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Dalum HS, Hem E, Ekeberg Ø, Reneflot A, Stene-Larsen K, Hauge LJ. Suicide rates among health-care professionals in Norway 1980-2021. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:399-405. [PMID: 38537752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates have been high in several health-care professions. Suicide rates were described in physicians, dentists, veterinarians, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, as well as theologians, other graduates and the general population in Norway. METHODS Data on educational attainment were linked to data on suicide and all-cause mortality from 1980 to 2021. Suicide rates were reported per 100,000 person-years. The total number of person-years included in the study was 66.4 and 67.2 million for males and females, respectively. RESULTS Between 1980 and 2021, male veterinarians (35.9, 95 % CI 19.3-52.4), physicians (25.7, 21.3-30.2) and nurses (22.2, 16.6-27.7) had higher suicide rates compared others with higher education (11.7, 10.7-12.7). For females, this was the case for psychologists (15.0, 8.2-21.7) and nurses (9.3, 8.3-10.3), vs. others with higher education (5.1, 4.2-6.0). Suicide rates declined over the four decades for most groups. For physicians, suicide rates declined and approached the suicide rate of others with higher education. Suicide rates among physicians increased with age, with physicians over 60 years having twice as high suicide rates compared to others with higher education. LIMITATIONS The study included only educational status, not current occupation or employment status. This is a descriptive study, with some known risk factors for suicide not accounted for. CONCLUSIONS Suicide rates for physicians declined over time, but not for nurses. From 2010 to 2021, nurses of both genders was the only group with higher suicide rates compared to other graduates. The increased suicide rates among veterinarians, nurses, female psychologists and elderly physicians are concerning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Seljenes Dalum
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erlend Hem
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- Psychosomatic and CL Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Reneflot
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kim Stene-Larsen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Johan Hauge
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Tovilla-Zárate CA, Fresán A, Guízar-Sánchez D, Yoldi-Negrete M, Robles-García R, Martínez-López JN. What lies behind suicide ideation during medical residency? A comparison between medical specialties in Mexican physicians in training. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 88:79-80. [PMID: 38360430 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos-Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Ana Fresán
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Diana Guízar-Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Yoldi-Negrete
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Robles-García
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Mental Global, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Nicolás Martínez-López
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz, Mexico City, Mexico
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Baas MAM, Stramrood CAI, Molenaar JE, van Baar PM, Vanhommerig JW, van Pampus MG. Continuing the conversation: a cross-sectional study about the effects of work-related adverse events on the mental health of Dutch (resident) obstetrician-gynaecologists (ObGyns). BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 38627649 PMCID: PMC11022402 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetrician-Gynaecologists (ObGyns) frequently face work-related adverse events such as severe obstetric complications and maternal or neonatal deaths. In 2014, the WATER-1 study showed that ObGyns are at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while many hospitals lacked a professional support system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the current prevalence of work-related traumatic events and mental health problems among Dutch ObGyns, as well as to examine the current and desired support. METHODS In 2022, an online questionnaire was sent to all members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (NVOG), including resident and attending ObGyns. The survey included questions about experienced work-related events, current and desired coping strategies, and three validated screening questionnaires for anxiety, depression, and PTSD (HADS, TSQ, and PCL-5). RESULTS The response rate was 18.8% and 343 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of the respondents, 93.9% had experienced at least one work-related adverse event, 20.1% had faced a complaint from the national disciplinary board, and 49.4% had considered leaving the profession at any moment in their career. The prevalence rates of clinically relevant anxiety, depression, and psychological distress were 14.3, 4.4, and 15.7%, respectively. The prevalence of work-related PTSD was 0.9% according to DSM-IV and 1.2% according to DSM-5. More than half of the respondents (61.3%) reported the presence of a structured support protocol or approach in their department or hospital, and almost all respondents (92.6%) rated it as sufficient. CONCLUSIONS The percentages of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and PTSD are comparable to the similar study performed in 2014. Most Dutch ObGyns experience adverse events at work, which can be perceived as traumatic and, in certain cases, may lead to the development of PTSD. Structured support after adverse work-related events is now available in almost two-thirds of workplaces, and was mostly experienced as good. Despite substantial improvements in the availability and satisfaction of professional support after work-related adverse events, the prevalence rates of mental problems remain considerable, and it is imperative to sustain conversation about the mental well-being of ObGyns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A M Baas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, PO box 30.001, The Netherlands
| | - Claire A I Stramrood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Beval Beter, 1000 AH, Amsterdam, PO box 345, The Netherlands
| | - Jolijn E Molenaar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
| | - Petra M van Baar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost W Vanhommerig
- Department of Research and Epidemiology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
| | - Maria G van Pampus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands.
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Obeid S, Idilbi N, Agbarya A, Admi H. Arab male physicians' perceptions about their own smoking behaviors: a qualitative study. Isr J Health Policy Res 2024; 13:15. [PMID: 38566238 PMCID: PMC10986019 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-024-00602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death worldwide. Although physicians have high levels of health literacy with awareness of the consequences of smoking and their essential role in smoking cessation of patients, some physicians continue to smoke. Rates of smoking among Arab male physicians are high. This study aimed to gain insights into Arab male physician's perceptions of their own smoking behaviors and their professional role in health promotion. METHODS Using purposive sampling, we recruited 25 Arab male physicians working in hospital and community clinic settings who currently smoke. Semi-structured, hour-long, interviews were held during January-June 2022. We then performed a thematic analysis of the interview data. RESULTS The analysis revealed three categories, two sub-categories, and 15 emerging themes. The category 'Antecedents: prior to becoming a physician' revealed the themes: smoking experience during adolescence; social and ethnic culture; stress during medical studies; and on & off periods of quitting smoking. The category 'Physicians' perception of smoking' was sorted into two sub-categories: (1) Personal aspects, including the themes 'relaxation from stress', 'self-compensation', 'addiction', and 'enjoyable experience', and (2) Professional aspects, including the themes 'lack of knowledge about cessation', 'inadequate workplace support', 'motivation to consult patients', and 'awareness of their role as primary care physicians'. The category'Impacts' revealed the themes 'personal health and well-being', 'professional competence', and 'professional image in public'. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an in-depth understanding of the personal, socio-cultural, and professional aspects of the phenomenon of Arab male smoking physicians from their perspective. Based on this information, we recommend developing programs that support and empower all physicians to cope better with their personal and professional stress as well as instituting programs that will provide all physicians with specific knowledge and skills related to smoking cessation. These programs should improve the ability of physicians to serve as positive role models for their patients for preventing and ceasing smoking, thus enhancing the image of the medical profession and, most importantly, improving the health of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Obeid
- Nursing Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, D.N. Emek Yezreel, 1930600, Israel.
- Ministry of Health, Northern Region, Nof Hagalil, 1710602, Israel.
| | - Nasra Idilbi
- Nursing Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, D.N. Emek Yezreel, 1930600, Israel
- Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, 22100, Israel
| | - Abed Agbarya
- Bnai Zion Medical Center, Sderot Eliyahu Golomb 47, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hanna Admi
- Nursing Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, D.N. Emek Yezreel, 1930600, Israel
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Abuhalimeh B, Brunton NE. Rebalancing Work and Life for the Busy Physician. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 101:80-83. [PMID: 38128693 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Many argue that the concept of "work-life balance" is impossible to achieve for busy physicians. After spending years in medical training and building a career in health care, physicians often find their work encroaching upon other aspects of day-to-day life. Over the past decade, studies have shown that physician burnout, stress, depression, mental health, and general lack of well-being affect productivity, efficiency, and patient care. In this article, we will discuss the concept of "work-life balance" and recommend strategies to strive for a meaningful balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batool Abuhalimeh
- Vascular Medicine Consultant, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nichole E Brunton
- Vascular Medicine Associate Consultant & Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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Marmarosh C. Spirituality, Security, Compassion, and Play: Innovative Ways Group Psychotherapy Addresses Human Suffering. Int J Group Psychother 2024; 74:85-97. [PMID: 38621147 DOI: 10.1080/00207284.2024.2333680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
We are surrounded by trauma, grief, pandemics, health care inequality, poverty, climate change, and social injustice, not to mention increases in suicide, depression, and loneliness. How can group therapists address these issues and thrive? The current special edition focuses on how groups foster compassion, provide spiritual healing, and address human suffering in effective and innovative ways. Instead of focusing on symptom reduction alone, group therapists and researchers are exploring ways that group therapy can provide healing and resources to people including health care providers, and those who are on the front lines. The current special edition will highlight how spiritual interventions, compassion and attachment-focused interventions, and group interventions can engender positive outcomes for diverse group members that include parents of inner-city children to first responders. If there ever was a time for us to focus on compassion, faith, and forgiveness, it is now.
