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Banach DB, Mathew TA, Batshon LJ, Branch-Elliman W, Dumyati G, Haessler S, Hsu VP, Jump RLP, Malani AN, Murthy RK, Pergam SA, Shenoy ES, Weber DJ. SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: building a strong and resilient healthcare workforce. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38835227 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2024.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas in the United States experienced healthcare personnel (HCP) shortages tied to a variety of factors. Infection prevention programs, in particular, faced increasing workload demands with little opportunity to delegate tasks to others without specific infectious diseases or infection control expertise. Shortages of clinicians providing inpatient care to critically ill patients during the early phase of the pandemic were multifactorial, largely attributed to increasing demands on hospitals to provide care to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and furloughs.1 HCP shortages and challenges during later surges, including the Omicron variant-associated surges, were largely attributed to HCP infections and associated work restrictions during isolation periods and the need to care for family members, particularly children, with COVID-19. Additionally, the detrimental physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on HCP has led to attrition, which further exacerbates shortages.2 Demands increased in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings, which already faced critical staffing challenges difficulty with recruitment, and high rates of turnover. Although individual healthcare organizations and state and federal governments have taken actions to mitigate recurring shortages, additional work and innovation are needed to develop longer-term solutions to improve healthcare workforce resiliency. The critical role of those with specialized training in infection prevention, including healthcare epidemiologists, was well-demonstrated in pandemic preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to support growth in these fields.3 This commentary outlines the need to develop the US healthcare workforce in preparation for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Banach
- School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trini A Mathew
- HealthTAMCycle3, PLLC, Troy, MI, USA
- Corewell Health, Taylor, MI, USA
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, and Oakland University William Beaumont, Rochester, MI, USA
| | | | - Westyn Branch-Elliman
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ghinwa Dumyati
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Community Health, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Haessler
- Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Vincent P Hsu
- AdventHealth, Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Robin L P Jump
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Rekha K Murthy
- Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven A Pergam
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erica S Shenoy
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA, USA
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Howard J, Houry D. Protecting the Mental Health and Well-Being of the Nation's Health Workforce. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:137-141. [PMID: 38354354 PMCID: PMC10916729 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- John Howard
- John Howard is the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. Debra Houry is the deputy director for program and science and the chief medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA
| | - Debra Houry
- John Howard is the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. Debra Houry is the deputy director for program and science and the chief medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA
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Tanner A, Thompson M, Stanislo K, Crowell N. School Nurses' Experiences of Organizational Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Sch Nurs 2024:10598405241226805. [PMID: 38291656 DOI: 10.1177/10598405241226805] [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: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
School nurses encountered many workplace struggles while providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several struggles involved organizational support, including having sufficient time, resources, compensation, and school leadership support. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the experiences of school nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic as they related to sufficient time to complete COVID-related activities, sufficient COVID-19 resources, compensation, and perceived organizational (school leadership) support. We obtained data from 1,564 National Association of School Nurses members regarding respondent characteristics, school characteristics, measures of organizational support, and qualitative perceived organizational support using a 17-question survey. Perceptions of having sufficient time to complete COVID-related tasks and infringement of these tasks on routine activities were worse for those with greater years of experience and education. Compensation for additional COVID-related work was more favorable for LPNs. School leaders should be aware of their role in bolstering organizational support and its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tanner
- National Association of School Nurses (NASN), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Thompson
- National Association of School Nurses, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kim Stanislo
- National Association of School Nurses, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Crowell
- School of Nursing, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Dewhurst E, Ettman CK, Hare Bork R, Thornburg B, Abdalla SM, Galea S, Castrucci BC. Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Governmental Public Health Workforce and General Population. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024; 30:E14-E20. [PMID: 37882760 PMCID: PMC10664775 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001837] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the governmental public health workforce and in US adults, assess differences in reporting PTSS within subgroups, and evaluate whether frontline workers reported higher levels of PTSS than persons in other jobs. We used data from 2 nationally representative studies: the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) and the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-being (CLIMB) study. Our study found that the state and local governmental public health workforce was more likely to report PTSS than the general adult population. Almost a quarter of public health agency employees (24.7%) and 21.1% of adults reported at least 3 symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Differences in levels of PTSS appeared within demographic groups for both samples. Personal care and service frontline workers had 4.3 times the odds of reporting symptoms of posttraumatic stress than non-frontline workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Dewhurst
