Wellbeing and mental health outcomes amongst hospital healthcare workers during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Global healthcare systems have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are widely reported to have experienced increased levels of baseline psychological distress relative to the general population, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an additive effect. However, previous studies are typically restricted to physicians and nurses with limited data available on hospital HCWs. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional, psychological evaluation of Irish HCWs during COVID-19. METHODS: HCWs across five adult acute level-4 Dublin-based hospitals completed an online survey of wellbeing and COVID-19 experience. RESULTS: There were 1898 HCWs who commenced the survey representing 10% of the total employee base. The sample comprised nurses (33%), doctors (21%), Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) (24%) and 'Other' disciplines (22%), and 81% identified as female. Clinical levels of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms were endorsed by 31%, 34% and 28% of respondents, respectively. Professional grouping effects included: nurses reporting significantly greater levels of COVID-19 exposure, infection, COVID-fear, moral injury, and post-traumatic distress; HSCPs were significantly less likely to report mood dysfunction. In terms of gender, males were significantly less likely to report negative pandemic experiences, low resilience, and significantly more likely to endorse 'minimal' depression, anxiety, and traumatic distress. Logistic regression modelling revealed mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms) were associated with increased frontline exposure, fewer career years' experience, elevated pre-pandemic stress, and female gender. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest evaluation of psychological wellbeing amongst HCWs in acute hospitals in the Dublin region. Our findings have implications for healthcare workforce wellbeing and future service delivery.

A qualitative analysis of psychological distress in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can negatively impact on patients' quality of life and is associated with a higher risk of depression, as well as difficulties in employment and relationships. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the lived experience of psychological distress in HS. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. These were later transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The transcripts and analysis were reviewed by an independent researcher. RESULTS: The results indicated that there were three main themes: shame, pain and coping mechanisms. Participants indicated that their feelings of shame were due to disgust at their symptoms. They feared that others would be disgusted if their symptoms were obvious. Participants reported feeling invalidated when others did not understand the severity of their pain. Additionally, they reported that pain left them with a sense of powerlessness over their own bodies. Regarding coping mechanisms, adaptive strategies included social support while maladaptive strategies included social withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are discussed in the context of the existing research on shame, chronic pain and psoriasis. The implications for psychological support for individuals with HS are evaluated. Additionally, the limitations of this study are considered and recommendations for future research are given. This study has highlighted that feelings of shame and physical pain are associated with psychological distress in HS. What's already known about this topic? Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been shown to be associated with physical pain, a higher risk of depression, difficulties in sustaining employment and difficulties in relationships. Additionally, studies using quality-of-life measures have found more impairment in HS than in other dermatological conditions. What does this study add? Although the research to date has determined that there are negative social and emotional consequences associated with HS, the psychological processes underlying these impairments have not yet been looked at. This study aims to get a deeper understanding of the lived experience of psychological distress in HS and how individuals with HS attempt to manage this distress. What are the clinical implications of the work? This study has identified shame as a key feature that underlies the psychological difficulties experienced as a consequence of HS. When deciding upon appropriate psychological interventions for HS, approaches that specifically focus on reducing feelings of shame should be considered.

Evaluation of a co-facilitated information and learning programme for service users: the EOLAS programme.

BACKGROUND: The co-production and co-facilitation of recovery-focused education programmes is one way in which service users may be meaningfully involved as partners. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of a clinician and peer co-facilitated information programme on service users' knowledge, confidence, recovery attitudes, advocacy and hope, and to explore their experience of the programme. METHODS: A sequential design was used involving a pre-post survey to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, advocacy, recovery attitudes and hope following programme participation. In addition, semi-structured interviews with programme participants were completed. Fifty-three participants completed both pre- and post-surveys and twelve individuals consented to interviews. RESULTS: The results demonstrated statistically significant changes in service users' knowledge about mental health issues, confidence and advocacy. These improvements were reflected in the themes which emerged from the interviews with participants (n = 12), who reported enhanced knowledge and awareness of distress and wellness, and a greater sense of hope. In addition, the peer influence helped to normalise experiences for participants, while the dual facilitation engendered equality of participation and increased the opportunity for meaningful collaboration between service users and practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation highlights the potential strengths of a service user and clinician co-facilitated education programme that acknowledges and respects the difference between the knowledge gained through self-experience and the knowledge gained through formal learning.