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Hobgood CD, Jarman AF. Resilience Building Practices for Women Physicians. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:532-541. [PMID: 37843899 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Women now make up more than half of the physician workforce, but they are disproportionately plagued by burnout. Medicine is a fast-paced stressful field, the practice of which is associated with significant chronic stress due to systems issues, crowding, electronic medical records, and patient case mix. Hospitals and health care systems are responsible for mitigating system-based burnout-prone conditions, but often their best efforts fail. Physicians, particularly women, must confront their stressors and the daily burden of significant system strain when this occurs. Those who routinely exceed their cumulative stress threshold may experience burnout, career dissatisfaction, and second victim syndrome and, ultimately, may prematurely leave medicine. These conditions affect women in medicine more often than men and may also produce a higher incidence of health issues, including depression, substance use disorder, and suicide. The individual self-care required to maintain health and raise stress thresholds is not widely ingrained in provider practice patterns or behavior. However, the successful long-term practice of high-stress occupations, such as medicine, requires that physicians, especially women physicians, attend to their wellness. In this article, we address one aspect of health, resilience, and review six practices that can create additional stores of personal resilience when proactively integrated into a daily routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherri D Hobgood
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela F Jarman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, California, USA
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Methangkool E, Slade IR, Rangrass G, Harbell M. Best practices for addressing adverse event analysis: a scoping review. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2024; 62:16-25. [PMID: 38282451 DOI: 10.1097/aia.0000000000000432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Methangkool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ian R Slade
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Govind Rangrass
- Department of Anesthesiology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Monica Harbell
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
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Saeed F, Ghalehnovi E, Saeidi M, Ali beigi N, Vahedi M, Shalbafan M, Kamalzadeh L, Nazeri Astaneh A, Jalali Nadoushan AH, Shoib S. Factors associated with suicidal ideation among medical residents in Tehran during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicentric cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300394. [PMID: 38489343 PMCID: PMC10942077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mental health of medical residents, challenged by their intensive training, is of utmost concern. In light of reported suicides among Iranian medical residents in 2021, this study investigates the factors behind suicidal ideation among medical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tehran. METHODS This study conducted a cross-sectional online survey among medical residents in various specialties in Tehran, Iran, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), while depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the DASS-21. It also collected demographic and clinical data from the participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and multiple linear regression to examine the prevalence and determinants of suicidal ideation among medical residents. RESULTS The study enrolled 353 medical residents and found that 34.3% of them had suicidal ideation, with 10.2% indicating a high risk. The study also found high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the participants. The variables that significantly predicted suicidal ideation were depression, history of alcohol/substance use, personal history of suicide attempts, history of self-mutilation, family history of suicide attempts, number of shifts in a month, death of close persons because of COVID-19, and income. Depression was the strongest predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the urgent need for effective interventions and support systems to address the mental health needs of medical residents in Iran. The strategies should prioritize destigmatizing mental health, promoting access to mental health services, fostering a supportive training environment, and enhancing income opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Saeed
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahdieh Saeidi
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Ali beigi
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Vahedi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Shalbafan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute (PHRI), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Kamalzadeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Geriatric mental health research center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Nazeri Astaneh
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Jalali Nadoushan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute (PHRI), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sheikh Shoib
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health Services, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
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Shoib S, Saeed F, Ahmed S, Park C, Roza TH, Khan Nazari S, Yusha'u Armiya'u A, Berardis DD, Mahesar RA, Chandradasa M. Suicide among psychiatrists: From healers to seekers of mental health care. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 95:104004. [PMID: 38513510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Addressing suicide and mental health issues among psychiatrists, particularly during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important. several factors contribute to this risk, such as long duty hours, burnout, emotional exhaustion, exposure to secondary trauma, and the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers. This paper emphasizes the urgent need for interventions at individual and organizational levels to address burnout and mental health issues among psychiatrists. Supporting the mental resilience of mental health professionals will improve the mental health of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Shoib
- Department of health services, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Sharda University (SSh), Greater Noida, India; Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Saeed
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Chan Park
- UCLA-VA Psychiatry Residency Program,University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Thiago Henrique Roza
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Aishatu Yusha'u Armiya'u
- Department of psychiatry, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Domenico De Berardis
- Department of Psychiatry, ASL 4 Teramo, Italy; School of Nursing, University of L'Aquila, Italy; International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry, Samara State Medical University, Russia.
| | - Rameez Ali Mahesar
- Department of Media Science, Iqra University, Main Campus, Karachi, Pakistan..
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Hershberger PJ, Flowers SR, Bayless SL, Conway K, Crawford TN. Interface Between Motivational Interviewing and Burnout. Adv Med Educ Pract 2024; 15:181-187. [PMID: 38495574 PMCID: PMC10941786 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s450179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background The contemporary challenges of improving patient engagement in chronic disease management and addressing the growing problem of physician burnout are commonly viewed as separate issues. However, there is extensive evidence that person-centered approaches to patient engagement, such as motivational interviewing (MI), are associated both with better outcomes for patients and improved well-being for clinicians. Methods We conducted an exploratory survey study to ascertain whether resident physicians who perceive that they embrace and utilize the MI approach also report less burnout. A total of 318 residents in several specialties were invited via email to complete a 10-question survey about patient engagement and the experience of burnout. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical/ordinal variables to describe survey participants and question responses. Correlation coefficients were obtained to assess relationships between all burnout and engagement questions. Results A total of 79 residents completed the survey (response rate of 24.8%). There was broad agreement about the importance of patient engagement and the use of the MI approach, and approximately 60% of residents indicated that burnout was a problem. Two items related to residents' perceived use of MI were correlated with feeling a sense of personal accomplishment, one of the protective factors against burnout. Conclusion Consistent with other studies indicating that person-centered approaches are associated both with better patient outcomes and provider wellbeing, our data suggest that residents' self-reported use of the MI approach in patient care may be related to less burnout. It appears that training in the MI approach in graduate medical education may be simultaneously good for patient outcomes and good for resident well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Hershberger
- Department of Family Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Stacy R Flowers
- Department of Family Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Sharlo L Bayless
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Katharine Conway
- Department of Family Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Timothy N Crawford
- Department of Family Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
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12
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Collins RA, Herman T, Snyder RA, Haines KL, Stey A, Arora TK, Geevarghese SK, Phillips JD, Vicente D, Griggs CL, McElroy IE, Wall AE, Hughes TM, Sen S, Valinejad J, Alban A, Swan JS, Mercaldo N, Jalali MS, Chhatwal J, Gazelle GS, Rangel E, Yang CFJ, Donelan K, Gold JA, West CP, Cunningham C. Unspoken Truths: Mental Health Among Academic Surgeons. Ann Surg 2024; 279:429-436. [PMID: 37991182 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the current state of mental health within the surgical workforce in the United States. BACKGROUND Mental illness and suicide is a growing concern in the medical community; however, the current state is largely unknown. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of the academic surgery community assessing mental health, medical error, and suicidal ideation. The odds of suicidal ideation adjusting for sex, prior mental health diagnosis, and validated scales screening for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use disorder were assessed. RESULTS Of 622 participating medical students, trainees, and surgeons (estimated response rate=11.4%-14.0%), 26.1% (141/539) reported a previous mental health diagnosis. In all, 15.9% (83/523) of respondents screened positive for current depression, 18.4% (98/533) for anxiety, 11.0% (56/510) for alcohol use disorder, and 17.3% (36/208) for PTSD. Medical error was associated with depression (30.7% vs. 13.3%, P <0.001), anxiety (31.6% vs. 16.2%, P =0.001), PTSD (12.8% vs. 5.6%, P =0.018), and hazardous alcohol consumption (18.7% vs. 9.7%, P =0.022). Overall, 13.2% (73/551) of respondents reported suicidal ideation in the past year and 9.6% (51/533) in the past 2 weeks. On adjusted analysis, a previous history of a mental health disorder (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.04-3.65, P =0.033) and screening positive for depression (aOR: 4.30, 95% CI: 2.21-8.29, P <0.001) or PTSD (aOR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.61-9.44, P =0.002) were associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation over the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 1 in 7 respondents reported suicidal ideation in the past year. Mental illness and suicidal ideation are significant problems among the surgical workforce in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan A Collins
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Tianna Herman
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Rebecca A Snyder
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Anne Stey
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Tania K Arora
- Department of Surgery, Augusta University at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
| | | | | | - Diego Vicente
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cornelia L Griggs
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Imani E McElroy
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anji E Wall
- Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Tasha M Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Srijan Sen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jaber Valinejad
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andres Alban
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - J Shannon Swan