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine K. Ettman
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Hare Bork
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Thornburg
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Salma M. Abdalla
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sandro Galea
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian C. Castrucci
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Dewhurst and Drs Hare Bork and Castrucci); Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Ettman and Mr Thornburg); and Department of Global Health (Dr Abdalla) and Office of the Dean (Dr Galea), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Schenck AP, Suttie J, Orton S, Carter-Edwards L, Herrick J, Meadows PD, Dinkin DR. The Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative: Leadership Development to Advance Public Health Practice. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:802-809. [PMID: 37199416 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001768] [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: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Effective leadership is essential for governmental public health agencies to promote and protect the health of their communities. OBJECTIVE The Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative, a program of The Kresge Foundation, was implemented to strengthen leadership in governmental public health. We seek to examine lessons from the initiative to contribute to the field a better understanding of leadership development practices. DESIGN An external evaluator conducted a retrospective analysis of participant responses postinitiative to assess the overall impact of the initiative and explore which components were most valuable. SETTING United States. PARTICIPANTS Directors and other staff from governmental public health agencies were recruited in 2-person teams to participate in 3 successive cohorts. INTERVENTION Drawn from adaptive leadership principles, a framework was developed to guide the selection and implementation of educational and experiential activities. Participants were challenged to develop a new role for their public health agency, which provided a learning laboratory to practice individual and team leadership skills. The Kresge Foundation provided participants with a resource grant and a National Program Office offered convenings, webinars, coaching, and technical assistance over the 18 months of the developmental experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Satisfaction, perceived value of components, and future intentions were assessed from participants in cohorts II and III (n = 70). The overall response rate was 93%. RESULTS One hundred four diverse leaders from 52 agencies, representing 30 states participated in the initiative. Participants were extremely satisfied with the program (94%) and indicated a strong likelihood of recommending it to a colleague (96%). Unrestricted grant funding, peer learning, and in-person learning sessions were the program components rated most highly valuable. CONCLUSIONS This initiative offers insights into principles and processes to be considered for future public health leadership development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Schenck
- Public Heath Leadership Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Dr Schenck); North Carolina Institute for Public Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Ms Suttie and Dr Orton); Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California (Dr Carter-Edwards); Jeannine Herrick Transformational Leadership, Apex, North Carolina (Ms Herrick); Dinkin & Associates, LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina (Dr Dinkin) The Kresge Foundation, Troy, Michigan (Dr Meadows)
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Du W, Jia YJ, Hu FH, Ge MW, Cheng YJ, Qu X, Chen HL. Prevalence of suicidal ideation and correlated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis of 113 studies from 31 countries. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:147-168. [PMID: 37774666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and correlated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Web of Science (WOS) and PubMed were searched according to a pre-set strategy. A total of 132 studies were identified, 104 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was approximately 14.7% (95%CI: 12.5%, 16.8%, P < 0.01) in the general population, approximately 22.4% (95%CI: 17.1%, 27.8%, P < 0.01)in adolescents, approximately 21.0% (95%CI: 12.8%, 29.2%, P < 0.01) in psychiatric patients, approximately 20.6% (95%CI: 18.7%, 22.5%, P < 0.01)in university students, approximately 18.9% (95%CI: 8.3%, 29.5%, P < 0.01) in younger adults, approximately 10.6% (95%CI: 1.0%, 20.2%, P = 0.031) in COVID-19 patients and approximately 7.4% (95%CI: 4.3%, 10.5%, P < 0.01) in healthcare workers. The prevalence in North America was approximately 16.0% (95%CI: 13.6%-18.4%, P < 0.001), approximately 14.5% in Asia (95%CI: 9.5%-19.4%, P < 0.001), approximately 10.5% in Europe (95%CI: 8.5%-12.4%, P < 0.001), and approximately 20.5% in South America (95%CI: 19.5%-21.5%, P < 0.001). The following were risk factors which might be correlated with suicidal ideation: severe anxiety symptoms, mild to moderate depression, a strong feeling of loneliness/social isolation, poor sleep quality, having COVID-19-related experience, having quarantine or lockdown experience, being female, being single or divorced, having financial problems and having a history of suicidal ideation/attempt. This article reports the prevalence of suicidal ideation and discussing potential risk factors during the pandemic among general population and vulnerable groups. Early detection and follow-up were necessary for the noteworthy population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Du
- Nantong University Medical School, PR China
| | - Yi Jie Jia
- Nantong University Medical School, PR China
| | | | | | | | - Xin Qu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hong Lin Chen
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.