Exercise interventions for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review of recruitment, attrition, and exercise adherence rates.

PURPOSE: Patients with advanced cancer can experience debilitating physical symptoms, making participation in exercise programs difficult. This systematic review investigated the recruitment, adherence, and attrition rates of patients with advanced cancer participating in exercise interventions and examined components of exercise programs that may affect these rates. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE to December 2017. Two quality assessment tools were used, and levels of evidence were assigned according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) guidelines. RESULTS: The search identified 18 studies published between 2004 and 2017. Recruitment, adherence, and attrition rates varied widely among the studies reviewed. The mean recruitment rate was 49% (standard deviation [SD] = 17; range 15-74%). Patient-reported barriers to recruitment included time constraints and difficulties in traveling to exercise centers. Levels of adherence ranged from 44% to 95%; however, the definition of adherence varied substantially among trials. The average attrition rate was 24% (SD = 8; range 10-42%), with progression of disease status reported as the main cause for dropout during exercise interventions. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Concentrated efforts are needed to increase the numbers of patients with advanced disease recruited to exercise programs. Broadening the eligibility criteria for exercise interventions may improve accrual numbers of patients with advanced cancer to exercise trials and ensure patients recruited are representative of clinical practice.

Physical activity and advanced cancer: the views of oncology and palliative care physicians in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) levels play an important role in maintaining the quality of life and enhancing the physical function of advanced cancer patients. A brief exercise prompt by physicians can increase PA levels of patients diagnosed with cancer. AIMS: This study explores the views of Irish oncology and palliative care physicians towards PA for patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A web-based survey with closed- and open-ended questions was used to explore physicians' views. The survey presented a Likert-style questionnaire and open text responses to two patient case studies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Forty participants completed the study, a response rate of 41%. Responding physicians acknowledged the importance of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer. Twenty-six physicians (67%) agreed that patients look to them for PA recommendations and 30 physicians (77%) indicated a need for more information on providing PA recommendations. Case study responses highlighted concerns relating to PA prescription for patients with bone metastases including the aggravation of symptom control and increased fracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identify a need for physician education on providing PA recommendations for patients with advanced cancer. Concerns over the prescription of PA to patients with bone metastases highlight the need to disseminate the evidence on the benefits of PA for patients with metastatic cancer to healthcare professionals.

The views of patients with metastatic prostate cancer towards physical activity: a qualitative exploration.

PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic cancer can experience debilitating symptoms, which may influence attitudes towards and engagement in physical activity. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of patients living with metastatic prostate cancer towards physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with male patients living with metastatic prostate cancer. Interviews included eight questions related to patients' attitudes towards physical activity. Content analysis was conducted on the transcribed interview data. Twenty men with metastatic prostate cancer (mean age 71 ± 8.5 years; body mass index 30.19 ± 5.37 kg/cm2) and associated bone metastases (55% with > 2 regions affected) participated in the study. RESULTS: Men's views towards physical activity were coded into the following major themes: (1) barriers to physical activity, (2) benefits of physical activity, (3) a reduction in physical activity levels post diagnosis and (4) social support for physical activity. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer and treatment side effects including pain and fatigue negatively influenced activity participation. In addition, many generic barriers to physical activity were described such as bad weather and a lack of suitable facilities for exercising in rural areas. CONCLUSION: Men living with metastatic prostate cancer have unique needs regarding physical activity related to symptoms of both their cancer and cancer treatment. There is a need to increase prompts that encourage those with metastatic prostate cancer to maintain/increase physical activity levels post diagnosis. Given the individualised needs of this patient group, referral to a cancer exercise specialist should be considered for prescription of tailored physical activity programmes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NLM Identifier: NCT02453139.