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nathaniel Mercaldo
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mohammad S Jalali
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - G Scott Gazelle
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Erika Rangel
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Karen Donelan
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica A Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO
| | - Colin P West
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Carrie Cunningham
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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13
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Abdelmageed S, Horak VJ, Virtanen PS, Lam SK, Burchiel KJ, Raskin JS. A Well-Being Well-Check for Neurosurgery: Evidence-Based Suggestions for Our Specialty Based on a Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00306-1. [PMID: 38403016 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The path through neurosurgery is rigorous. Many neurosurgeons may experience burnout, depression, or suicide throughout training and practice. We review the literature to help foster a culture of awareness and self-care and arm trainees with coping skills to reduce burnout and, thus, suicidality during all phases of their medical careers. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using 4 databases. 7 studies were included. RESULTS Overlying themes of interventions were to increase balance, mindfulness, and physical fitness. The most common interventions included in programs were educational and physical activity. We suggest a comprehensive wellness program emphasizing interventions from 4 wellness dimensions-physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional. CONCLUSIONS Many neurosurgeons experience burnout, leading to a lack of satisfaction and early retirement; this necessitates a discipline-wide acknowledgment of endemic burnout among neurosurgeons. Systemic changes are needed to refine the training process and prioritize physician well-being- this cannot be left to chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Abdelmageed
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Victoria Jane Horak
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Piiamaria S Virtanen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sandi K Lam
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kim J Burchiel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Raskin
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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14
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John A, Bouillon-Minois JB, Bagheri R, Pélissier C, Charbotel B, Llorca PM, Zak M, Ugbolue UC, Baker JS, Dutheil F. The influence of burnout on cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1326745. [PMID: 38439796 PMCID: PMC10909938 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1326745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Burnout is a public health problem with various health consequences, among which cardiovascular disease is the most investigated but still under debate. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the influence of burnout on cardiovascular disease. Methods Studies reporting risk (odds ratio, relative risk, and hazard ratio) of cardiovascular disease following burnout were searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Embase, and ScienceDirect. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis stratified by type of cardiovascular disease and searched for putative influencing variables. We performed sensitivity analyses using the most adjusted models and crude risks. Results We included 25 studies in the systematic review and 9 studies in the meta-analysis (4 cross-sectional, 4 cohort, and 1 case-control study) for a total of 26,916 participants. Burnout increased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21% (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.39) using the most adjusted risks and by 27% (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.43) using crude risks. Using stratification by type of cardiovascular disease and the most adjusted risks, having experienced burnout significantly increased the risk of prehypertension by 85% (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.70) and cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization by 10% (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.18), whereas the risk increase for coronary heart disease (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.79) and myocardial infarction (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.71) was not significant. Results were also similar using crude odds ratio. The risk of cardiovascular disease after a burnout was not influenced by gender. Insufficient data precluded other meta-regressions. Conclusions Burnout seems to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, despite the few retrieved studies and a causality weakened by cross-sectional studies. However, numerous studies focused on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular risk linked to burnout, which may help to build a preventive strategy in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awena John
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Reza Bagheri
- Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Carole Pélissier
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, IFSTTAR, Université Lyon 1, UMRESTTE, CHU Saint-Etienne, Occupational Medicine, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- Université Lyon 1, UMRESTTE, CHU Lyon, Occupational Medicine, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, Institut Pascal, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Psychiatry, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marek Zak
- Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, The Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Kielce, Poland
| | - Ukadike C. Ugbolue
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frederic Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Cler-mont-Ferrand, Occupational Medicine, WittyFit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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15
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Jelen A, Rodin G, Graham L, Goldfarb R, Mah K, Satele DV, Elliot M, Krzyzanowska MK, Rubin BB. Prevalence and drivers of nurse and physician distress in cardiovascular and oncology programmes at a Canadian quaternary hospital network during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quality improvement initiative. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079106. [PMID: 38346886 PMCID: PMC10862283 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence and drivers of distress, a composite of burnout, decreased meaning in work, severe fatigue, poor work-life integration and quality of life, and suicidal ideation, among nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Cross-sectional design to evaluate distress levels of nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic between June and August 2021. SETTING Cardiovascular and oncology care settings at a Canadian quaternary hospital network. PARTICIPANTS 261 nurses and 167 physicians working in cardiovascular or oncology care. Response rate was 29% (428 of 1480). OUTCOME MEASURES Survey tool to measure clinician distress using the Well-Being Index (WBI) and additional questions about workplace-related and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors. RESULTS Among 428 respondents, nurses (82%, 214 of 261) and physicians (62%, 104 of 167) reported high distress on the WBI survey. Higher WBI scores (≥2) in nurses were associated with perceived inadequate staffing (174 (86%) vs 28 (64%), p=0.003), unfair treatment, (105 (52%) vs 11 (25%), p=0.005), and pandemic-related impact at work (162 (80%) vs 22 (50%), p<0.001) and in their personal life (135 (67%) vs 11 (25%), p<0.001), interfering with job performance. Higher WBI scores (≥3) in physicians were associated with perceived inadequate staffing (81 (79%) vs 32 (52%), p=0.001), unfair treatment (44 (43%) vs 13 (21%), p=0.02), professional dissatisfaction (29 (28%) vs 5 (8%), p=0.008), and pandemic-related impact at work (84 (82%) vs 35 (56%), p=0.001) and in their personal life (56 (54%) vs 24 (39%), p=0.014), interfering with job performance. CONCLUSION High distress was common among nurses and physicians working in cardiovascular and oncology care settings during the pandemic and linked to factors within and beyond the workplace. These results underscore the complex and contextual aspects of clinician distress, and the need to develop targeted approaches to effectively address this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlexxi Jelen
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leanna Graham
- Office of Professional Practice & Policy, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Kenneth Mah
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel V Satele
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Mary Elliot
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barry B Rubin
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Costantino C, Bonaccorso N, Minutolo G, Sciortino M, Ripoli G, Berardi M, Gallo M, Nastasi S, Serra S, Trapani E, Busalacchi E, Ficano P, Siciliano S, Immordino P, Mazzucco W, Restivo V, Vitale F, Casuccio A. Prevalence of smoking habits, attitudes and knowledge on counteractive strategies among a sample of healthcare employees: results of the smoking-free health environments project in the province of Palermo, Italy. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1335937. [PMID: 38375336 PMCID: PMC10875051 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1335937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tobacco use is responsible for over 7 million deaths annually, making smoking the leading cause of preventable mortality globally. Over the last two decades in Italy, the prevalence of smoking among physicians has consistently decreased, while it remains higher and is gradually decreasing among non-physician healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Prevalence of smoking habits, attitudes, and knowledge on counteractive strategies among employees in the Primary Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Palermo, Italy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2020 and December 2020 through a previously validated anonymous questionnaire structured in four sections including 34 items. Data were analyzed using Stata/MP 12.1 statistical software. Results Overall, 2,645 participants answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of either current or former smokers was 18.6%. Based on the multivariable analysis conducted, a significantly higher frequency of current smokers was observed among male participants (AdjOR: 1.29; CI95%: 1.02-1.64) and those belonging to the Surgical Unit (AdjOR: 1.92; CI95%: 1.27-2.90). Conversely, the prevalence of current smokers was significantly lower among those with at least one child (AdjOR: 0.67; CI95%: 0.49-0.91), with an educational qualification equal to or greater than a graduation degree (AdjOR: 0.56; CI95%: 0.43-0.73), those who considered second-hand smoke harmful (AdjOR: 0.06; CI95%: 0.008-0.60), those who had observed smoking or detected the smell of smoke in their workplace (AdjOR: 0.64; CI95%: 0.45-0.91). Furthermore, the prevalence of current smokers was significantly lower among participants who believed that healthcare professionals could play a crucial role in influencing their patients' lifestyles (AdjOR: 0.67; CI95%: 0.50-0.90) and among those who recommend their patients to quit smoking (AdjOR: 0.35; CI95%: 0.24-0.51). Discussion The results of the current research demonstrate that, despite the decline in smoking prevalence among physicians, the rate of smokers among healthcare facility employees remains unacceptably high. This underscores the need to re-evaluate current anti-tobacco strategies in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- Dedalus Unit - Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- University Hospital - UH - “P. Giaccone” of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicole Bonaccorso
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Minutolo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martina Sciortino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Palmira Immordino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- Dedalus Unit - Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- University Hospital - UH - “P. Giaccone” of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- Dedalus Unit - Palermo Local Health Authority, Palermo, Italy
- University Hospital - UH - “P. Giaccone” of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Casuccio
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Depressive disorders encompass a spectrum of diagnoses and are more common in women and transgender individuals. Diagnosis involves thorough history-taking and exclusion of underlying medical disorders. The emergency physician should assess the risk of self-harm and consider environmental and social factors prior to disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Chao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, TC-B1-380, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5000, USA.
