Supporting staff at a low secure mental health setting during the COVID-19 pandemic

Why you should read this article: • To learn about some adaptations to practice adopted by a low secure mental health unit during the COVID-19 pandemic • To be aware of interventions used to enable staff to continue to support patients during the COVID-19 pandemic • To appreciate that staff's experience of the adaptations to practice and the well-being support offered to them during the pandemic can be used to inform post-pandemic practice The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly disrupted the work of healthcare professionals in forensic mental health settings, but also prompted them to adopt new ways of working that have benefits and challenges. A low secure mental health unit in the UK adapted its ways of working during the pandemic by providing staff who could work remotely with the necessary equipment. The unit also implemented a stepped psychological response, as recommended by The British Psychological Society, to assist its staff to continue to support patients. This article describes the unit's response to the pandemic and discusses the findings of two evaluations – staff experiences of remote working and of a group relaxation session. The findings could help inform post-pandemic practice in forensic mental health settings.

ICT use, internal communication satisfaction, and engagement of working-from-home employees: The moderating role of affiliative tendency

This study examined the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) use on working-from-home employees' internal communication satisfaction and engagement level during the COVID-19 pandemic. The moderating role of individuals' affiliative tendency was also explored. Results of an online survey with a representative sample of U.S. full-time working-from-home employees after the pandemic suggested that formal use of ICT for work—e-mail, video-conferencing, instant messaging, and phone—was positively associated with employees' informational and relational satisfaction, which in turn, enhanced their engagement. Informal use of ICT was also positively related to employees' relational satisfaction and such an effect was particularly salient for employees high in affiliative tendency. Theoretical and practical implications for effective internal communication and ICT use are discussed. • The effect of ICT use for working-from-home employees was examined. • Formal ICT use satisfied employees' information and relational needs. • Informal use fulfilled relational needs of employees high in affiliative tendency. • Informational and relational needs increased employee engagement.

How Did Levels of Psychological Distress and Perceptions of Workplace Support amongst Children's Social Work Staff Change during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Covid-19 brought about drastic changes in day-to-day life and working practices, and had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of the general population. Certain professional groups have also been particularly affected. This study sought to explore how levels of psychological distress and perceptions of workplace support amongst social work staff changed during the pandemic. We present the results from a series of surveys conducted in four local authorities (LAs) in England, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social workers and other social care staff (n  = 62) were asked about their experiences of psychological distress, using the twelve-item General Health Questionnaire. Overall, we found the proportion of staff reporting elevated levels of psychological distress increased and, in line with previous studies involving social workers, was high relative to the general population. Yet, most staff also said they had high levels of support from managers and colleagues, whilst a small proportion reported an increased perception of workplace support during the pandemic, compared to before. We consider these findings in relation to Organisational Support Theory and reflect on the ability of LAs to provide effective support for social care staff.

Judicial protection of the right to health in the context of Covid-19 and populism in Brazil

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to the health systems of Latin America. However, the institutions and mechanisms created by the Social State of Law were unable to confront these new risks. As a result of that, populist governments have used this crisis as an opportunity to deepen the high levels of inequalities through the appropriation of power, wealth and social welfare. Courts have also reacted in order to guarantee the right to health;however, many challenges remain. Objective: To examine the challenges and opportunities of the judicial protection of the right to health in the context of Covid-19 and Populism in Brazil. Methodology: Qualitative, descriptive and exploratory. Documentary research was carried out by reviewing databases such as Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Indexed articles, jurisprudence, legislation, and literature were also reviewed. Additional publications were also identified through other sources. Results: There is an inversely proportional relationship between the intensity of the crisis and the level of judicial activism on the part of the Courts. Therefore, the more the scale and intensity of the crisis generated by populist governments in the context of pandemics, uncertainty, and inequality the more reflexive, and strategic courts should be and the more protection, defense and monitoring should be promoted in order to ensure the fulfilment of the right to the highest attainable level of health especially of the most vulnerable. On the other hand, the more compliance through the availability of health goods and services, and the more availability of health workers with better salaries, social security and working conditions the more resilient the State will be to face emergencies, which at the same time will promote fewer restrictions on fundamental rights. Conclusions: Courts play a special role in protecting the right to health, especially in the context of emergencies and crises. States must adopt measures by using the maximum available resources in order to protect the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

