1
|
Esfahani EN, Farhadi S, Esmaeili R, Esmaeili SV, Niroumand M, Jalali M. Subjective mental workload profile and its relationship with quality of work life among nurses: The mediating role of general health. Work 2025:10519815251339436. [PMID: 40371536 DOI: 10.1177/10519815251339436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing is widely recognized as a high-stress profession that encompasses a variety of cognitive, emotional, and physical demands. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between subjective mental workload (SMWL), general health (GH), and quality of work life (QWL). METHODS This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study examines the relationship between SMWL, GH, and QWL among nurses working in several public hospitals in Iran. The study involved 283 nurses, with data collected through self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. SMWL was assessed using the SURG-TLX questionnaire, QWL was evaluated with Walton's 35-item tool, and GH was measured using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. RESULTS The findings revealed a significant negative effect of SMWL on both GH (β = -0.283; p = 0.038) and QWL (β = -0.211; p = 0.041). In contrast, better GH was positively associated with higher QWL (β = 0.747; p < 0.001). GH was found to mediate the relationship between SMWL and QWL, explaining 43% of the total effect. CONCLUSION These results highlight the importance of improving GH to enhance QWL and job satisfaction among nurses by alleviating the adverse effects of high SMWL. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to boost GH, thereby creating a more supportive work environment. Future research should delve deeper into these dynamics through longitudinal studies to validate these findings over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sajjad Farhadi
- Workplace Health Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Faculty of Health, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Reza Esmaeili
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sayed Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Niroumand
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalali
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Faculty of Health, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Workplace Health Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han JC, Zhang C, Cai YD, Li YT, Shang YX, Chen ZH, Yang G, Song JJ, Su D, Bai K, Sun JT, Liu Y, Liu N, Duan Y, Wang W. Neuroimaging features for cognitive fatigue and its recovery with VR intervention: An EEG microstates analysis. Brain Res Bull 2025; 221:111223. [PMID: 39864596 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive fatigue is mainly caused by enduring mental stress or monotonous work, impairing cognitive and physical performance. Natural scene exposure is a promising intervention for relieving cognitive fatigue, but the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) simulated natural scene exposure is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of VR natural scene on cognitive fatigue and further explored its underlying neurophysiological alterations with electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates analysis. METHODS Ten participants performed a 20-minute 1-back task before and after VR intervention while EEG was recorded (pre-task, post-task). Performance was measured with mean accuracy rate (MAR) and mean reaction time (MRT) of the continuous 1-back task. VR simulation of the Canal Town scene was utilized to alleviate cognitive fatigue caused by 1-back tasks. Four resting-state phases were identified: beginning, pre, post, and end phases. RESULTS Post-task had a higher MAR and a lower MRT than pre-task. For pre-task, MAR was negatively correlated with trials, while MRT was positively correlated with trials. Four EEG microstates classes (A-D) were identified, and their temporal parameters (mean duration, time coverage and occurrence) and transition probabilities were calculated. After intervention, mean duration and time coverage of class B decreased, all parameters of class C increased, while all parameters of class D decreased. Transition probabilities between classes B and D decreased but increased between classes A and C. CONCLUSION VR simulation of Canal Town scene is a potentially effective method to alleviate cognitive fatigue. Microstate is an electrophysiological trait characteristic of cognitive fatigue and might be used to indicate the effect of VR intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Cheng Han
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Yan-Dong Cai
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Airborne Avionics Flight Test Institute, Chinese Flight Test Establishment, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710089, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Li
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Yu-Xuan Shang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Zhu-Hong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Guan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Jia-Jie Song
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Ke Bai
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Jing-Ting Sun
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Hangzhou Qu'an Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China.
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China; Department of Nursing, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Ya Duan
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Airborne Avionics Flight Test Institute, Chinese Flight Test Establishment, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710089, China.