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18
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Thielmann B, Meyer F, Böckelmann I. [Against the mental stress-Resilient work in surgery]. Chirurgie (Heidelb) 2024; 95:135-147. [PMID: 37987763 PMCID: PMC10834595 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01977-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgery represents a challenging medical discipline. AIM This article focuses on psychological stress in surgery and explains resilience as a protective factor against the consequences of psychological stress, based on selected literature references and own relevant clinical experiences. In this context, the sense of coherence, social support and self-efficacy expectation are discussed in more detail as resilience factors. METHOD Narrative review. RESULTS (CORNER POINTS) Surgery is classified as a challenging medical subspecialty with a high reputation but associated with diverse and varied physical and psychological stress factors. Stress factors differ individually in terms of requirements (can be overdemanding or underdemanding but also stimulating, relevant to learning and meaningful, thus positively or negatively stressful) and resources (potentially beneficial working conditions, experience, or behavior, e.g., social support, scope for action). Fluctuations within surgical specialties and a high dropout rate during residency training are well known and the causes include high psychological stress. In the case of persistent and at the same time insufficient compensation of work stress caused by a lack of or insufficient resources, these can be associated with mental illnesses. Nonetheless, many physicians spend their entire lives working in hospital or private surgical settings and remain healthy, a strong sense of resilience to mental illness may be fundamental to this. Resilience can be present as a personal characteristic or it can be learnt through a process or adapted through positive or negative influences, thus strengthening the personal characteristics. Overall, data on surgeon resilience or interventional studies in resilience research in the surgical setting are limited and provide another research gap. Resilience training (directed at a sense of coherence, social support, strengthening knowledge of coping skills, positive emotions, optimism, hope, self-efficacy expectations, control beliefs or robustness), also clearly indicated in the "robust" medical specialty of surgery, is always individual and should not be generalized. If the surgeon cannot retrieve sufficient resources due to the stressful situation, stress management with its methods is helpful to reduce the psychological stress and to be able to maintain the performance and health of this person. CONCLUSION The consolidation of resilience as a notable aspect of employee management. In collegial interactions, resilience must be based on workplace-based approaches to strengthen coping mechanisms in the face of work stress. Workplace-related stress should also be perceived, addressed and counteracted within the organization, certainly also as an elementary management task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Thielmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Frank Meyer
- Universitätsklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Transplantationschirurgie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg mit Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg A. ö. R., Magdeburg, Deutschland.
| | - Irina Böckelmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
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19
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Shenouda J, Blaber M, George R, Haslam J. The debate rages on: physician-assisted suicide in an ethical light. Br J Anaesth 2024:S0007-0912(24)00003-5. [PMID: 38290905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The British Medical Association and some Royal Colleges have recently changed their stance on physician-assisted suicide from 'opposed' to forms of 'neutral'. The Royal College of Anaesthetists will poll members soon on whether to follow suit. Elsewhere neutrality amongst professional bodies has preceded legalisation of physician-assisted suicide. We examine the arguments relevant to the anaesthesia community and its potential impact in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Shenouda
- Anaesthetics, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Department, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Michael Blaber
- Connected Palliative Care, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Robert George
- Department of Palliative Care and Policy, Cicely Saunders' Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Haslam
- Radnor Intensive Care Unit, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, UK
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20
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Diaz E, Abad-Tortosa D, Ghezal M, Davin J, Lopez-Castroman J. Role of stressful life events and personality traits on the prevalence of wish to die among French physicians. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1244605. [PMID: 38322123 PMCID: PMC10844508 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1244605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide rates are higher among physicians than in the general population. We aimed to investigate the role of stressful life events (related or not to work conditions) and personality traits on wish to die, a proxy measure of suicidal ideation. Methods This cross-sectional study took place in France from March 2018 to September 2018. Physicians completed an online questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression model estimated factors associated with wish to die. Moderated moderation models were used to assess the effect of personality traits on the relationship between stressful events and wish to die. Results 1,020 physicians completed the questionnaire. Most (75%) had endorsed a work-related stressful event and one in six (15.9%) endorsed a wish to die the year before. Wish to die was associated with burnout (OR = 2.65, 95%CI = 1.82-3.88) and work-related stressful events (OR = 2.18, 95%CI = 1.24-3.85) including interpersonal conflicts, harassment and work-overload. Emotional stability was the only personality trait associated with wish to die in the logistic regression (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.59-0.82). In moderation models, we observed a significant interaction involving three personality traits-emotional stability, extraversion, and agreeableness-along with gender, influencing the impact of stressful events on the wish to die. Limitations Our study is limited by the impossibility to control for risk factors associated with suicide like psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusion Work-related stressful events significantly contribute to the manifestation of a wish to die among physicians. The impact of stressful events on the wish to die is moderated by factors such as gender and personality traits, including emotional stability and extraversion. These results are overall consistent with prior studies concerning the risk of burnout and suicide among physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Diaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU), Nîmes, France
| | - Diana Abad-Tortosa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU), Nîmes, France
| | - Maha Ghezal
- Department of Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU), Nîmes, France
| | - Josephine Davin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU), Nîmes, France
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU), Nîmes, France
- IGF, CNRS-INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Signal Theory and Communication, Universidad Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Agarwal AK, Gonzales R, Munden C, Albright D, Tsao S. Medical Students' Perceptions on Identifying and Addressing Emotional Responses in Emergency Medicine: Pilot Investigation. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50827. [PMID: 38198202 PMCID: PMC10809065 DOI: 10.2196/50827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Training in acute care, such as emergency medicine (EM), where exposure to critically ill and injured patients is high, impacts the well-being of trainees and contributes to burnout. Investigating how, and if, trainees prepare for these situations is necessary to ensure they are supported. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate medical students' perspectives and emotional preparedness for handling acute care and trauma. METHODS We conducted a pilot investigation using a remote digital survey of medical students during their EM clerkship at a large, urban academic institution. The primary outcome of interest was student-reported preparedness and comfort in handling trauma and critical care patient encounters. Secondary outcomes included awareness of well-being resources and comfort in accessing digital well-being resources. RESULTS A total of 57 medical students completed the voluntary digital survey, and half of the students (n=28, 49%) reported having witnessed the care of a critically ill or a penetrating trauma patient (eg, a victim of gun violence). A majority (n=40, 70%) had thought about how these events may impact them, and over half felt unprepared to identify the emotional impact these cases may have on them (n=31, 54%) or address the emotional or mental health impact (n=36, 63%). Less than a quarter (n=14, 25%) were aware of digital mental health resources, and 58% (n=33) did not feel fully comfortable connecting with resources if needed. Students who had previously witnessed critical care were significantly more likely to report feeling well prepared in identifying the emotional impact and addressing this impact. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional survey, students did not feel fully prepared to identify or address the emotional impact of working in EM. Additionally, they lacked awareness of or comfort with accessing digital institutional resources meant to support their well-being, such as a large web-based platform. These findings can help inform and guide interventions by educational and academic leaders. The aim would be to create and promote environments that empower students with tools to identify their own emotions and connect to well-being resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Kumar Agarwal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Health Care Transformation and Innovation, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Gonzales
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Health Care Transformation and Innovation, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cory Munden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - DaCarla Albright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennyslvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suzana Tsao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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22
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Esparza-Reig J, Julián M. Association between suicidal ideation and burnout: A meta-analysis. Death Stud 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38180020 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2300064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 700,000 people die by suicide annually worldwide. Researchers have explored a spectrum of experiences that involve stress in academic or work environments and potentially intensify suicidal thoughts or behaviors. However, no meta-analysis has examined the relationship between suicidal ideation (SI) and burnout. This study consisted of a meta-analysis to examine the association between SI and burnout syndrome, utilizing the WoS Core Collection, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, DIALNET, and Google Scholar databases. Twenty-one samples met the study's eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The results revealed a significant relationship between SI and burnout, with the type of burnout (occupational, academic, and parental) emerging as the most significant moderating variable. Occupational burnout exhibited the lowest correlation, followed by academic and parental burnout. These findings suggest the importance of developing tools to assess SI within the context of the work environment, parenting and academics, and psychoeducational programs for managing stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martín Julián
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Hughes TM, Collins RA, Cunningham CE. Depression and Suicide Among American Surgeons-A Grave Threat to the Surgeon Workforce. JAMA Surg 2024; 159:7-8. [PMID: 37792380 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses mental health issues and suicide among surgeons in the US and potential solutions to this growing crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha M Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Reagan A Collins
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Carrie E Cunningham