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7
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Burke RV, Distler AS, McCall TC, Hunter E, Dhapodkar S, Chiari-Keith L, Alford AA. A qualitative analysis of public health officials' experience in California during COVID-19: priorities and recommendations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1175661. [PMID: 37771831 PMCID: PMC10525347 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1175661] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to collect qualitative data regarding the violence faced by public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and create a guideline of recommendations to protect this population moving forward. Methods Two focus groups were conducted virtually from April 2022 to May 2022. All nine participants were public health officials from across California. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data from these focus groups. Results The main recurrent experiences among public health officials were harassment, psychological impact, systemic backlash, and burnout. Several recommendations for supporting public health officials were highlighted, including security and protection, mental health support, public awareness, and political/institutional support. Conclusion Our study captures the violent experiences that health officials have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain the integrity of the public health system, timely changes must be made to support and protect health officials. Our guideline of recommendations provides a multi-faceted approach to the urgent threats that officials continue to face. By implementing these solutions, we can strengthen our public health system and improve our response to future national emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita V. Burke
- Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anna S. Distler
- Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy C. McCall
- National Association of County and City Health Officials, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Emma Hunter
- San Mateo County Health, San Mateo, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Aaron A. Alford
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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8
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Pickett AD. Strengths, Weaknesses, and Catharsis: The Role of Information Sharing in Public Health After the COVID-19 Response. Health Secur 2023; 21:S101-S104. [PMID: 37756212 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Pickett
- Andrew D. Pickett, MS, is Director, Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Harrisburg, PA
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9
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McKeirnan KC, MacCamy KL, Robinson JD, Ebinger M, Willson MN. Implementing Mental Health First Aid Training in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2023; 87:100006. [PMID: 37597905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to describe the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training as a required curricular component in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program; and analyze the impact of MHFA training on student pharmacist's perceptions of stigma, comfort, confidence, and willingness to intervene when someone is experiencing a mental health issue. METHODS Student pharmacists completed an all-day MHFA training as a required element of the PharmD curriculum during the spring of 2022. Pre- and post-survey was completed by students during the in-person training. Questions included items from the Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers; question, persuade, refer gatekeeper training for suicide prevention; and questions developed by the authors to assess the impact of the training on participant-reported stigma, confidence, and willingness to provide care to those potentially experiencing a mental issue. RESULTS A total of 235 student pharmacists completed the MHFA training. A statistically significant reduction of stigma was seen for 9 of the 15 statements from Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers. Additionally, all responses related to comfort and willingness to provide care and confidence improved significantly after completing MHFA. CONCLUSION MHFA training was implemented as a mandatory requirement for all student pharmacists in the didactic portion of a PharmD program. This training led to reduced stigma around mental illness and improved confidence, comfort, and willingness to intervene among student pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C McKeirnan
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Kathryn L MacCamy
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer D Robinson
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Michael Ebinger
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Megan N Willson
- Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA, USA.
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10
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Thompson HG, Askelson NM, Bucklin R, Gauthreaux N, Faber E, Ball C, Yang S, Steere E. Organization-Level Factors Associated With Burnout: Guided Discussions With Micropolitan Public Health Workers During COVID-19. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:580-583. [PMID: 36893056 PMCID: PMC10329979 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how micropolitan public health workers (PHWs) experienced burnout antecedents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted in-depth guided discussions with 34 representatives from 16 micropolitan public health departments using semistructured, open-ended questions about departments' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We coded discussion transcripts to develop themes according to the Six Areas of Worklife model. RESULTS PHWs described antecedents of burnout that stemmed from organizational and external forces, most notably within the workload, control, reward, and values dimensions of the Six Areas of Worklife model, as well as instances of workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support organization-level approaches to reducing and preventing burnout in the micropolitan public health workforce. We discuss addressing specific dimensions of the Six Areas of Worklife model when designing burnout solutions for this essential workforce.