Nurse Burnout in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Scoping Review

Burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses is a growing issue, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have focused specifically on burnout in this population. A scoping review was undertaken to identify what is known about burnout among hospice and palliative care nurses, and to unify disparate findings. Analysis of eight articles revealed three overarching categories: personal factors, organizational/workplace factors, and nursing professional development factors. Each category was then divided into three cross-cutting subcategories: contributory and noncontributory factors, mitigating factors, and workplace issues. Recommendations for individuals include self-care as well as self-awareness of intrinsic characteristics that can predispose one to burnout. Within the workplace, leaders are challenged to support evidence-based practice and ongoing education. Role modeling positive communication skills, effective conflict mitigation, responsiveness, promotion of equity, and workplace commitment also help to create a culture of wellness. Nursing professional development may aid in resilience-building, and promotion of self-efficacy, self-confidence, and assertiveness. Although all identified recommendations were derived from the literature, no interventional studies have been conducted to test the effects of suggested interventions. Future research should include interventional studies as well as qualitative research to capture nuanced experiences of burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal in Healthcare Workers

Introduction: Healthcare workers are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and identified as a priority group for COVID-19 vaccines. We aimed to determine to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate and reasons for vaccine refusal in healthcare workers in our hospital. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of eight questions was applied to healthcare workers working at Ankara City Hospital for 7.5 months after the start of the COVID-19 vaccine in our country, including COVID-19 vaccination, previous years' influenza vaccination, and reasons for vaccine rejection. Results: Six hundred twenty-eight healthcare workers participated in the study. Two hundred fifty-six (40%) of them were doctors. Ninenty-nine of the participants were not vaccinated, the rate of vaccine rejection was 15.7%. The rate of vaccine rejection was the lowest (8.2%) among doctors, and lower among doctors working in the fields of COVID-19 (p= 0.041). While the rates of getting the COVID-19 vaccine were significantly higher in those who had regular or intermittent influenza vaccination every year in the previous years, those who had never had the influenza vaccine did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine either (p= 0.000). The most common reason for vaccine rejection was 'fear of the side effects of the vaccine' (24%), while 'I believe the disease is mild' and 'I want to gain immunity naturally' were other common reasons. Conclusion: Vaccination of healthcare workers has gained even more importance in the COVID-19 pandemic, with both risky and severe working conditions and mortality rates. Determining the reasons for vaccine refusal, finding effective solutions, emphasizing the necessity of vaccination with scientific evidence are important for the control of the pandemic. Vaccination of health workers is a guide in community immunization.

A Qualitative Study of Hospital Interior Environments during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Human beings have encountered different infectious diseases. However, there is not much validated data available on the physical environments of hospitals when responding to highly contagious viruses, such as COVID-19. This study was conducted to assess the physical environments of hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. There exists a need to analyze whether the physical environments of hospitals were conducive or obstructive to medical practice during the pandemic. A total of forty-six staff working in intensive care units, progressive care units, and emergency rooms were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Out of this group, fifteen staff members participated in the interview. They were asked to list the changes made to the hospital's physical environment during the pandemic, which included equipping the hospital environment for medical practice and protecting staff from becoming infected. They were also asked about desirable improvements that they believe could increase their productivity and ensure safety. The results indicated the difficulty in isolating COVID-19 patients and converting a single occupancy room into a double occupancy room. Isolating COVID-19 patients made it easier for staff to care for the patients, but it made them feel isolated and at the same time increased the walking distance. Signs indicating a COVID area helped them to prepare for medical practices ahead of time. Glass doors provided greater visibility and enabled them to monitor the patients. However, the dividers installed at nursing stations were obstructive. This study suggests that further research should be conducted once the pandemic is over.

Three Nordic countries responding to COVID-19 - Eldercare perspectives.