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Robison R, Brendle M, Moore C, Cross H, Helm L, Darling S, Thayer S, Thielking P, Shannon S. Ketamine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy for Frontline Healthcare Workers with COVID-19-Related Burnout and PTSD: A Case Series of Effectiveness/Safety for 10 Participants. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:23-32. [PMID: 36862829 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2186285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
This study reports on 10 frontline healthcare workers, employed during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing symptoms of burnout and PTSD, treated with group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a private outpatient clinic setting. Participants attended 6 sessions once weekly. These included 1 preparation session, 3 ketamine sessions (2 sublingual, 1 intramuscular), 2 integration sessions. Measures of PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7) were administered at baseline and post-treatment. During ketamine sessions, the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI) and the 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) were recorded. Participant feedback was gathered 1-month post-treatment. We observed improvements in participants' average PCL-5 (59% reduction), PHQ-9 (58% reduction), and GAD-7 (36% reduction) scores from pre- to post-treatment. At post-treatment, 100% of participants screened negative for PTSD, 90% had minimal/mild depression or clinically significant improvement, and 60% had minimal/mild anxiety or clinically significant improvement. MEQ and EBI scores had large variations among participants at each ketamine session. Ketamine was well tolerated, and no significant adverse events were reported. Participant feedback corroborated findings of improvements observed in mental health symptoms. We found immediate improvements treating 10 frontline healthcare workers experiencing burnout, PTSD, depression, and anxiety using weekly group KAP and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Robison
- Numinus Wellness, Draper, UT, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, SL, UT, USA
| | - Madeline Brendle
- Numinus Wellness, Draper, UT, USA
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, SLC, UT, USA
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Are C, Murthy SS, Sullivan R, Schissel M, Chowdhury S, Alatise O, Anaya D, Are M, Balch C, Bartlett D, Brennan M, Cairncross L, Clark M, Deo SVS, Dudeja V, D'Ugo D, Fadhil I, Giuliano A, Gopal S, Gutnik L, Ilbawi A, Jani P, Kingham TP, Lorenzon L, Leiphrakpam P, Leon A, Martinez-Said H, McMasters K, Meltzer DO, Mutebi M, Zafar SN, Naik V, Newman L, Oliveira AF, Park DJ, Pramesh CS, Rao S, Subramanyeshwar Rao T, Bargallo-Rocha E, Romanoff A, Rositch AF, Rubio IT, Salvador de Castro Ribeiro H, Sbaity E, Senthil M, Smith L, Toi M, Turaga K, Yanala U, Yip CH, Zaghloul A, Anderson BO. Global Cancer Surgery: pragmatic solutions to improve cancer surgery outcomes worldwide. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e472-e518. [PMID: 37924819 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The first Lancet Oncology Commission on Global Cancer Surgery was published in 2015 and serves as a landmark paper in the field of cancer surgery. The Commission highlighted the burden of cancer and the importance of cancer surgery, while documenting the many inadequacies in the ability to deliver safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgical care. This Commission builds on the first Commission by focusing on solutions and actions to improve access to cancer surgery globally, developed by drawing upon the expertise from cancer surgery leaders across the world. We present solution frameworks in nine domains that can improve access to cancer surgery. These nine domains were refined to identify solutions specific to the six WHO regions. On the basis of these solutions, we developed eight actions to propel essential improvements in the global capacity for cancer surgery. Our initiatives are broad in scope, pragmatic, affordable, and contextually applicable, and aimed at cancer surgeons as well as leaders, administrators, elected officials, and health policy advocates. We envision that the solutions and actions contained within the Commission will address inequities and promote safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgery for every patient, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrakanth Are
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Shilpa S Murthy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, School of Cancer Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Makayla Schissel
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sanjib Chowdhury
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Olesegun Alatise
- Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Anaya
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Madhuri Are
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Charles Balch
- Department of Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Global Cancer Surgery: pragmatic solutions to improve USA
| | - David Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Murray Brennan
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lydia Cairncross
- Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew Clark
- University of Auckland School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S V S Deo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Domenico D'Ugo
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Armando Giuliano
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Lily Gutnik
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andre Ilbawi
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pankaj Jani
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laura Lorenzon
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Premila Leiphrakpam
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Augusto Leon
- Department of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Kelly McMasters
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hiram C Polk, Jr MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - David O Meltzer
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Syed Nabeel Zafar
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vibhavari Naik
- Department of Anesthesiology, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Do Joong Park
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C S Pramesh
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Saieesh Rao
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - T Subramanyeshwar Rao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Global Health and Health System Design, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne F Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Isabel T Rubio
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eman Sbaity
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maheswari Senthil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Masakazi Toi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiran Turaga
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ujwal Yanala
- Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cheng-Har Yip
- Department of Surgery, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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26
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Ranasinghe PD, Zhou A. Women physicians and the COVID-19 pandemic: gender-based impacts and potential interventions. Ann Med 2023; 55:319-324. [PMID: 36594806 PMCID: PMC9815224 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2164046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: These are extraordinary times caused by the first global pandemic in our modern era. Physicians and other frontline healthcare providers face unique challenges, for which they have had little formal preparation. This combination of challenge and deficit leads to significant negative impacts, not only on what medical practices and health care systems can deliver to the public, but also on the individual healthcare providers themselves.Methods: In this essay, we specifically address women physicians, and explore the considerable impact they bear from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the contexts of response to stress, social isolation, work-life integration, and autonomy. Because the language we use is important, we think it necessary to clarify that when we refer to 'women physicians,' we are referring to physicians that self-identify as women, and we acknowledge that not all the references we cite may use the same definition.Results: We offer several potential interventions that turn the challenges women physicians are facing into opportunities to address longstanding inequity. These interventions include tackling barriers to work-life balance, addressing gender and maternal bias, and promoting women physician representation in leadership.Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to become a chronic part of our lives; protecting vulnerable populations, such as women physicians, through thoughtful intervention is paramount.KEY MESSAGESWomen physicians experience considerable adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the contexts of response to stress, social isolation, work-life integration, and autonomy.These challenges create opportunities for interventions to improve equity in medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the long-term, including tackling barriers to work-life balance, addressing gender and maternal bias, and promoting women physician representation in leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Zhou
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nelson O, Greenwood E, Simpao AF, Matava CT. Refocusing on work-based hazards for the anaesthesiologist in a post-pandemic era. BJA Open 2023; 8:100234. [PMID: 37942056 PMCID: PMC10630594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has raised public awareness of one of the many hazards that healthcare workers face daily: exposure to harmful pathogens. The anaesthesia workplace encompasses the operating room, interventional radiology suite, and other sites that contain many other potential occupational and environmental hazards. This review article highlights the work-based hazards that anaesthesiologists and other clinicians may encounter in the anaesthesia workplace: ergonomic design, physical, chemical, fire, biological, or psychological hazards. As the anaesthesia work environment enters a post-COVID-19 pandemic phase, anaesthesiologists will do well to review and consider these hazards. The current review includes proposed solutions to some hazards and identifies opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Nelson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric Greenwood
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allan F. Simpao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clyde T. Matava
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sinskey JL, Chang JM, Lu AC, Pian-Smith MC. Patient Safety and Clinician Well-Being. Anesthesiol Clin 2023; 41:739-753. [PMID: 37838381 DOI: 10.1016/j.anclin.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Clinician well-being and patient safety are intricately linked. We propose that organizational factors (ie, elements of the perioperative work environment and culture) affect both, as opposed to a bidirectional causal relationship. Threats to patient safety and clinician well-being include clinician mental health issues, negative work environments, poor teamwork and communication, and staffing shortages. Opportunities to mitigate these threats include the normalization of mental health care, peer support, psychological safety, just culture, teamwork and communication training, and creative staffing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina L Sinskey
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, 521 Parnassus Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Joyce M Chang
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, 521 Parnassus Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy C Lu
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - May C Pian-Smith
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Dubruel A, Patel P, Kennedy A. The Recovery from Attempting Suicide. Arch Suicide Res 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37982802 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2281546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
A positive trajectory of life after an attempted suicide is extremely limited in research despite its advantage of aiding salutary outcomes. A systematic review of the qualitative research was conducted to explore the impact the attempt of taking your own life has had on your life and your work, to discover what changes participants have made to move toward a life worth living, and to understand how people can help better support individuals from attempted suicide attempts. A comprehensive search of online articles identified thirteen eligible studies. Three themes emerged: (1) rediscovering a life of meaning (2) contextual factors that facilitate a life worth living (3) internal changes. Limitations were discussed along with recommendations for future research.