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Khalid O, Myers L, Baddour L, Williams A. Strategies for Enhancing Governmental Public Health Workforce Well-being and Retention. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:601-603. [PMID: 37200103 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Khalid
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
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12
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Komagata S. Kanpumasatsu: A superficial self-massage with a dry towel to enhance relaxation and immune functions. JOURNAL OF INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION & PRACTICE 2023; 31:100609. [PMID: 36776417 PMCID: PMC9905003 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Prior to 2020, healthcare professionals in the United States already had high rate of burnout. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for public health measures to effectively mitigate its negative health impacts. Despite these measures including vaccination, masking, handwashing, and physical distancing, people continue to be affected by post-COVID conditions (PCC) or newly acquired infections. Promoting one's well-being and self-care, especially the methods that promote one's relaxation and immune functions will serve as valuable tools among all healthcare practitioners and educators. For example, Kanpumasatsu, a skin rubdown using a dry towel, is simple to instruct, safe, and a cost-containing self-care approach that has the potential to promote relaxation and improve one's immune functions. At the present moment, the evidence is limited and the mechanism of how kanpumasatsu improves immune functions has not been clearly documented. However, this author postulates this superficial massage causes the skin to stretch and enhances the lymphatic flow beneath the skin in a mechanism similar to that of lymphatic drainage massage. While the limited evidence of the health benefits of kanpumasatsu is available today, there is a potential for creating and enhancing instructional resources, conducting research and practice through awareness of kanpumasatsu among interprofessional educators and practitioners as a pilot self-care program to prevent burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Komagata
- Dept. of Integrative Health & Exercise Science, Hackensack-Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ, USA
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13
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Brown KA, Sarkar IN, Crowley KM, Aluthge DP, Chen ES. An Unsupervised Cluster Analysis of Post-COVID-19 Mental Health Outcomes and Associated Comorbidities. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2023; 2022:289-298. [PMID: 37128434 PMCID: PMC10148293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be widespread, and little is known about mental health impacts from dealing with the disease itself. This retrospective study used a deidentified health information exchange (HIE) dataset of electronic health record data from the state of Rhode Island and characterized different subgroups of the positive COVID-19 population. Three different clustering methods were explored to identify patterns of condition groupings in this population. Increased incidence of mental health conditions was seen post-COVID-19 diagnosis, and these individuals exhibited higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the negative control group. A self-organizing map cluster analysis showed patterns of mental health conditions in half of the clusters. One mental health cluster revealed a higher comorbidity index and higher severity of COVID-19 disease. The clinical features identified in this study motivate the need for more in-depth analysis to predict and identify individuals at high risk for developing mental illness post-COVID-19 diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indra Neil Sarkar
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence RI
- Rhode Island Quality Institute, Providence RI
| | - Karen M Crowley
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence RI
| | - Dilum P Aluthge
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence RI
- Rhode Island Quality Institute, Providence RI
| | - Elizabeth S Chen
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence RI
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Moore JT, Wigington C, Green J, Horter L, Kone A, Lopes-Cardozo B, Byrkit R, Rao CY. Understanding Low Utilization of Employee Assistance Programs and Time Off by US Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2023:333549231165287. [PMID: 37052332 PMCID: PMC10102824 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231165287] [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: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite high rates of reported mental health symptoms among public health workers (PHWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of employer-offered resources was low. Our objective was to understand what barriers and deterrents exist for PHWs accessing employer-offered resources. METHODS Four national public health organizations disseminated a national online survey of public health department employees during March-April 2021; 26 174 PHWs completed the survey. We examined 5164 write-in survey responses using thematic analysis to identify key reasons why PHWs were not accessing time off and employee assistance programs (EAPs) and to understand what resources PHWs would like to see their employers offer. RESULTS The top reasons that PHWs reported for not taking time off during the COVID-19 pandemic were financial concerns (24.4%), fear of judgment or retaliation (20.8%), and limitations in the amount of time off offered or available (11.0%). The top reasons that PHWs reported for not using EAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic were difficulty accessing EAPs (53.1%), use of external services (21.5%), and a lack of awareness about EAPs or motivation to initiate their use (11.3%). While desired employer-offered resources varied widely, PHWs most frequently listed financial incentives, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and organizational change. CONCLUSION Organizations can best help their employees by organizing the workforce in a way that allows PHWs to take time off, creating a positive and supportive organizational climate, regularly assessing the needs of PHWs, clearly communicating the availability of employer-offered benefits, and emphasizing the acceptability of using those benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmyn T Moore
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claire Wigington
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Jamilla Green
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Libby Horter
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Goldbelt C6, LLC, Chesapeake, VA, USA
| | - Ahoua Kone