Comparative international studies show that about half of the deceased in the COVID-19 pandemic were persons living in institutional and residential eldercare. As seniors are the most affected age group, we aim to study if and to what extent the eldercare services were included in the National Pandemic Plans, and how they were included in the response during the first phase of the pandemic in Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. We use the CRISMART approach to crisis documentation and analysis in comparing national response to the pandemic for the eldercare sector. The method enables comparison of extraordinary crisis situations from the decision-making and policy-making perspective. We found that there were both similarities and differences in the preparedness of the three Nordic countries, as well as in how they responded to the pandemic. In all three countries the focus of the national responses framed the problem as a health and healthcare services' problem. We also found value conflicts in the response between the value of protection versus social contact and self-determination and hence relating to the quality of eldercare. Keeping in mind the proportional increase of elderly people, care challenges, and future crises, we must strengthen the position of local social services within the emergency management systems to enhance disaster resilience and sustainability of our societies.

Wellbeing matters: the Theatre Wellbeing Project improves employee wellbeing and belonging throughout 2020-2022

The Royal London Hospital commenced a Theatre Wellbeing Project in 2018. Between 2018-2020, there were sporadic half-day events, which became daily wellbeing sessions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since August 2020, this involves bi-weekly 30-min wellbeing exercises based on self-compassion with attention to some physical elements. The report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in 2016 [1] delineated the key indicators required to evaluate the effects of employee wellbeing on health and employee satisfaction measures. Methods Together with the Trust psychologists, we constructed an anonymised paper-based survey evaluating employee satisfaction with the Theatre Wellbeing Project. This tool included both qualitative and quantitative measures with questions about the perception of inclusivity, value of employees by the Trust, psychological safety and positive impact at work. These were delivered and analysed annually between 2020-2022. Results We had a positive response rate of 131, 94 and 124 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, yielding a 24-35% response rate. There was a striking change (16% to 53%) in staff perception of the Trust prioritising their mental wellbeing when the wellbeing sessions became regular. Ninety-three per cent of respondents valued the project as 'essential' or 'useful' in 2020, which reduced to 74% in 2022 when frequency reduced. The survey demonstrates that each year the wellbeing sessions have positively impacted upon the overall working environment (>73% of respondents), with staff reporting higher levels of inclusivity, feeling valued by the Trust, psychological safety and support to deal with increasingly stressful circumstances. Discussion The qualitative response in the white-space questions gives context to the results. There is an overwhelming demonstration of the positive impact on mental wellbeing, for example 'I look forward to going to work' and 'helped in a very difficult time' with < 5% respondents supporting cessation of the sessions. There was recognition that there is 'buy-in' from seniors and the Trust;however, there were some concerns about list delays and missed breaks. We are further assessing the organisational measures such as staff attrition rates and engagement over this time. (Figure Presented).

Bringing risk back in: managers' prioritization of the work environment during the pandemic

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to investigate managers' experiences of managing work environment and risks during the Covid-19 pandemic and to explore how managers might use these experiences to develop future risk management. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 18 Swedish managers at different hierarchical levels working in 11 different organizations. A directed content analysis was carried out, informed by theory on risk management. Finding(s): The results point to the pandemic as a societal crisis which workplaces needed to manage through large means of improvisation. Regular work environment routines were put to the test, and several deficiencies in the work environment and risk management were identified. Organizations that handle occupational safety and risks on a daily basis through established routines were less affected and could easier adjust work environment and risk management, compared to organizations prioritizing the social and organizational work environment, which had to re-prioritize and start paying more attention to the physical work environment and to bring risk management into their daily routines. Originality/value: The study offers an account of how managers in different labor market sectors in Sweden have acted in the midst of the pandemic by handling real-time crises, how these experiences can be used for engaging in retrospective learning and how this may imply changes to their prospective risk management. Copyright © 2022, Cathrine Reineholm, Christian Stahl and Daniel Lundqvist.