Impact of co-facilitated information programmes on outcomes for service users and family members: the EOLAS programmes (paper 2).

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the impact on psychosocial outcome of parallel clinician and peer-led information programmes for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and for family members within an Irish context. METHODS: A sequential mixed method design was used. Quantitative data were collected using pre- and post-programme questionnaires followed by an integrated qualitative component involving semi-structured interviews after the programme. The questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes towards recovery, hope, support, advocacy and well-being. Interviews with participants, facilitators and project workers explored their experiences and views of the programme. Findings While a number of the questionnaires did not show a statistically significant change, findings from the interviews suggest that the1 programmes had a number of positive outcomes, including increases in perceived knowledge, empowerment and support. Participants in both programmes valued the opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances, share their experiences, learn from each other and provide mutual support. CONCLUSION: The EOLAS programmes offer a novel template for communication and information sharing in a way that embodies the principles of collaboration and offers users and families a meaningful opportunity to become involved in service design, delivery and evaluation.

A participatory approach to the development of a co-produced and co-delivered information programme for users of services and family members: the EOLAS programme (paper 1).

OBJECTIVE: The EOLAS programme is a peer and clinician-led mental health information programme on recovery from mental health difficulties, specifically for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorders, their family members and significant others. METHOD: This article, the first of a two part series, outlines the background to and the rationale behind the EOLAS programme, and traces the participatory process used to inform the development and implementation of the pilot phase of the project. The aims of the programme, and the overarching principles that guided its development, delivery and evaluation, including the set-up of the project steering group are outlined and discussed. Findings Two separate programmes, one for family members and one for service users were designed. In addition, participant and facilitator handbooks were developed for each programme, including a training programme for facilitators. CONCLUSION: Central to a recovery oriented service is the involvement of service users and families in the design and delivery of services. EOLAS is one potential model for achieving this aim.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psycho-oncology patients: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group-based intervention similar to mindfulness-based stress reduction, but which includes cognitive therapy techniques. This study investigates its usefulness in the treatment of depressive, anxiety and stress/distress symptoms in cancer patients referred to a psycho-oncology service. It also examines whether effect on depression is mediated by self-compassion. METHOD: In phase 1 of this study, 16 cancer patients with mild/moderate psychological distress were randomised to MBCT (n=8) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=8), and assessed pre- and post-treatment. Analysis of variance was performed to examine the effect of treatment on anxiety and depression. In phase 2, the TAU group received the intervention, and results of pre- and post-MBCT assessments were combined with those receiving MBCT in phase 1. Finally, both groups were followed up at 3 months. RESULTS: In phase 1, the MBCT group had a significant improvement in mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety. Statistically significant improvements in both depression and anxiety were found at 3 month follow-up. Self-compassion appeared to mediate the effect on anxiety/depression. CONCLUSION: This small pilot study suggests that MBCT may have a beneficial effect on psychological variables often adversely affected in cancer in a heterogeneous cancer population.

Adaptation to stroke using a model of successful aging.

The process of adaptation to the physical and psychosocial consequences after stroke is a major challenge for many individuals affected. The aim of this study was to examine if stroke patients within 1 month of admission (n = 153) and followed up at 1 year (n = 107) engage in selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) adaptive strategies and the relationship of these strategies with functional ability, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression 1 year later. Adaptive strategies were measured using a 15-item SOC questionnaire. Internal and external resources were assessed including recovery locus of control, stroke severity, and socio-demographics. Outcome measures were the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (SS-QoL), the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Depression Subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Findings indicated that stroke patients engaged in the use of SOC strategies but the use of these strategies were not predictive of HRQOL, functional ability or depression 1 year after stroke. The use of SOC strategies were not age specific and were consistent over time, with the exception of the compensation subscale. Results indicate that SOC strategies may potentially be used in response to loss regulation after stroke and that an individual's initial HRQOL functional ability, levels of depression and socio-economic status that are important factors in determining outcome 1 year after stroke. A stroke-specific measure of SOC may be warranted in order to detect significant differences in determining outcomes for a stroke population.

