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Quarmby LM, Hotton M, Jenner S, Kalthoff J, Patterson E, Scholcz A, Springham E. Psychological support during a pandemic: an intervention for hospital teams. Occup Med (Lond) 2024; 74:208-210. [PMID: 37941463 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented stress on healthcare professionals and resulted in teams being scattered by shielding, working from home and redeployment. The Recovery, Readjustment and Reintegration programme (R3P) was implemented and evaluated in an acute NHS hospital Trust with the aim of supporting those staff involved. AIMS To explore the impact of offering themed reflective sessions to staff in an acute hospital and to disseminate this learning for application in other settings and future pandemics. METHODS During the initial recovery phase of the pandemic, all Trust staff were invited to attend an R3P where themed discussions were facilitated by psychologists. Feedback was requested pre- and post-session, and a mixed-methods design was followed to gain quantitative and qualitative information. RESULTS A total of 430 staff members attended an R3P between April 2021 and January 2022. A significant majority found attendance helpful and agreed that it had provided them with the opportunity to reflect on their own and their teams' experience of pandemic working and led them to feel more supported by their organization. CONCLUSIONS Finding meaning in experiences through facilitated reflective discussion can help limit the negative psychological impact of working in an acute hospital during a pandemic. Staff are likely to benefit from such opportunities in any future pandemic recovery phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Quarmby
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - M Hotton
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S Jenner
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - J Kalthoff
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - E Patterson
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - A Scholcz
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - E Springham
- Psychological Medicine Centre, Staff Support Service, Russell Cairns Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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Pellikka A, Junttila K, Laukkala T, Haapa T. Nurses' perceptions of desired support from their employer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative survey study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:128. [PMID: 38373987 PMCID: PMC10877864 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01779-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses play a crucial role in getting through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic for nurses has been recognized, and thus, support for nurses is urgently needed. Support with various methods should help nurses' welfare and their ability to cope at work. Moreover, with appropriate support, it is possible to avoid anxiety, insomnia, or uncertainty caused by work. The aim of this study was to describe nurses' perceptions of desirable support from their employer during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This qualitative survey study is a part of a follow-up study for the entire personnel of Helsinki University Hospital. This study focuses on one open-ended question answered by nurses (n = 579) at baseline of a follow-up study. Answers were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS The findings reveal that various types of support desired from an employer. Qualitative content analysis raised six main categories, 39 categories, 167 sub-categories and 1235 codes from the original text. Main categories were as follows: Awarding personnel, Offering safety in working conditions, Showing appreciation to personnel, Offering a variety of support methods, Providing proper flow of information and Ensuring proper management in exceptional situations. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of nurses´ perspectives on support from their employer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of this study suggest that employers, for example, should award personnel, ensure that working conditions are safe, show more appreciation to personnel. Employers should also pay attention to offer a variety method of support and make sure that the information is provided with a proper flow. In exceptional situations is important to ensure proper management too. With appropriate support methods, employers can avoid a shortage of nurses and maintain nursing as an attractive profession in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristiina Junttila
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Nursing Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanja Laukkala
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Toni Haapa
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Nursing Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
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Simms A, Leightley D, Lamb D. Caring for the carers: an evaluation of the recovery, readjustment and reintegration programme (R3P). BMJ Mil Health 2023:e002359. [PMID: 37487658 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002359] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The challenges faced by healthcare workers, not least during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been extensively studied, and concerns continue to be highlighted in relation to their long-term mental health. Identifying the need to support their personnel, a leader-led structured programme of reflection: the recovery, readjustment and reintegration programme (R3P) was designed by the UK Defence Medical Services to mitigate the potential stressors associated with this outbreak and enhance the resilience of the workforce. METHODS 128 military personnel completed an evaluation of R3P. A survey included measures of anxiety before and after the intervention, perceptions of the discussion themes and whether these brought a sense of closure to areas of distress, and attitudes to help-seeking. RESULTS Most respondents (86%-92%) rated the five discussion themes either 'helpful' or 'very helpful', 51% of respondents reported a sense of closure about an issue that had been causing distress and 72% of respondents felt better able to seek help should it be necessary. Evaluating the effect R3P had on anxiety, a Wilcoxon signed rank test elicited a statistically significant difference in anxiety pre-R3P and post-R3P; Z=-3.54, p<0.001. The median anxiety rating was 3.5 (IQR 4.75, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.00) before undertaking R3P, which decreased to 3 (IQR 4.75, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.75) after undertaking R3P. 39.1% of participants reported decreased anxiety, 18.8% reported increased anxiety and 42.2% reported no change. CONCLUSION This evaluation has identified several positive aspects to R3P with many personnel reporting a reduction in anxiety, a sense of closure and increased likelihood of help-seeking. Several participants did report an increase in anxiety and the long-term impact of R3P on mental health and well-being is unclear. Further mixed-methods evaluation incorporating a longer follow-up is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Lamb
- RCDM (Research and Academia), MOD, Birmingham, UK