There's No place like home: Understanding users' intentions toward securing internet-of-things (IoT) smart home networks

Modern households are increasingly becoming digitized as they contain numerous Internet-connected networked devices throughout the home. However, this growth in the adoption of smart devices in households comes with the risk of Internet cyber-attacks that seem to be increasing every year. With many individuals working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, smart home networks are becoming small extensions of the organizational IT infrastructure. Amidst this backdrop, this behavioral study aims to understand the factors that drive an individual's intention toward securing their home network from cyber-attacks. We draw upon rational choice theory (RCT) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) to derive a model consisting of cognitive and psychological components to explain an individual's intention to secure their smart home network. From a survey of 503 working professionals, our data analysis shows strong support for our research model, and, thus, the hypothesized relationships between the cognitive and psychological factors and individual security intentions. Practical implications of these results for home users, organizations, and researchers are discussed, which will be helpful for organizational IT security managers in planning for organizational security as the line between home and workplace is becoming increasingly blurred. • Cognitive and psychological factors explain users' intention to secure smart homes. • Theory of planned behavior and rational choice theory applied to smart home context. • Individual's normative beliefs do not have effect in smart home context. • Cost of securing does not impact one's attitude towards securing home network. • Higher intention and awareness generate greater emphasis on security intentions.

Evaluation of Dentists' Anxiety Levels during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Objective: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infection whose possible transmission routes are airborne droplets, close contact with an infected person or contaminated surface, blood, or saliva. These possible routes of transmission are closely related to the work conditions of dentists. The present study assessed the anxiety levels of dentists and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Material(s) and Method(s): A questionnaire consisting of 33 questions on the anxiety levels of dentists related to infection COVID-19 was used. The questionnaires were sent to dentists via online platforms. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare quantitative variables. Result(s): In total, 260 dentists were included in the study. The median (minimum-maximum) BAI score of participants was 28 (19-75), which displayed moderate anxiety. There was a statistically significant difference between the genders in terms of BAI scores (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between ages (p=0.79). Of the participants, 64.6% (n=168) stated that the level of income decreased, and 69.2% stated that safe working conditions decreased. Conclusion(s): During the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists were one of the most affected groups by the pandemic due to dental settings. Gender and the presence of chronic disease were the main factors that negatively affected the anxiety level of dentists. As the developments regarding the pandemic are updated daily, dentists should follow them and update their information through various platforms. Copyright ©Meandros Medical and Dental Journal, Published by Galenos Publishing House.

Examination of work motivation, work environment, and work engagement relation with job satisfaction during covid -19

Due to the covid-19s global spread, companies have been obliged to set up or adopt remote work arrangements. However, business managers are not certain that how these new arrangements would effect on employees' job satisfaction and performance. This quantitative study examines the relationship between work motivation, work environment, and work engagement toward job satisfaction of academicians including lecturers and educators who work from home during covid-19 in the higher education sector in Malaysia by implementing Herzbergs two-factor theory as the main theory for this paper. The study applied deductive reasoning and the philosophy ofpositivism to assess the impact of variables on employees' job satisfaction. simple random sampling with 382 respondents was utilized in his study to ensure that every academician in the higher education field that teaches online during the epidemic in Malaysia had the same opportunity. 230 trustable responses were analysed in SPSS. The results showed that, work motivation and work engagement have a significant positive environment and job satisfaction among academicians who work from home during covid-19 in the higher education sector in Malaysia

Worklife Expectancies Two Plus Years after the Start of the Covid-19 Pandemic

This note contains graphs of worklife expectancies by quarters from 2012Q2 through 2022Q2. Graphs show Covid-19 pandemic-related downward movements in worklife expectancies were most prominent from 2020Q2 to 2021Q1. However, worklife expectances returned to their pre-pandemic levels starting in 2021Q2.

A narrative review of research on healthcare staff's burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: During the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, burnout emerges as a critical health problem that might involve workers in many occupations, particularly healthcare personnel. Although burnout syndrome is not necessarily proved to be nosologic, it yields serious physical, mental, and social outcomes. However, it is essential to provide practical strategies and effective instruments for people so that they can adapt to such highly stressful conditions. Objective(s): The present review was conducted to explore preliminary evidence for nature, treatment, and prevention of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): Related English literatures published from the beginning of January 2020 to the end of September 2020 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. "Burnout," "COVID-19," "healthcare workers," "medical staff," and "pandemic" constituted the search terms. A narrative technique was implemented for material synthesis and creating a compelling and cohesive story. Result(s): Final results provided the burnout history and its major effects, causes, and prevalence among healthcare workers. Also, some strategies were listed to be employed by hospital medical staff and organizations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): Recent evidence demonstrated that healthcare staff could gain significant benefits from interventions to modify burnout syndrome, especially from organization-directed interventions. So, health policymakers and practitioners should adopt such interventions and develop context-specific approaches promoting a healthy workplace and averting burnout during the COVID-19 crisis. Copyright © The Author(s) 2022.