Comparative optimism for severity of negative health outcomes.

People tend to be comparatively optimistic (i.e., believe that negative outcomes are less likely for themselves than for typical others) regarding their susceptibility to negative health outcomes. The present study investigates the extent to which perceptions of the severity of these health outcomes show similar comparative optimism. A student sample (study 1; N = 200) and a healthy non-student adult sample (study 2; N = 257) completed self-report measures of susceptibility, severity, worry, control and experience in relation to negative health outcomes. Participants in both studies demonstrated significant levels of comparative optimism for both perceived likelihood and severity of health outcomes. Comparative optimism concerning severity was very strongly associated (r = 0.85 to 0.89) with comparative optimism concerning susceptibility. In addition to being comparatively optimistic over their chances of experiencing negative health outcomes, people are also comparatively optimistic regarding how severe the health outcomes will be.

Effect of mood symptoms on recovery one year after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are the most common mood symptoms and psychological consequences of stroke. This study aimed to examine the influence of acute depression and anxiety symptoms on functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) one year after stroke. METHODS: At one month and one year after stroke, the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms were examined in consecutively admitted patients, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Functional recovery was assessed using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) and HRQoL using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale (SSQOL). RESULTS: In 107 patients, the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was 35% at one month and 36% and 34%, respectively, at one year. Depression symptoms were significantly associated with functional ability (r = -0.19, p < 0.05) and HRQoL (r = -0.41, p < 0.001) at one year. Anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with HRQoL (r = -0.33, p < 0.001) only. Multivariate analyses indicated that both depression (ß = -0.33, p < 0.001) and anxiety (ß = -0.26, p < 0.01) symptoms explained some variance in HRQoL at one month and did not predict functional recovery or HRQoL at one year, after controlling for other independent variables such as stroke severity and pre-morbid conditions. DISCUSSION: Mood symptoms following acute stroke were associated with a poorer HRQoL one year later but only depression symptoms influenced functional recovery. Other clinical factors such as pre-morbid conditions may need to be taken into consideration when determining the effect of mood symptoms on stroke recovery.

Differential effects of self-efficacy and perceived control on intention to perform skin cancer-related health behaviours.

Previous research using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) for predicting skin cancer-related health behaviours has not adequately incorporated empirical advances in the conceptualization of the perceived behavioural control (PBC) component of the theory. This study examined the role of self-efficacy and controllability for predicting sunscreen and sunbed use intentions. Five hundred and ninety young adults completed a questionnaire on beliefs and intentions regarding sunscreen and sunbed use. Analysis using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression supported a conceptual distinction between two PBC subcomponents: controllability and self-efficacy. While self-efficacy--but not controllability--emerged as a significant predictor of intentions to use sunscreen, the opposite pattern was observed for the prediction of intentions to use sunbeds, whereby lower controllability beliefs were associated with higher intentions. Campaigns aimed at influencing health behaviours should consider the differential effects of the components of perceived control.

Body consciousness moderates the effect of message framing on intentions to use sunscreen.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of messages differing in focus (health vs appearance) and frame (gain vs loss) on intentions for sunscreen use and sunbed use, and the potential moderating role of body consciousness. Questionnaire data from 390 young adults were analysed using factorial ANOVA. Results showed a significant interaction between message frame and body consciousness, such that gain-framed health or appearance messages had the strongest effect on sunscreen use intentions for those high in body consciousness, compared to those low in body consciousness. We conclude that message framing effects on precautionary sun behaviour intentions are moderated by body consciousness.