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Barbara Lopes-Cardozo
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ramona Byrkit
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carol Y Rao
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Merkle SL, Welton M, van Zyl A, Chong M, Tanner A, Rose CE, Hertz M, Hill L, Leroy ZC, Sifre K, Thomas ES. Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among School Nurses in Prekindergarten through Grade 12 Schools - United States, March 2022. J Sch Nurs 2023; 39:114-124. [PMID: 36315836 PMCID: PMC9988285 DOI: 10.1177/10598405221131048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
School nurses are integral to creating safe environments in U.S. schools. Many experienced increased work burden and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC collaborated with the National Association of School Nurses and the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants to distribute a 121-item online, anonymous survey to school nurses nationwide during March 7-30, 2022. Among the 7,971 respondents, symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, and suicidal ideation were measured, and prevalence ratios were used to identify associations with demographics, workplace characteristics, and support. Results found high levels of work-related stressors and indicated that employment characteristics, COVID-19-related job duties, and other workplace stressors and supports affected school nurse mental health. The survey findings underscore the mental health challenges many school nurses experienced during the 2021/2022 school year. The findings can inform supportive policies and practices to reduce workplace stressors and increase workplace supports for school nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Merkle
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Welton
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,G2S Corporation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - André van Zyl
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,4ES Corporation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Muhling Chong
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,G2S Corporation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Tanner
- 233071National Association of School Nurses, Silver Spring, MA, USA
| | - Charles E Rose
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marci Hertz
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura Hill
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zanie C Leroy
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, GA,USA
| | - Katlynn Sifre
- COVID-19 Response, 1242CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.,G2S Corporation, San Antonio, TX, USA
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16
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Tiesman HM, Hendricks SA, Wiegand DM, Lopes-Cardozo B, Rao CY, Horter L, Rose CE, Byrkit R. Workplace Violence and the Mental Health of Public Health Workers During COVID-19. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:315-325. [PMID: 36464557 PMCID: PMC9659550 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health workers were at an increased risk for violence and harassment due to their public health work and experienced adverse mental health conditions. This article quantifies the prevalence of job-related threats, harassment, and discrimination against public health workers and measures the association of these incidents with mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A nonprobability convenience sample of state, local, and tribal public health workers completed a self-administered, online survey in April 2021. The survey link was emailed to members of national public health associations and included questions on workplace violence, demographics, workplace factors, and mental health symptoms. Mental health symptoms were measured using standardized, validated tools to assess depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. Multivariable Poisson models calculated adjusted prevalence ratios of mental health symptoms, with workplace violence as the primary risk factor. Analyses were conducted in 2021-2022. RESULTS Experiencing any type or combination of workplace violence was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting depression symptoms (prevalence ratio=1.21, 95% CI=1.15, 1.27), anxiety (prevalence ratio=1.21, 95% CI=1.15, 1.27), post-traumatic stress disorder (prevalence ratio=1.31, 95% CI=1.25, 1.37), and suicidal ideation (prevalence ratio=1.26, 95% CI=1.14, 1.38), after adjusting for confounders. A dose‒response relationship was found between the number of workplace violence events experienced by a public health worker and the likelihood of reporting mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Violence targeted at the public health workforce is detrimental to workers and their communities. Ongoing training, workplace support, and increased communication after a workplace violence incident may be helpful. Efforts to strengthen public health capacities and support the public health workforce are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope M Tiesman
- Analysis and Field Evaluations Branch, Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia.
| | - Scott A Hendricks
- Analysis and Field Evaluations Branch, Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Douglas M Wiegand
- Hazard Evaluations & Technical Assistance Branch, Division of Field Studies & Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Barbara Lopes-Cardozo
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carol Y Rao
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Libby Horter
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Goldbelt C6, Chesapeake, Virginia
| | - Charles E Rose
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ramona Byrkit
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Arrazola J, Auer S. Transforming the Applied Epidemiology Workforce to Support Modernized Public Health Data Systems. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:8-10. [PMID: 36070578 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Arrazola
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, Georgia
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18
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Travis A. Infusing Equity Into Organizational Culture at Governmental Public Health Agencies. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:S12-S13. [PMID: 36448750 PMCID: PMC10578513 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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19