OSHA COVID-19 Draft Rule in Healthcare Expected Soon

The article offers information on rules drafted by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for protecting healthcare workers in COVID-19 standard. Topics include information on emergency temporary standards;consideration of less restrictive policies for healthcare workers who have been vaccinated;and comments of Deborah Burger, president of National Nurses United (NNU).

Effects of Virtual Teaching on Swedish Teachers' Voices During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: Since the beginning of 2020, teachers all over the world have had to switch over to virtual teaching because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This change of teaching mode has unknown consequences on the vocal health of teachers who already experience voice disorders at a rate nearly double that of the general population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate teachers' self-reported voice problems during virtual teaching compared to face-to-face teaching and how they are associated to perceived risk factors in the work environment. METHOD: Participants included 141 teachers (49 males, 92 females) in high schools and higher education in Sweden who responded to an internet-based survey. Information was collected about participants' self-reported voice handicap using a translated version of the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Information about self-reported VTD (Vocal Tract Discomfort) symptoms and dysphonia was collected in regard to both modes of teaching (virtual vs face-to- face). The survey also included questions on risk factors related to vocal health. RESULTS: Self-reported voice handicap and VTD symptoms were slightly lower during periods of virtual teaching compared to periods of face-to-face teaching. There was a lower frequency of dysphonia symptoms during virtual teaching compared to face-to- face teaching, however the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, 34% of teachers reported experiencing more voice problems when teaching face-to-face while 15% reported more voice problems when teaching virtually. The most reported VTD symptoms during both virtual and face-to-face teaching were having a dry and a tight throat. The dysphonia symptoms with the highest reported frequency were a tense voice and hoarseness in both modes of teaching. Risk factors associated with higher prevalence of voice symptoms and/or higher levels of voice handicap during virtual teaching were air quality and straining the voice while teaching face-to-face. In addition, those teachers who reported more voice problems while teaching virtually also reported feeling more stressed. CONCLUSION: The results showed a slight decrease in voice symptoms and voice handicap during virtual teaching compared to face-to-face teaching. Although multifactorial, results suggest that a potential positive effect may be attributed to better air quality in the work environment and more favorable acoustic conditions preventing teachers from straining their voice.

International Recruitment: China Recruiters' Experience during COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of China recruiters during the pandemic, particularly with their job stress and sense of job security. The study also explored the new norms of Chinese students' recruitment following the post-pandemic crisis. Using qualitative analysis, we found that China recruiters experienced different stressors during the pandemic regardless of their working location. The participants recognized the importance of communication and seeking institutional support to help overcome their stress during the pandemic. They suggested that higher education administrators should be sensitive to the needs of their international recruiters. The participants also suggested several new norms for future recruitment, such as using the hybrid recruitment model, promoting university collaboration, initiating joint programs between US and Chinese institutions, and hiring domestic recruiters. Implications for practice are discussed. [Note: The page range (104-120) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct page range is 104-121.]

The CUPA-HR 2022 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey: Initial Results

The CUPA-HR Higher Education Employee Retention Survey was piloted in May 2022. The survey was created to better understand the segment of the higher ed workforce that is at risk for leaving their current jobs, why these employees are considering leaving, and what higher ed institutions can implement to increase retention and improve the higher ed workplace. The survey was targeted to all higher ed employees who are not faculty -- administrators, professionals, and non-exempt staff. There were 3,815 respondents from 949 institutions. Findings from the survey included: 1) more than half of higher ed employees are at least somewhat likely to look for other employment in the next year, mostly because they desire a pay increase, 2) higher ed institutions are not providing the remote work opportunities and flexibility that employees want, 3) employees are working longer hours and taking on more responsibilities since the COVID-19 pandemic started, 4) employees are dissatisfied with opportunities for career development and advancement, recognition for their work, and parental leave and dependent care policies. Recommendations for increasing retention include remedying these areas of dissatisfaction wherever possible.