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McFarland DC, Lee HB. Preventing Physician Suicide-A Role for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry? J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2023; 64:489-491. [PMID: 37890786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C McFarland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
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31
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Rees H, Hallett N. Reducing the risk of suicide among healthcare staff. Nurs Stand 2023; 38:26-33. [PMID: 37779322 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the number of deaths by suicide is an important area in public health. Several factors, including excessive workload demands and burnout, mean that healthcare staff such as nurses are at higher risk of death by suicide compared with people working in other occupations. This article explores the contributory factors involved in suicide among healthcare professionals and outlines some of the methods that nurses can use to enquire about suicide risk with their colleagues. It also details appropriate interventions that nurses can use to reduce the risk of suicide among their colleagues. The authors aim to increase nurses' understanding of their role in suicide prevention in the healthcare workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Rees
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, England
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Skotnicki BS, Wilson PM, Kazmerski TM, Manole MD, Kinnane JM, Lunoe MM. Gender Differences in Work-Life Integration, Career Satisfaction, and Burnout in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023:00006565-990000000-00346. [PMID: 37857469 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women physicians report worse work-life integration, career satisfaction, and burnout than men. No studies have evaluated work-life integration and career satisfaction in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) or explored gender differences for these outcomes. This study aims to (1) compare work-life integration, career satisfaction, and burnout in women and men PEM physicians and (2) compare associated individual and occupational factors to distinguish modifiable factors. METHODS We distributed an electronic survey to assess well-being parameters in PEM physicians. We assessed career satisfaction and work-life integration with single-item measures. We used a 2-item screen to measure burnout. We performed descriptive analyses, univariate analysis to compare gender differences, and multivariate logistic regression analysis for each outcome. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-nine PEM physicians participated, yielding a response rate of 50% (57% women; age range, 30-80 years). Overall satisfaction with work-life integration was 42.9%, with 34.3% of women reporting appropriate work-life integration, compared with 55.4% of men (P = 0.001). Career satisfaction rate was 77.8%, with 71.6% of women reporting career satisfaction, compared with 86.1% of men (P = 0.008). Burnout rate was 44.5%, with 53.7% of women reporting burnout compared with 33.7% of men (P = 0.002). Modifiable factors identified include perception of unfair compensation, inadequate physical and mental health support provided by organization, feeling unappreciated, inadequate provider staffing, inadequate resources for patient care, lack of advance notice or control of work schedule, and inadequate sleep. CONCLUSIONS Of PEM physicians, women have worse work-life integration, less career satisfaction, and more burnout than men. The PEM community should devote resources to modifiable occupational factors to improve gender disparities in well-being parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brielle Stanton Skotnicki
- From the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Traci M Kazmerski
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mioara D Manole
- From the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Janet M Kinnane
- From the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Maren M Lunoe
- From the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Sarigül A, Kaya A, Aziz IA, Yıldırım M, Özok HI, Chirico F, Zaffina S. General work stress and suicide cognitions in health-care workers: mediating effect of hopelessness and job satisfaction. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1254331. [PMID: 37942250 PMCID: PMC10629234 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1254331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a satisfactory level of job satisfaction are much less likely to feel hopeless about their future and are more likely to perform efficiently in the workplace. General work stress (i.e., the work-related stress subjectively experienced) is a significant predictor of suicide cognitions. Furthermore, it has been posited that satisfaction and hope are fundamental to life from an existential perspective. We, therefore, tested a hypothetical model of general work stress, suicide cognitions, hopelessness, and job satisfaction. The data were collected from 416 health-care workers through a convenience sampling method. The mediation analysis results revealed significant negative and positive relationships among general work stress, suicide conceptions, hopelessness, and job satisfaction. The findings indicate that hopelessness and job satisfaction have a parallel mediating effect in the relationship between general work stress and suicide cognitions. The result of the study is of great importance, which suggests that interventions to alleviate hopelessness and work stress and to boost the job satisfaction of medical staff may help prevent suicide cognitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulselami Sarigül
- Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, Türkiye
| | - Alican Kaya
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counselling, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, Türkiye
| | - Izaddin Ahmad Aziz
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq
- Department of English, College of Education, Bayan University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Psychology, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Ağrı, Türkiye
- Graduate Studies and Research, Lebanese American University, Beyrut, Lebanon
| | - Halil Ibrahim Özok
- Department of Measurement and Assessment, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye
| | - Francesco Chirico
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Medicine/Health Technology Assessment and Safety Research Unit, Clinical-Technological Innovations Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Kobo O, Abramov D, Volgman AS, Mieres JH, Wijeysundera HC, Van Spall HGC, Mamas MA. Causes of Death Among Health Care Professionals in the United States. Popul Health Manag 2023; 26:294-302. [PMID: 37643310 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2023.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific causes of mortality among various types of health care professionals (HCPs), including those characterized by age, gender, and race, have not been well described. The National Occupational Mortality Surveillance data for deaths in 26 US states in 1999, 2003-2004, and 2007-2014 were queried to address this question. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated to compare specific causes of mortality among HCPs compared with those among the general population. HCPs were less likely to die from heart disease (PMR 93, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 92-94), alcoholism (PMR 62, 95% CI 57-68), drugs (PMR 80, 95% CI 70-90), and more likely to die from cerebrovascular disease (PMR 105, 95% CI 104-107) and diabetes (PMR 107, 95% CI 105-109). HCPs aged 18-64 years were more likely to die by suicide (PMR 104, 95% CI 101-107), whereas those aged 65-90 years were less likely to die by suicide (PMR 84, 95% CI 77-91), with physicians (PMR 251, 95% CI 229-275) and other HCPs having high PMR for suicide. Among all HCPs, suicide PMR was similarly increased, whereas heart disease PMRs are similarly decreased among Black compared with those among White HCPs and those among male compared with those among female HCPs. HCPs as a group and specific types of HCPs demonstrate causes of mortality that differ in important ways from the general population. Race and gender-based trends in PMRs for key causes of mortality among HCPs suggest that employment in a health care field may not alter race and gender disparities noted among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Kobo
- Department of Cardiology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitry Abramov
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Annabelle Santos Volgman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jennifer H Mieres
- Department of Cardiology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Northwell Health, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Harindra C Wijeysundera
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, California, USA
| | - Harriette G C Van Spall
- Department of Medicine and Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Research Institute of St. Joseph's, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Importance Historically elevated risks of suicide among physicians may have declined in recent decades. Yet there remains a paucity of information concerning suicide risks among other health care workers. Objective To estimate risks of death by suicide among US health care workers. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study of a nationally representative sample of workers from the 2008 American Community Survey (N = 1 842 000) linked to National Death Index records through December 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Age- and sex-standardized suicide rates were estimated for 6 health care worker groups (physicians, registered nurses, other health care-diagnosing or treating practitioners, health technicians, health care support workers, social/behavioral health workers) and non-health care workers. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of suicide for health care workers compared with non-health care workers using adjusted HRs for age, sex, race and ethnicity, marital status, education, and urban or rural residence. Results Annual standardized suicide rates per 100 000 persons (median age, 44 [IQR, 35-53] years; 32.4% female [among physicians] to 91.1% [among registered nurses]) were 21.4 (95% CI, 15.4-27.4) for health care support workers, 16.0 (95% CI, 9.4-22.6) for registered nurses, 15.6 (95% CI, 10.9-20.4) for health technicians, 13.1 (95% CI, 7.9-18.2) for physicians, 10.1 (95% CI, 6.0-14.3) for social/behavioral health workers, 7.6 (95% CI, 3.7-11.5) for other health care-diagnosing or treating practitioners, and 12.6 (95% CI, 12.1-13.1) for non-health care workers. The adjusted hazards of suicide were increased for health care workers overall (adjusted HR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.13-1.54]), health care support workers (adjusted HR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.35-2.42]), registered nurses (adjusted HR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.21-2.23]), and health technicians (adjusted HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.02-1.89]), but adjusted hazards of suicide were not increased for physicians (adjusted HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.71-1.72]), social/behavioral health workers (adjusted HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.75-1.72]), or other health care-diagnosing or treating practitioners (adjusted HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.36-1.03) compared with non-health care workers (reference). Conclusions Relative to non-health care workers, registered nurses, health technicians, and health care support workers in the US were at increased risk of suicide. New programmatic efforts are needed to protect the mental health of these US health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Olfson
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Melanie M. Wall