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Havsteen-Franklin D, de Knoop J, Agtarap T, Hackett S, Haeyen S. Evaluation of an Arts Therapies Approach to Team Development for Non-Acute Healthcare Teams in Low Control and High-Pressure Environments. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2023.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Yi M, Bao J, Wang J, Zhang Z, Jia Y, Zhao B, Fang J, Chen O. What caregivers believe affected the quality of implementation of asthma-related family management models (AFMM) during COVID-19: A phenomenological qualitative study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:2815-2823. [PMID: 35960691 PMCID: PMC9538381 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The recurrent COVID-19 epidemic in China has disrupted many aspects of daily life for children with asthma and their caregivers, while negatively impacting their asthma family management models (AFMM). This phenomenological qualitative study identifies what affects the quality of implementation of AFMM in this population and outlines potential coping strategies for the caregivers. METHODS We used purposive sampling to conduct semistructured interviews with primary caregivers of school-age children with asthma from community healthcare centers (CHCs), which focused on understanding what factors influenced caregivers' implementation of AFMM during quarantine. The Colaizzi seven-step method was used to independently code and categorize the transcript and to generate themes and identify associated key subthemes. RESULTS Twenty-four caregivers were interviewed, and they provided greater insight into barriers and motivators to implement AFMM. The three themes and nine relevant subthemes generated, (a) the "individual-family" internal-level factors: weak health literacy and beliefs, quietly changing family relationships, the dramatic increase in the care burden, gradual adjustment of negative psychology; (b) the "hospital-community" external-level factors: the endless power of peer support, strict community quarantine policy; and (c) the "health system-public" social-level factors: the enormous potential of internet-based telemedicine, improved public awareness of prevention, government's prompt assistance. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study reveals that the quality of AFMM implementation during pandemic is impacted by three different levels. Therefore, a targeted and comprehensive caring model that provides caregivers with the necessary coping strategies around these three levels is needed to achieve better asthma control outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Yi
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingxian Bao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zeyi Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanmin Jia
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baosheng Zhao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinxia Fang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ou Chen
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Yi-Frazier JP, O’Donnell MB, Adhikari EA, Zhou C, Bradford MC, Garcia-Perez S, Shipman KJ, Hurtado SE, Junkins CC, O’Daffer A, Rosenberg AR. Assessment of Resilience Training for Hospital Employees in the Era of COVID-19. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2220677. [PMID: 35796151 PMCID: PMC9250051 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.20677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Health care workers face serious mental health challenges as a result of ongoing work stress. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated that stress, resulting in high rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. To date, few evidence-based programs targeting mental health outcomes in health care workers have been described. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a skills-based coaching program designed to reduce stress and build resilience. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A pilot cohort study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021 using preprogram and postprogram assessments and a mixed-methods analysis. Duration of follow-up was 7 weeks. The coaching program was delivered via video conferencing. Participants were health care workers and staff from a large urban health system. INTERVENTION The Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) program, a manualized, skills-based coaching program originally developed for adolescents and young adults with serious/chronic illness, was adapted to support health care workers and staff ("PRISM at Work"). It included 6 weekly 1-hour group sessions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Feasibility was defined a priori as 70% completion rates. Acceptability was defined quantitatively (satisfaction scores) and qualitatively (open-ended questions regarding experience with program). Preliminary outcomes were assessed with preprogram and post program assessments of self-reported resilience, stress, anxiety, and burnout using validated instruments. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic variables and feasibility and acceptability. Linear mixed effects regression models examined preliminary outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS A total of 153 participants (median [SD] age, 40.6 [10.1] years; 142 [92%] were female; 128 [84%] identified as having White race; 81 [53%] were in patient-facing roles) enrolled. Of the 132 health care workers who provided follow-up surveys, 120 (91%) had completed the program, and 116 (88%) reported being satisfied. Answers to open-ended questions suggested that participants wanted more PRISM either with longer or additional sessions. Participant-reported resilience (β = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.00-2.48), stress (β = -2.40; 95% CI, -3.28 to -1.51), anxiety (β = -2.04; 95% CI, -2.74 to -1.34), and burnout-exhaustion (β = -0.37; 95% CI, -0.56 to -0.18) improved after the program. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study suggest that PRISM at Work may have utility for health care workers and staff in that the program was found to be feasible, acceptable, and associated with improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce P. Yi-Frazier
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Maeve B. O’Donnell
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Elizabeth A. Adhikari
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chuan Zhou
- Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Miranda C. Bradford
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Analytics in Research Program, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Samantha Garcia-Perez
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kelly J. Shipman
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Samantha E. Hurtado
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Courtney C. Junkins
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alison O’Daffer
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Abby R. Rosenberg
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
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Dyson JL, Lamb D. From front line to battle planning: a nursing perspective of covid-19. Int Nurs Rev 2021; 69:80-85. [PMID: 34825709 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12731] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the experiences of a senior nurse in a patient-facing role, who led a tea providing direct care to those with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19). This would establish what those experiences meant to nurses during the initial outbreak to enable their coping mechanisms to face subsequent waves in the United Kingdom. BACKGROUND The worst infectious disease outbreak of a generation rapidly made its impact known to the medical profession and its support infrastructure across the globe. It imparted unprecedented challenges, not only for managing the care of the most critically ill but for minimising its spread and protecting the workforce. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Reflections of working on the covid-19 frontline during the initial stages of the pandemic, the challenges faced, and lessons learned enabled the development of a strategy to better support nurses in the ongoing pandemic. DISCUSSION Visible, invested and consistent leadership was key in forming a strong foundation to support clear communication, peer support and increasing confidence. Consequently, strong bonds were forged to enable the team to face further challenges as they felt 'in it together'. SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY The experiences described in this paper are those of a senior nurse leader within a particular care context. However, the lessons learned are likely to resonate with many nurses who are facing the same challenges in very similar care contexts and who are urged to reflect upon their own experiences. Furthermore, the associated lessons may help support others and inform their strategy for coping throughout potential future admission surges of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie L Dyson
- Senior Sister, Joint Hospital Group (South-East), Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Di Lamb
- Defence Professor of Nursing, Academic Department of Military Nursing, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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Parapid B, Bond RM. COVID-19: An Insult to Injury on Equity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20210165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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