Occupational burnout factors among correctional mental health providers

Burnout rates of correctional employees are higher than employees in the general public. The purpose of this study was to identify how occupational factors impact burnout rates among correctional mental health workers. Grounded in the job-demands theoretical model, this study compared burnout rates among mental health staff within county jails and state prisons. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Occupational factors were measured using the Areas of Work life Survey and Pandemic Experience and Perception Survey. Data was analyzed using IBM SSPS software to address multiple a priori directional research questions. Research questions considered how occupational factors impact burnout of this population. Key results indicated no significant difference in burnout rates among mental health providers, though found "workload" and "control" to be significant predictors of emotional exhaustion in both jails and prisons, and "reward" a significant predictor of personal accomplishment in prisons. "Risk perception" and "work life" were predictors of emotional exhaustion during a global pandemic. Future studies should expand the research on the variable "workload" with burnout and consider utilizing the demographic data collected to identify additional correlations. Implications for positive social change include prevention of burnout in correctional settings resulting in lower staff turnover, improved staff quality of life, and increased quality of treatment. Knowing the factors that contribute to burnout in these populations allows for intervention prior to burnout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Counselor educator workload and burnout in the era of covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought disruption to teaching and other aspects of workload in higher education. The current study sampled 126 counselor educators about workload, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and job satisfaction. Results indicated that faculty workload and administrative responsibilities increased for counselor educators during the pandemic without adequate compensation or support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Psychologists' experiences who managed waitlists in mental-health services during the COVID-19 lockdown: A mixed-method study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for mental-health services worldwide. Consequently, it also increased the length of the waitlists for mental-health services, putting a strain on adult mental-health services (AMHS) and the healthcare professionals dealing with these lists. There is little research about how psychologists managed waitlist practices, e.g., scheduling screening appointments, determining clients' availability in an offered appointment, providing evidence-based bibliotherapy, or using priority waiting scales. It remains unclear what their experiences were with these practices and how effective these practices were during the pandemic. Method: The current convergent, concurrent mixed-method study investigated waitlist-management practices, synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data from an online survey (n = 20 participants) applied in two local AMHS in Ireland. Results: The most common practices used by psychologists were opt-in systems, maintaining regular contact with clients, informing them about the waiting time, and providing evidence-based bibliotherapy. Screening was the least-used practice. The qualitative analysis highlights the emotional burden psychologists experienced from the use of waitlist practices, particularly when they had to inform the client of the waiting time or put a client back onto a waitlist. Discussion: Psychologists reported a lack of resources and increases in administrative workload as barriers to implementing practices. Managerial, organizational, and policy-based recommendations are proposed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The school nurse's experience of secondary exposure to trauma

The school nurse (SN) is often the sole health care expert in the school setting, providing for the physical and socio-emotional needs of others. SN may be exposed to reports of trauma, a widespread and costly public health issue. This study sought to explore the experience of the SN when exposed to reports of trauma from those in their care. Seven N.J. certified school nurses participated in two online interviews via Microsoft Teams, spaced one to two weeks apart between June 2021 and September 2021. Interviews were recorded & transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis applied. This study found that SN receive reports of trauma to varying degrees, with those in high-poverty urban settings relaying more frequent exposure than those in suburban settings. The SN identified the health office as a safe haven where students are welcome, accepted as they are, can share concerns, and seek comfort from their ailments. SN reported challenges working within the school model, and experienced obstacles to receiving reports of trauma including a lack of school-based collaboration, a lack of understanding of the SN role, and SN workload. In the eye of the storm, while receiving traumatic reports, SN focus on immediate needs. Later, while mitigating the aftermath, they process the experience and apply coping strategies, such as self-care and social support, to restore and replenish. While weathering the storm, they share concern and frustration, but acknowledge that they can only do so much. The SN in this study did not demonstrate secondary trauma but instead shared stories of resilience. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SN receipt of reports of trauma were explored. Further research is needed regarding the role of the SN, SN workload, and their experience in receiving reports of trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Shifting sands: Navigating being academic in an evolving sector