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Carlos Blanco
- Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, Maryland
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Mc Magh C, Fadahun O, Francis JM. Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use, mental disorders, and awareness and utilization of support services among healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Gauteng, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. Fam Pract 2023:cmad094. [PMID: 37713606 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare professionals (workers) are at an increased risk for developing mental and alcohol use disorders (risky drinking) due to increased psychological distress, long working hours, medical litigation, role conflict, and verbal/physical violence from colleagues and patients. Psychological well-being in healthcare workers is crucial to provide the best quality of care to patients. Current data are limited regarding alcohol abuse (risky drinking) rates and mental health condition among healthcare professionals in South Africa. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use disorder (risky drinking), depression, anxiety, suicidality, and covid anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic in healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study on a sample of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, clinical associates, and dentists working in the West Rand District of Gauteng, South Africa, during Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to complete a paper-based questionnaire addressing sociodemographic questions, a set of measures for alcohol use disorder (AUDIT-C), depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-7), suicidality (PSS-3), covid anxiety (CAS), and awareness and utilization of support services. RESULTS A total of 330 healthcare professionals (60.9% nurses, 33% doctors, 5.5% other) participated. Females comprised the majority of study participants with 78.8%, and 48.2% of the participants were in the age band 35-64 years. Overall, 20.9% of the healthcare professionals reported risky alcohol use. Females were 73% less likely to report risky alcohol use (AOR = 0.27;95% CI: 0.13-0.54). Prevalence of probable depression was 13.6% and female professionals were 5 times more likely to be classified as having probable depression (AOR = 4.86;95% CI: 1.08-21.90). The grouped prevalence of anxiety ranging from mild to severe was reported at 47.3%, female professionals were 3 times more likely to be classified as having anxiety disorder (AOR = 2.78;95% CI: 1.39-5.57). Furthermore, races other than African had higher rates of anxiety (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.00-6.42). The prevalence of suicide symptoms was 7.9% and that of covid dysfunctional anxiety 4.8%. Only 5% of participants were involved in an employee wellness program, with 60% expressing interest in joining one. CONCLUSION Alcohol use (risky drinking) and mental disorders were common among healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Johannesburg, South Africa. There is overall poor awareness and use of support structures highlighting urgent need for interventions. Future studies could also explore in-depth the drivers of mental disorders and lack of utilization of the available service and strategies to deliver alcohol and mental disorder screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Mc Magh
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oluwafojimi Fadahun
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joel Msafiri Francis
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cohen R, Sela Y, Nissanholtz-Gannot R. Addressing the second victim phenomenon in Israeli health care institutions. Isr J Health Policy Res 2023; 12:30. [PMID: 37667398 PMCID: PMC10476320 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-023-00578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'second victim' phenomenon (SVP) refers to practitioners who experience a negative physical or emotional response, as well as a professional decline, after participating or witnessing an adverse event. Despite the Israeli Ministry of Health's implementation of specific protocols regarding the overall management of adverse events in health organizations over the past decade, there is limited knowledge regarding healthcare managers' perceptions of the 'second victim' occurrence. METHODS A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to identify an accurate view of policy. Fifteen senior risk manager/and policy makers were interviewed about their knowledge and perceptions of the 'second victim'. Topics addressed included reporting mechanisms of an adverse event, the degree of organizational awareness of 'second victim', and identifying components of possible intervention programs and challenges to implementing those programs. RESULTS Examining current procedures reveals that there is limited knowledge about uniform guidance for health care organizations on how to identify, treat, or prevent SVP among providers. The employee support programs that were offered were sporadic in nature and depended on the initiative of a direct manager or the risk manager. CONCLUSIONS Currently, there is little information or organizational discussion about the possible negative effects of AE on healthcare practitioners. To provide overall medical care that is safe and effective for patients, the health system must also provide a suitable response to the needs of the medical provider. This could be achieved by establishing a national policy for all healthcare organizations to follow, raising awareness of the possible occurrence of SVP, and creating a standard for the subsequent identification, treatment and future prevention for providers who may be suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinat Cohen
- Department of Health System Management, School of Health Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Nursing Department, Ramat Gan Academic College, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Rishon Le Zion, Israel
| | - Yael Sela
- Nursing Department, Ruppin Academic College, Emek-Hefer, Israel
| | - Rachel Nissanholtz-Gannot
- Department of Health System Management, School of Health Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Smokler Center for Health Policy Research, Meyers JDC-Brookdale Institute, Jerusalem, Israel
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Wang Y, Xu M, Wei Z, Sun L. Associations between workplace violence and suicidal ideation among Chinese medical staff: a propensity score matching analysis. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37656046 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2254037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Physical and mental health problems had been identified as the negative outcomes of workplace violence (WPV) against medical staff. Considering the proven associations between physical and mental health and suicidal ideation, it is reasonable to assume that WPV may associate with suicidal ideation. However, few studies were conducted to explore the relationship between WPV and their suicidal ideation against medical staff. Based on a cross-sectional design, 3, 426 medical staff working in general hospitals were interviewed in Shandong Province, China. Socio-demographic characteristics, work-related factors, psychological variables, WPV, and suicidal ideation were evaluated. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to explore the association between WPV and suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical staff was 9.1% (312/3426), and 52.2% (1788/3426) of medical staff reported the WPV experience. Before PSM, we found that the association between WPV and suicidal ideation was statistically significant (aOR = 1.606, p < 0.01). After PSM, there was a statistically significant correlation between WPV and suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.525, p < 0.01). This study supported the correlations between WPV against medical staff and their suicidal ideation. The results of PSM further implied that WPV might cause suicidal ideation among medical staff. Psychological health, especially for suicidal ideation, should be paid attention for medical staff with WPV experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Meixia Xu
- Department of Current Situation and Policy, Shandong Women's University Jinan Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Long Sun
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
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DeBeer BB, Mignogna J, Nance M, Bahraini N, Penzenik M, Brenner LA. COVID-19 and Lifetime Experiences of Trauma, Moral Injury, and Institutional Betrayal Among Healthcare Providers. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:745-750. [PMID: 37254232 PMCID: PMC10694842 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to increase understanding regarding healthcare provider experiences with psychological trauma, moral injury, and institutional betrayal, both over the lifetime and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional design to understand traumatic experiences, moral injury, and institutional betrayal among medical and mental health providers. Participants were asked to identify an index trauma, and experiences were coded qualitatively using categories for traumatic events, moral injury, and institutional betrayal. RESULTS Results revealed that experiences of trauma, moral injury, and institutional betrayal were common in relation to the pandemic, as were prepandemic histories of traumatic exposures. Findings indicate that trauma exposure was a work hazard for healthcare providers during the pandemic, which could result in negative long-term mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Future research is needed to explore potential long-term negative outcomes among healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryann B. DeBeer
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Joseph Mignogna
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Morgan Nance
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Nazanin Bahraini
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Molly Penzenik
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
| | - Lisa A. Brenner
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
- Department of Neurology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Förstl H. [Richard Semon (1859-1918): expeditions, engrams and epigenetics]. Neuropsychiatr 2023; 37:147-155. [PMID: 36692810 PMCID: PMC10491508 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-022-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Richard Semon (1859-1918) was a student of Ernst Haeckel and began his career as a zoologist with work on sea urchins, starfish, chicken and lung fish, which he collected at the Mediterranean Sea and in Australia. After his return to Germany he was forced to leave Jena and the university due to private reasons, and settled in Munich, where Semon devoted most of his time to the more philosophical aspects of biology, developed the theory of "mneme" (1904), which he extended towards the inheritance of acquired characteristics (1912). Semon's concept of memory reached far beyond the brain and the individual person. In 1918 he took his life, despondent because of a surmised lack of scientific appreciation, the death of his beloved wife, the political turmoil at the end of WWI, and his-the memory researcher's-suspected loss of memory. Eight years later, the experimental biologist Paul Kammerer (1880-1926) from Vienna, Semon's must trusted source for the inheritance of acquired characteristics, also shot himself. Serious doubts increasingly overshadowed his work on salamanders and midwife toads. Epigenetics, the nature of memory, the fear of cognitive impairment, depression, the impact of private and political matters on scientific work, suspected scientific errors, fraud and a scientists' suicides are condensed in Semon's life and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Förstl
- Institut für Geschichte und Ethik der Medizin, TUM, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, München, Deutschland.