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Cain C, Hunt DC, Armstrong M, Collie-Akers VL, Ablah E. Reasons for Turnover of Kansas Public Health Officials during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14321. [PMID: 36361202 PMCID: PMC9655751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Public health officials played a critical role in COVID-19 mitigation and response efforts. In Kansas, 51 local health department (LHD) administrators and/or local health officers left their positions due to the pandemic between 15 March 2020 and 31 August 2021. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that led to turnover of Kansas local public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those eligible to participate in this study included former LHD administrators and/or health officers who were employed at or contracted by a Kansas LHD on 15 March 2020 and resigned, retired, or were asked to resign prior to 31 August 2021. Researchers used a demographic survey, a focus group, and key informant interviews to collect data. Twelve former LHD leaders participated in this study. Four themes emerged from phenomenological analysis: politicization of public health; a perceived lack of support; stress and burnout; and the public health infrastructure not working. The findings of this study can guide the Kansas public health system to address the issues leading to turnover of leadership and prevent future turnover. Future research must explore strategies for mitigating leadership turnover and identify alternative public health structures that could be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristi Cain
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1000 SW Jackson St, Topeka, KS 66612, USA
| | - D. Charles Hunt
- Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, 11875 S Sunset Dr., Olathe, KS 66061, USA
| | - Melissa Armstrong
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA
| | - Vicki L. Collie-Akers
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1008, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ablah
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA
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20
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Li M, Hua Y, Liao Y, Zhou L, Li X, Wang L, Yang J. Tracking the Impact of COVID-19 and Lockdown Policies on Public Mental Health Using Social Media: Infoveillance Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e39676. [PMID: 36191167 PMCID: PMC9566822 DOI: 10.2196/39676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its corresponding preventive and control measures have increased the mental burden on the public. Understanding and tracking changes in public mental status can facilitate optimizing public mental health intervention and control strategies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to build a social media-based pipeline that tracks public mental changes and use it to understand public mental health status regarding the pandemic. METHODS This study used COVID-19-related tweets posted from February 2020 to April 2022. The tweets were downloaded using unique identifiers through the Twitter application programming interface. We created a lexicon of 4 mental health problems (depression, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction) to identify mental health-related tweets and developed a dictionary for identifying health care workers. We analyzed temporal and geographic distributions of public mental health status during the pandemic and further compared distributions among health care workers versus the general public, supplemented by topic modeling on their underlying foci. Finally, we used interrupted time series analysis to examine the statewide impact of a lockdown policy on public mental health in 12 states. RESULTS We extracted 4,213,005 tweets related to mental health and COVID-19 from 2,316,817 users. Of these tweets, 2,161,357 (51.3%) were related to "depression," whereas 1,923,635 (45.66%), 225,205 (5.35%), and 150,006 (3.56%) were related to "anxiety," "insomnia," and "addiction," respectively. Compared to the general public, health care workers had higher risks of all 4 types of problems (all P<.001), and they were more concerned about clinical topics than everyday issues (eg, "students' pressure," "panic buying," and "fuel problems") than the general public. Finally, the lockdown policy had significant associations with public mental health in 4 out of the 12 states we studied, among which Pennsylvania showed a positive association, whereas Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio showed the opposite (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS The impact of COVID-19 and the corresponding control measures on the public's mental status is dynamic and shows variability among different cohorts regarding disease types, occupations, and regional groups. Health agencies and policy makers should primarily focus on depression (reported by 51.3% of the tweets) and insomnia (which has had an ever-increasing trend since the beginning of the pandemic), especially among health care workers. Our pipeline timely tracks and analyzes public mental health changes, especially when primary studies and large-scale surveys are difficult to conduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yining Hua
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yanhui Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Scales SE, Patrick E, Stone KW, Kintziger KW, Jagger MA, Horney JA. Lessons Learned From the Public Health Workforce's Experiences With the COVID-19 Response. Health Secur 2022; 20:387-393. [PMID: 36201262 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2022.0091] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited research is available on the COVID-19 response experiences of local, state, and federal public health workers in the United States. Although the response to COVID-19 is still presenting challenges to the public health workforce, public health systems must also begin to consider lessons learned that can be applied to future disasters. During July and August 2021, a random sample of participants from a cross-sectional study of the public health workforce was invited to participate in interviews to obtain information on the current state of public health operations, the ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis, and takeaways for improving future preparedness and response planning. Interviews were transcribed and inductively coded to identify themes. Twenty-four initial interview invitations were sent, and random substitutions were made until thematic saturation was reached when 17 interviews were completed. Four thematic categories were identified, including challenges related to (1) ongoing lack of political support or policy guidance; (2) fluctuations in, and uncertainty about, future funding and associated requirements; (3) job expectations, including remote work and data-sharing capabilities; and (4) the mental health toll of sustained response and related burnout. As the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues in its third year, it is crucial to identify lessons learned that can inform future investment in order to sustain a public health workforce and a public health preparedness and response system that is resilient to future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Scales