The evolution of the higher education sector has included a strong focus on academic performance despite increasing workloads and employment precarity, with COVID-19 further disrupting traditional university expectations. Drawing on HERD's author voices from 2010 to 2020, this reflective review examines the changing nature of academe, mapping the shifts in role and identity that occur through an academic's career life cycle. The mechanisms to support these developmental journeys are examined, highlighting the role that development agencies and university leaders need to play in supporting the holistic development of academics (and researchers), particularly as expectations evolve. Implications for a post-COVID sector are explored, suggesting this disruptive phase will require more responsive support from universities, developers and university leaders. The paper identifies gaps in research and commentary that warrant further exploration by scholars in the future. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

COVI-Prim Longitudinal Survey: Experiences of Primary Care Physicians During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: General practitioners (GPs) are the mainstay of primary care and play a critical role in pandemics. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this international study aimed to explore changes in the workload of general practitioners, as well as their interactions with patients and colleagues, and their self-confidence and concerns. Methods: An online survey was conducted among GPs in Austria and Germany. Participants were asked to answer a basic questionnaire and participate in a subsequent longitudinal survey containing closed and open-ended items. All data were pseudonymized. Results: Overall, 723 general practitioners from Austria and Germany took part in the longitudinal survey over a period of 12 weeks (April 3-July 2, 2020). The majority of GPs had less direct contact with patients at the beginning of the survey (96 vs. 49% at the end of the study period). At first, doctors were mainly concerned with pandemic-related issues and had to care for the patients of GP colleagues that were in quarantine, which meant they had less time for routine work such as screenings and treating chronic diseases. Over the survey period, GPs' self-confidence increased and their concerns about income loss decreased. Conclusions: Following a difficult initial phase when protective equipment and information were lacking, physicians in primary care adapted quickly to new situations. Experience with telemedicine should help them face future challenges and may help prevent a decline in the delivery of routine health care and care for chronically ill patients. Registration: Trial registration at the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00021231.

The school nurse's experience of secondary exposure to trauma

The school nurse (SN) is often the sole health care expert in the school setting, providing for the physical and socio-emotional needs of others. SN may be exposed to reports of trauma, a widespread and costly public health issue. This study sought to explore the experience of the SN when exposed to reports of trauma from those in their care. Seven N.J. certified school nurses participated in two online interviews via Microsoft Teams, spaced one to two weeks apart between June 2021 and September 2021. Interviews were recorded & transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis applied. This study found that SN receive reports of trauma to varying degrees, with those in high-poverty urban settings relaying more frequent exposure than those in suburban settings. The SN identified the health office as a safe haven where students are welcome, accepted as they are, can share concerns, and seek comfort from their ailments. SN reported challenges working within the school model, and experienced obstacles to receiving reports of trauma including a lack of school-based collaboration, a lack of understanding of the SN role, and SN workload. In the eye of the storm, while receiving traumatic reports, SN focus on immediate needs. Later, while mitigating the aftermath, they process the experience and apply coping strategies, such as self-care and social support, to restore and replenish. While weathering the storm, they share concern and frustration, but acknowledge that they can only do so much. The SN in this study did not demonstrate secondary trauma but instead shared stories of resilience. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SN receipt of reports of trauma were explored. Further research is needed regarding the role of the SN, SN workload, and their experience in receiving reports of trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

COVID-19 pandemic: Burdens on and consequences for nursing home staff

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)

Psychopathological symptoms and work status of Southeastern Brazilian nursing in the context of COVID-19

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and the work situation of nursing professionals in the Southeast Region, Brazil, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: an observational and cross-sectional study with virtual and snowball data collection from April to July 2020. A questionnaire containing socio-demographic and labor data and the psychopathological symptoms assessment scale (psychoticism, obsessiveness/compulsivity, somatization, and anxiety) were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: among the 532 participants, there was a relationship between weekly workload and psychoticism. All domains of the scale were associated with embarrassment and/or violence in the course of work and receiving psychological/emotional support from the institution where the individual works/studies. Conclusion: the age group, heavy workload, experienced violence and lack of psychological support during the pandemic were associated with increased psychopathological symptoms among nursing professionals. It is suggested the creation of institutional guidelines aimed at the reception and follow-up of these demands. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

University faculty experiences: Workplace and personal stress, stress management, and coping