The structure of the causal attribution belief network of patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Causal attributions form a significant part of how people understand and represent illness. The present study explored the structure of causal attributions in obesity using network analysis and examined the specific properties of this network in terms of extent, patterning, and direction. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Seventy-two obese individuals (22 male, 50 female) completed a questionnaire, which asked them to rate the strength of all causal relationships between nine possible causes of obesity. Inductive eliminative analysis (IEA) was used to produce the networks and multidimensional scaling (MDS) determined the spatial structure of the network. RESULTS: A high percentage (70.4%) of participants endorsed the resultant network. Analysis revealed a two-dimensional solution, with the MDS statistics of low level of stress (.05) and a dispersion accounted for (DAF) of .95 indicating a good fit between the data and the solution. The results indicated traumatic events, family problems, and addictive personality were perceived as distal causes of over-eating and comfort eating, while more passive behaviours, less physical activity, over-eating, and comfort eating were perceived as proximal causes of obesity. Family history did not contribute to the network. CONCLUSIONS: Obese individuals appeared to hold a highly consensual and complex representation of their illness. From a multidisciplinary treatment perspective, this understanding would seem valuable in relation to achieving behaviour change.

Health-related quality of life of stroke survivors attending the volunteer stroke scheme.

BACKGROUND: The Volunteer Stroke Scheme (VSS) provides patients with the opportunity to participate in community-based therapeutic activities and physiotherapy sessions. AIMS: To provide the first profile of VSS attendees in terms of their functioning across the range of recommended WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcomes. METHODS: A convenience sample of 41 VSS patients completed standardised measures of cognitive functioning (MMSE), activity levels [Frenchay Activity Index (FAI), and Barthel Index (BI)], depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] and Quality of Life (SF-36). RESULTS: A total of 37% met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment and 44% met the criteria for clinical depression. Scores on the BI (M = 79.5) and FAI (M = 18.4) incidated limitations in activity levels. Quality of life levels was low. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of psychological morbidity, severe disability across a range of domains and poor quality of life were reported.

Defining and quantifying coping strategies after stroke: a review.

The coping strategies that people use after a stroke may influence recovery. Coping measures are generally used to assess the mediating behaviour between a stressor (ie, disease or condition) and the physical or psychological outcome of an individual. This review evaluates measures that quantified coping strategies in studies on psychological adaptation to stroke. The main aspects of the coping measures reviewed were (a) conceptual basis; (b) coping domains assessed; (c) coping strategies used after a stroke; and (d) psychometric properties of coping measures used in studies assessing patients with stroke. Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane Systematic Reviews) were searched to identify studies that used a coping measure in stroke. 14 studies assessed coping strategies in patients after stroke. Ten different coping measures were used, and the studies reviewed had many limitations. Few studies provided definitions of "coping" and the psychometric properties of the coping measures were under-reported. The need for future studies to more clearly define the coping process and to present data on the reliability and validity of the measures used is emphasised.

Cardiac rehabilitation services in Ireland: the impact of a coordinated national development strategy.

BACKGROUND: The national Cardiovascular Health Strategy including specific plans for cardiac rehabilitation was launched in Ireland in 1999. A survey of cardiac rehabilitation services was conducted in 2003 to evaluate progress on service provision. AIM: To establish levels of service provision, service formats and geographic distribution of cardiac rehabilitation services in 2003 and compare them with the status pre-Strategy (1998). METHOD: All hospitals in Ireland (n = 39) admitting cardiac patients to a coronary or intensive care unit were surveyed by postal questionnaire. RESULTS: All hospitals provided information and all reported providing Phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Seventy-seven per cent (30 of 39) provided Phase III rehabilitation in 2003 (i.e. outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services) compared with 29% (12 of 41) in 1998. Of those hospitals currently without programmes, 78% (seven of nine) had plans in place for programme establishment. All programmes had trained cardiac rehabilitation coordinators, multidisciplinary teams and multiple components as recommended in the Strategy. In 82% of hospitals, intervention was provided at Phase II (immediate post-discharge period) while 26% of hospitals provided intervention at Phase IV (long-term maintenance period). CONCLUSIONS: There have been substantial achievements towards the Cardiovascular Health Strategy target of providing cardiac rehabilitation services for all relevant hospitals in Ireland over the past five years. Service provision of cardiac rehabilitation can benefit from collective efforts made across centres to encourage the prioritisation of cardiac rehabilitation in national health policy initiatives.