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Das B, Ledesma F, Naik R, Law S, Soleimani-Nouri P, Khan OA, Mylonas G, Pai M, Ashrafian H, Spalding D, Fehervari M. Development and validation of a virtual teaching method for minimally invasive surgery skills: a prospective cohort study. Int J Surg 2024; 110:7414-7420. [PMID: 39185954 PMCID: PMC11634133 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000002053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in operative exposure for surgical trainees, necessitating alternative training methods to mitigate the impact on surgical education. This study sought to evaluate whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills could be taught remotely using widely available technology with objective assessments of proficiency. METHODS This was a pilot observational study with a comparative assessment of face-to-face (F2F) and virtual training of novice learners in MIS skills. Performance and objective cognitive workload parameters [Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) score, heart rate, and pupil metrics] were evaluated. The assessments were peg transfer [McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS)] and suturing [Suturing Training and Testing (SUTT)] tasks performed using box trainers. Virtual teaching was conducted by expert trainers using a web-based streaming platform. RESULTS Technical challenges of delivering a virtual MIS skills course were addressed after a pilot course. Participants ( n =20) in the final course had similar baseline characteristics and were randomly allocated to F2F ( n =8) and virtual ( n =12) teaching groups. Participants in the online group completed the peg transfer task faster than the F2F group (11.25 min vs. 16.88 min; P =0.015). There were no significant differences in all other MISTELS and SUTT performance measures between groups. Cognitive workload parameters (SURG-TLX score, heart rate, and pupil metrics) were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that virtual teaching of MIS skills using a web-based streaming platform is feasible and effective, providing the foundation for low-cost, effective, and scalable MIS skills programs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Das
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Frances Ledesma
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Ravi Naik
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Sarah Law
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
| | | | - Omar A Khan
- St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
| | - George Mylonas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Madhava Pai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Hutan Ashrafian
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Duncan Spalding
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
| | - Matyas Fehervari
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han JC, Bai K, Zhang C, Liu N, Yang G, Shang YX, Song JJ, Su D, Hao Y, Feng XL, Li SR, Wang W. Objective assessment of cognitive fatigue: a bibliometric analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1479793. [PMID: 39554851 PMCID: PMC11566139 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1479793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The objective of this study was to gain insight into the nature of cognitive fatigue and to identify future trends of objective assessment techniques in this field. Methods One thousand and eighty-five articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. R version 4.3.1, VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.2.R4, and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used to perform the analysis. Results A total of 704 institutes from 56 countries participated in the relevant research, while the People's Republic of China contributed 126 articles and was the leading country. The most productive institute was the University of Gothenburg. Johansson Birgitta from the University of Gothenburg has posted the most articles (n = 13). The PLOS ONE published most papers (n = 38). The Neurosciences covered the most citations (n = 1,094). A total of 3,116 keywords were extracted and those with high frequency were mental fatigue, performance, quality-of-life, etc. Keywords mapping analysis indicated that cognitive fatigue caused by continuous work and traumatic brain injury, as well as its rehabilitation, have become the current research trend. The most co-cited literature was published in Sports Medicine. The strongest citation burst was related to electroencephalogram (EEG) event-related potential and spectral power analysis. Conclusion Publication information of related literature on the objective assessment of cognitive fatigue from 2007 to 2024 was summarized, including country and institute of origin, authors, and published journal, offering the current hotspots and novel directions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiu-Long Feng
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Si-Rui Li
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Knoedler L, Dean J, Knoedler S, Kauke-Navarro M, Hollmann K, Alfertshofer M, Helm S, Prantl L, Schliermann R. Hard shell, soft core? Multi-disciplinary and multi-national insights into mental toughness among surgeons. Front Surg 2024; 11:1361406. [PMID: 38645505 PMCID: PMC11027567 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1361406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the prevalence of burnout among surgeons posing a significant threat to healthcare outcomes, the mental toughness of medical professionals has come to the fore. Mental toughness is pivotal for surgical performance and patient safety, yet research into its dynamics within a global and multi-specialty context remains scarce. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to mental toughness among surgeons and to understand how it correlates with surgical outcomes and personal well-being. Methods Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed 104 surgeons from English and German-speaking countries using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) along with additional queries about their surgical practice and general life satisfaction. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to investigate the variations in mental toughness across different surgical domains and its correlation with professional and personal factors. Results The study found a statistically significant higher level of mental toughness in micro-surgeons compared to macro-surgeons and a positive correlation between mental toughness and surgeons' intent to continue their careers. A strong association was also observed between general life satisfaction and mental toughness. No significant correlations were found between the application of psychological skills and mental toughness. Conclusion Mental toughness varies significantly among surgeons from different specialties and is influenced by professional dedication and personal life satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to foster mental toughness in the surgical community, potentially enhancing surgical performance and reducing burnout. Future research should continue to explore these correlations, with an emphasis on longitudinal data and the development of resilience-building programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Knoedler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jillian Dean
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Samuel Knoedler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Martin Kauke-Navarro
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Katharina Hollmann
- Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Alfertshofer
- Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Oromaxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Helm
- Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schliermann
- Faculty of Social and Health Care Sciences, Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|