- Sarah E. Scales, MPH, is a Doctoral Student, Epidemiology Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Elizabeth Patrick
- Elizabeth Patrick is an Undergraduate Research Assistant, Behavioral Health and Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Kahler W Stone
- Kahler W. Stone, DrPH, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
| | - Kristina W Kintziger
- Kristina W. Kintziger, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | | | - Jennifer A Horney
- Jennifer A. Horney, PhD, MPH, is a Professor, Epidemiology Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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22
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Chen H, Ma Q, Du B, Huang Y, Zhu SG, Li SL, Geng DQ, Xu XS. Psychotherapy and Follow-Up in Health Care Workers After the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Single Center's Experience. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:2245-2258. [PMID: 36003831 PMCID: PMC9394520 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s371787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aims to analysis the mental health of high-risk health care workers (HHCWs) and low-risk HCWs (LHCWs) who were respectively exposed to COVID-19 wards and non-COVID-19 wards by following up on mental disorders in HCWs in China for 6 months. Methods A multi-psychological assessment questionnaire was used to follow up on the psychological status of HCWs in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University in Xuzhou City (a non-core epidemic area) at 6 months after the first evaluation conducted during the COVID-19 epidemic. Based on the risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients, the HCWs were divided into two groups: high-risk HCWs, who worked in COVID-19 wards, and low-risk HCWs, who worked in non-COVID-19 wards. Results A total of 198 HCWs participated in the study, and 168 questionnaires were selected for evaluation. Among them, 93 (55.4%) were in the HHCW group and 75 (44.5%) were in the LHCW group. Significant differences were observed in salary, profession, and altruistic behavior between the two groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the anxiety, depression, insomnia, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores between the two groups. Logistic regression revealed that work stress was a major joint risk factor for mental disorders in HCWs. Among all the HCWs, a total of 58 voluntarily participated in psychotherapy; the analysis showed a significant decrease in anxiety, depression, PTSD, work stress, and work risk after attending psychotherapy. There were also significant differences in positive and negative coping styles before and after psychotherapy. Conclusion In the present follow-up, work stress was the major contributing factor to mental disorders in HCWs. Psychotherapy is helpful in terms of stress management and should be provided to first-line COVID-19 HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Du
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Guang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Li Li
- Department of Medical Records and Statistics, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Qin Geng
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Shun Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, People's Republic of China
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23
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24
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Tong F, Zhang L, Huang L, Yang H, Wen M, Jiang L, Zou R, Liu F, Peng W, Huang X, Yang D, Yang H, Yi L, Liu X. The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers. Front Public Health 2022; 10:963673. [PMID: 36062114 PMCID: PMC9428345 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.963673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As unprecedented and prolonged crisis, healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing psychological disorders. We investigated the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs. Methods This cross-sectional study randomly recruited 439 HCWs in Hunan Cancer Hospital via a web-based sampling method from June 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to assess the presence and severity of PTSD. Fear was measured by modified scale of SARS. Data were collected based on these questionnaires. Differences in fear, anxiety, depression and PTSD among HCWs with different clinical characteristics were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. The Cronbach's alpha scores in our samples were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of HADS, fear scale and PCL-5. Results The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in HCWs was 15.7, 9.6, and 12.8%, respectively. Females and nurses were with higher fear level (P < 0.05) and higher PTSD levels (P < 0.05). Further analysis of female HCWs revealed that PTSD levels in the 35-59 years-old age group were higher than that in other groups; while married female HCWs were with increased fear than single HCWs. The internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's α = 0.88, 0.80 and 0.84 for HADS, fear scale, and PCL, respectively. Conclusion Gender, marital status, and age are related to different level of psychological disorders in HCWs. Clinical supportive care should be implemented for specific group of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tong
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lemeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liping Huang
- Medical Services Section, Xinhua People's Hospital, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Hongxia Yang
- Medical Services Section, Xinhua People's Hospital, Pingdingshan, China,Medical Oncology Department, Xinhua People's Hospital, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Minni Wen
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Zou
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanglian Peng
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xufen Huang
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Desong Yang
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lili Yi
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Clinical Spiritual Care, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohong Liu
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25
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Fraser MR. Harassment of Health Officials: A Significant Threat to the Public's Health. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:728-730. [PMID: 35298236 PMCID: PMC9010907 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Fraser
