ABSTRACT
This rapid review was conducted by following a predefined protocol developed by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. A total of 172 potential reviews and 167 primary studies of interest were found. AMSTAR II was used to assess the quality of the included reviews and the JBI Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials for primary studies. Overall, four studies were included in this review. The study quality ranged from 5 to 12 out of 13 possible stars. No robust evidence was found that psychosocial interventions can reduce psychological distress. No significant effect could be found regarding post-traumatic stress. Two studies on anxiety were identified, one which showed an effect and another which did not. The psychosocial intervention had no beneficial effect on burnout and depression, whereas providing a mindfulness- or relaxation-based intervention resulted in a significant improvement in sleep quality. By considering the secondary results and results of previous reviews, a combination of training and mindfulness seems to be beneficial for decreasing anxiety and stress in home care workers. In summary, the evidence-based recommendations are still limited and, therefore, more evidence is needed to make a general statement of high certainty about the effects.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess burdens placed on and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing home staff. Design: We conducted a qualitative descriptive interview study. Methods: We interviewed 18 nurses, nursing aides and care aides from five different nursing homes by using a semi-structured interview guideline between June and September 2020. Data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis method by combining an inductive and deductive coding frame. Results: Results show that the qualitative work load and work organization were major concerns. Regarding the qualitative work load, participants stated that they were required to perform additional tasks to care for residents, because the pandemic interventions placed the residents under stress and dealing with relatives presented significant challenges. Nursing home staff reported that psychological consequences such as uncertainty, fear and stress represented major effects of the COVID-19 situation. Conclusion: We could show that qualitative workloads were assessed and perceived differently. Most nursing home care staff members experienced the changes in working conditions as both physically and psychologically challenging. Impact: We highly recommend that nursing home staff receive support in such pandemics by being allowed, for example personal protective equipment breaks. Individually tailored programs need to be established to enhance wellbeing and decrease psychological stress and fear in such challenging times. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide have and are using personal protective equipment (PPE) as COVID-19 prevention measures, including gloves, gowns, goggles, masks and hand hygiene. Although several reviews have been published on the effectiveness of PPE, these often include studies on other inflectional diseases. This is problematic, because these diseases differ with regard to, e.g. the transmissibility and viral loads in the days after infection. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of PPE to protect HCWs from COVID-19 infections. Design: Rapid review of literature. Methods: We followed a practical guide to conduct the rapid review based on a protocol established by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Meta-analyses have been conducted to synthesize the results. The confidence in the evidence was determined using the GRADE method. Results: We found 461 reviews and 208 primary studies, of which 16 systematic reviews included 11 observational studies of interest. Wearing PPE conferred significant protection against infection with COVID-19 as opposed to not wearing adequate PPE. Overall, the review results show that wearing face masks can significantly protect HCWs from infection. We found no effects for wearing gloves and gowns. Practicing thorough hand hygiene and having proper PPE, as compared to lacking proper PPE, showed a protective but not statistically significant effect. No studies reported the side effects of wearing PPE or acceptance rates. Conclusion: This evidence supports PPE use by HCW, and especially N95 masks, to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 infection.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess burdens placed on and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing home staff. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative descriptive interview study. METHODS: We interviewed 18 nurses, nursing aides and care aides from five different nursing homes by using a semi-structured interview guideline between June and September 2020. Data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis method by combining an inductive and deductive coding frame. RESULTS: Results show that the qualitative work load and work organization were major concerns. Regarding the qualitative work load, participants stated that they were required to perform additional tasks to care for residents, because the pandemic interventions placed the residents under stress and dealing with relatives presented significant challenges. Nursing home staff reported that psychological consequences such as uncertainty, fear and stress represented major effects of the COVID-19 situation. CONCLUSION: We could show that qualitative workloads were assessed and perceived differently. Most nursing home care staff members experienced the changes in working conditions as both physically and psychologically challenging. IMPACT: We highly recommend that nursing home staff receive support in such pandemics by being allowed, for example personal protective equipment breaks. Individually tailored programs need to be established to enhance wellbeing and decrease psychological stress and fear in such challenging times.