University faculty have work responsibilities and duties that encompass teaching, research (scholarship), and service and experience pressure from administrators, students, institutions, and disciplines. They also have expectations placed on them outside of their institutions by their families, peers, and communities. A gap exists in the literature regarding the workplace and personal stressors that university faculty experience including the coping strategies they employ to manage stress. This qualitative study utilized a general strain theory framework for guidance and modified informal conversational interviews with University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) faculty. Interview questions were about the lived workplace and personal experiences that contributed to their stress and the coping strategies used. Workplace themes included campus-specific stressors, workload aggregation, tenure and promotion, and emotional labor. Personal stressors were COVID-19 and family responsibilities. The coping strategies used were primarily pro-social including exercise, getting outdoors, reading, and meditation with increased alcohol consumption being the only anti-social coping theme to emerge. This study contributes to strain literature in that university faculty have never been the focus of general strain theory studies. This study also contributes to literature on faculty stress because of its qualitative design, the significance of the retrenchment experience for UA Little Rock faculty, and experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications included the need for a professional faculty counselor on university campuses, incentivizing education on self-care, and informing doctoral students of the realities of academic careers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Heavy-work investment: Its dimensionality, invariance across 9 countries and levels before and during the COVID-19's pandemic

The goals of the current comparative and half-exploratory paper are to: 1) shed light on the properties of the relatively "new" construct, Heavy-Work Investment (HWI) and its two dimensions-Time Commitment and Work Intensity, (2) assess differences across 9 countries in relation to HWI, (3) gauge the effect of demographical parameters on HWI, and (4) investigate the interaction between them and COVID-19's pandemic (i.e., before COVID-19, and during the COVID-19 pandemic). Data of 3,418 employees were collected from 9 different countries: Israel, Romania, Japan, USA, Pakistan, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, and Germany. Among other findings, analyses revealed that HWI construct is stable across countries and that the mean investment at work (in the form of both time and efforts) is higher during the COVID-19's pandemic than before it. Discussion section summarizes the findings of the entire research, and elaborates on limitations and future research suggestions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) Los objetivos de este estudio comparativo y semiexploratorio son: 1) arrojar luz sobre las caracteristicas del constructo relativamente "nuevo" inversion en trabajo duro (ITD) y sus dos dimensiones (compromiso temporal e intensidad del trabajo), 2) ver las diferencias en 9 paises relativas a la ITD, 3) analizar el efecto de los parametros demograficos en la ITD y 4) comprobar la interaccion entre ellos y la pandemia del COVID-19 (es decir, antes y durante el mismo). Se recogieron datos de 3,418 empleados de 9 paises diferentes: Israel, Rumania, Japon, EE UU, Paquistan, Italia, Turquia, Brasil y Alemania. Los analisis revelaron, entre otros resultados, que el constructo de ITD es estable en los distintos paises y que la inversion media en el trabajo (en tiempo y esfuerzo) es mayor durante la pandemia del COVID-19 que antes de la misma. En la seccion de Discusion se resumen los resultados de toda la investigacion y se abordan las limitaciones y las propuestas de investigacion futura. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Teaching during COVID-19: The decisions made in teaching

The emergency caused by COVID-19 and the transition to distance learning has made teachers face novel decision-making situations. As the teachers' pedagogical decisions have an impact on the students' learning experience, the aim of this study was to describe and explain what influenced the teachers' teaching-related decisions and how these decisions were reflected in the teaching process during distance learning. The study was based on semi-structured interviews with 16 Estonian basic school science teachers. The data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The results show that teachers' teaching-related decisions were influenced by factors that were related to the existence of digital tools as well as to the ability to use them purposefully in the home settings of teachers and students. Teachers' teaching decisions were mostly motivated by short-term goals, such as maintaining students' social interaction and supporting student motivation. The desire of teachers to keep students' and teachers' own workload affordable was also considered as a factor influencing teachers' teaching-related decisions. According to the interviews, the switch of focus to workload and well-being and valuing socialization and student motivation over subject matter competences seems to be unique for this new situation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Human factors and ergonomics systems approach to the COVID-19 healthcare crisis

A human factors and ergonomics (HFE) systems approach offers a model for adjusting work systems and care processes in response to a healthcare crisis such as COVID-19. Using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model of work system and patient safety, we describe various work system barriers and facilitators experienced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis. We propose a set of five principles based on this HFE systems approach related to novel pandemic: (i) deferring to local expertise, (ii) facilitating adaptive behaviors, (iii) enhancing interactions between system elements and levels along the patient journey, (iv) re-purposing existing processes and (v) encouraging dynamic continuous learning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)