- Michael R. Fraser is Chief Executive Officer, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Arlington, VA, and Affiliated Faculty, George Mason University College of Health and Human Services, Departments of Global and Community Health and Health Administration and Policy, Fairfax, VA
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26
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Rothbart MF, Karáth K, Ndhlovu L. How covid-19 has exposed the weaknesses in rural healthcare. BMJ 2022; 376:o232. [PMID: 35217528 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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27
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Bellman V, Thai D, Chinthalapally A, Russell N, Saleem S. Inpatient violence in a psychiatric hospital in the middle of the pandemic: clinical and community health aspects. AIMS Public Health 2022; 9:342-356. [PMID: 35634028 PMCID: PMC9114790 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2022024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers are at a high risk of violence all over the world. The hostility toward nurses, physicians, and hospital staff has reached the point that it can be considered a public health problem. In this paper, we focus on the harassment, aggression, and violence that many healthcare workers have encountered while treating unstable psychiatric patients in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present a case with a history of violence toward mental health workers, review psychopathological and clinical aspects, and discuss how both the COVID-19 pandemic and current challenges in psychiatric hospital settings increase the frequency and severity of these attacks and how this affects the team on inpatient psychiatric units. We used the CARE guidelines to provide the most accurate and transparent information about the patient and relevant psychosocial aspects. We also pooled more than 20 unique sources to cover all aspects of violent behaviors in all psychiatric settings for all age groups. We concluded that a lack of nursing staff, the mental burden imposed by difficult patients, and poor communication between team members are some of the factors contributing to patient violence. An incomplete understanding of the problem creates barriers to change on both personal and systematic levels. Constant violence and abuse against healthcare workers cause stress, decreased productivity, and work dissatisfaction. To improve the safety of healthcare professionals, especially in inpatient psychiatric settings, several system-based changes should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val Bellman
- UMKC, Department of Psychiatry, Kansas City, MO
| | - David Thai
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Shazia Saleem
- UMKC, Department of Psychiatry, Kansas City, MO
- University Health - Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
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28
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Song S, Peng S, Xiong M. The Psychological Nursing Interventions Based on Pygmalion Effect Could Alleviate Negative Emotions of Patients with Suspected COVID-19 Patients: a Retrospective Analysis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:513-522. [PMID: 35058708 PMCID: PMC8764294 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s347439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore the psychological status of suspected COVID-19 patients during quarantine and put forward a new yet effective psychological nursing strategy for intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study with suspected COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized to the two hospitals of Hunan province, China and accepted the intervention of psychological nursing from 01/2020 to 03/2020. The control group received routine psychological nursing care and the observation group received the new psychological nursing intervention according to Pygmalion effect. RESULTS A total of 89 objects were included in the analysis. Results of the questionnaire before intervention showed that the majority of isolated suspected COVID-19 patients showed negative emotions, with the incidence of depression (51.69%), anxiety (14.617%), inverted provocation (22.47%), extraverted provocation (25.84%). And the extraverted provocation scores of female patients was significantly higher than that of male counterparts (P < 0.05). At discharge, compared with the control group, the scores of depression, anxiety, introversion and extraversion of patients in the observation group were significantly lower after nursing intervention based on Pygmalion effect. The satisfaction rate of psychological care based on Pygmalion effect was 86.66%. CONCLUSION Suspected COVID-19 patients tend to show the symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritation during quarantine. The psychological nursing based on Pygmalion effect is helpful to alleviate their negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Zhang
- Nursing Department, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yazi Liu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuning Song
- Geriatric Department, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixiong Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University/Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao Xiong
- Ophthalmology and Stomatology Department, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
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Mental Health Service Provision During COVID-19: Results of the Third Survey of Licensed Psychologists. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 47:119-127. [PMID: 34423313 PMCID: PMC8370457 DOI: 10.1007/s42843-021-00044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A third survey of the practice of licensed psychologists during the pandemic conducted in June 2021 revealed that the rapid adoption of telepsychological service provision has continued approximately 15 months after a national public health emergency was declared. Most respondents intend to make telepsychology a permanent component of their practice going forward. Other notable findings from our survey revealed that after an initial decline in caseload reported in the early days of the pandemic, the majority of psychologists surveyed now report an increase in caseload, often necessitating the establishment of a waitlist. Respondents reported that their patients/clients are more accepting of telepsychology than in our previous survey. That said, a significant minority of psychologists expressed concerns that this technology will negatively affect their future practice. Results also indicated that psychologists are encountering greater symptom acuity among their patients associated with the pandemic, including an increase in reports of suicidal thinking or behavior. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42843-021-00044-3.
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