3) Learners were invited for focus-group interviews to gather details of the rationale behind their rankings. RESULTS: Forty nine out of 105 participants completed the rank-order survey (response rate 47%). Factor analysis categorized the participants into two main groups based on the typology of their opinions, 22 participants into factor 1 and 9 participants into factor 2. The highest-ranked EPAs amongst the two factors were “evaluation and management of the patients with shock, stabilization, and resuscitation of critically ill patients” and “evaluation and management of ARDS,” respectively. Statements regarding common ICU complications and procedures were regarded as neutral. The lowest rank amongst factor 1 was “patient-centered care, communication skills, and interprofessional collaboration.” Participants in factor 2 ranked “preoperative evaluation and management” and “common hematologic and oncologic complications” the lowest. The rationale behind rank orders focused on the current patient population and perceived EPA importance to critical care practice. Participants in factor 1 displayed pessimistic attitudes toward patient-centered care and interprofessional collaboration due to cultural and healthcare system constraints. Interviewees in both factors described local challenges and expressed a need for change. CONCLUSIONS: We conducted a remote needs assessment in an international, interprofessional group of critical care providers. In addition to building trust with learners, the acquired knowledge of cultural differences, needs, and barriers to implementation will guide an ongoing remote education and quality improvement initiative. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This investigation will shape a critical care best practices quality improvement initiative and remote education program in a country with limited resources. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Marija Bogojevic, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Yue Dong, source=Web Response Patent/IP rights for a licensed product relationship with Ambient Clinical Analytics Please note: From 2016 Added 05/23/2021 by Ognjen Gajic, source=Web Response, value=Royalty no disclosure on file for Pedja Kovacevic;No relevant relationships by Heyi Li, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Aida Mujakovic, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Alexander Niven, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Manja Spahalic, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Slavenka Straus;No relevant relationships by Simon Zec, source=Web Response