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Rezaei Z, Mohammadi S, Aghaei A, Pouragha H, Latifi A, Keshavarz-Mohammadi N. Assessment of risk factors for suicidal behavior: results from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Employees' Cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1180250. [PMID: 37674684 PMCID: PMC10478100 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1180250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Suicide is a major issue of concern for public health. It is estimated that suicide accounts for 700,000 deaths every year. A personal history of one or more suicide attempts is the most important determinant of suicide among the general population. This study aimed to assess the major risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors among Iranian employees in a medical setting. Methods In this study, 3,913 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who participated in the employees' cohort study conducted by the university were recruited. Suicidal behaviors (SBs) and their associated risk factors were evaluated using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) Version 3.0. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the determinants of SBs among the participants, and crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results Overall, 49.6% of respondents (n = 1,939) reported that they were tired of life and thinking about death. The lifetime prevalence rate of suicidal ideation (SI) was 8.1% (n = 317), that of suicide planning (SP) was 7.3% (n = 287), and that of suicide attempts (SA) was 3.1% (n = 122). Being female (OR: 1.87, CI: 1.64-2.12), being divorced (OR: 3.13, CI: 1.88-5.22), having a low level of education (OR: 1.57, CI: 1.15-2.14), and working in clinical and medical services (OR: 1.25, CI: 1.09-1.43) were associated with being tired of life and thinking about death. These factors were also associated with SI, SP, and SA. Discussion These findings highlight the need to prioritize mental health for suicide prevention, especially for high-risk groups, in workplace mental health promotion programs and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahed Rezaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
- Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi
- Health Metrics Research Centre, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Aghaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pouragha
- Center for Research on Occupational Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Mehralborz University (MAU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Latifi
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Nastaran Keshavarz-Mohammadi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hamdan M, Haddad BI, Alshrouf MA, Al-Ani A, Alisi MS, Hammad Y, Alelaumi A, Al Hawamdeh H, Halaweh AA, Alshabatat L, Kawasmi S. Burnout, grit and resilience among Jordanian orthopedic surgeons: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:593. [PMID: 37605179 PMCID: PMC10464497 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04572-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout is a serious issue that affects physicians more than the general population; however, those with higher levels of grit and resilience have been shown to experience lower levels of burnout. The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of burnout among Jordanian orthopedic surgeons, explore its risk factors, and investigate the relationship between burnout and grit and resilience. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study targeting a total of 180 orthopedic surgeons attending the yearly Jordanian National Orthopedic Conference (JNOC). Non-random sampling (i.e., convenience) was utilized to recruit participants. The abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory, short grit scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used. Scores were examined using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Spearman's rho tests, of which results were corrected using the Bonferroni method. RESULTS Among 135 respondents, 62.2% were specialists and 37.8% were residents. About 52.0% practiced in public hospitals. Approximately 69.0% worked for more than 50 h weekly. The prevalence of burnout among all participants was 45.2% with more frequency among residents (66.7%). Burnout and the participants' grit and resilience showed an inverse relationship (ρ = -0.441 and ρ = -0.312, respectively). Age (ρ = 0.337), number of children (ρ = 0.245), and years of experience (ρ = 0.331) were positively correlated with grit. The median score for grit was higher in physicians who had or are having their residency outside Jordan (p < 0.001). Age (ρ = 0.233) and years of experience (ρ = 0.269) were positively correlated with resilience. CONCLUSION Jordanian orthopedic surgeons face significant rates of burnout. Institutional efforts should be taken to detect and prevent burnout in addition to enhancing the grit and resilience among orthopedic professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hamdan
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem I Haddad
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | | | - Abdallah Al-Ani
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed S Alisi
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Yazan Hammad
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Alelaumi
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hashem Al Hawamdeh
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Abu Halaweh
- Department of Special Surgery, Division of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Lara Alshabatat
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Sanad Kawasmi
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
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Rátiva Hernández NK, Carrero-Barragán TY, Ardila AF, Rodríguez-Salazar JD, Lozada-Martinez ID, Velez-Jaramillo E, Ortega Delgado DA, Fiorillo Moreno O, Navarro Quiroz E. Factors associated with suicide in physicians: a silent stigma and public health problem that has not been studied in depth. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1222972. [PMID: 37645639 PMCID: PMC10461439 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1222972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a complex and multifaceted public health issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, including healthcare professionals such as physicians. According to research, physicians have a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, with an estimated suicide rate that is two to three times greater than that of the general population. Suicide in physicians can have devastating consequences, not only for the individual but also for their patients and colleagues. The factors contributing to suicide in physicians are numerous and often interrelated. Physicians are exposed to numerous stressors in their daily lives, including long work hours, high workload, burnout, and exposure to traumatic events. These stressors can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, which in turn can increase the risk of suicide. In addition to work-related stressors, personal factors such as relationship problems, financial stress, and a history of mental health problems can also contribute to suicide risk in physicians. Stigma and shame around seeking help for mental health issues may also prevent physicians from seeking treatment, exacerbating the problem. Understanding the complex factors that contribute to suicide in physicians is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. For this reason, it is necessary to know the behavior of this phenomenon and the factors associated with a higher risk of suicide in this population. However, taking into account that different regions of the world vary in socioeconomic, cultural, professional, occupational, and health attributes, it is to be expected that the behavior of these risk factors will also be heterogeneous. At present, it is presumed that there is a significant gap in the evidence, due to a predominance of evidence on this topic from high-income countries. Considering the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for suicide in the medical population and possible strategies to mitigate this condition, the aim of this review is to analyze the most recent evidence on these factors, and to assess the quality of the evidence and gaps that need to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ivan David Lozada-Martinez
- Epidemiology Program, Department of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Stergiopoulos E, Martimianakis MAT, Zaheer J. Questionnaire médical des candidates et candidats à l’exercice de la médecine : Quelle devrait en être l’orientation politique au Canada? CMAJ 2023; 195:E1020-E1027. [PMID: 37553146 PMCID: PMC10446154 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221097-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erene Stergiopoulos
- Départements de psychiatrie (Stergiopoulos, Zaheer) et de pédiatrie (Martimianakis), Université de Toronto; Centre pour les dépendances et la santé mentale (Zaheer), Toronto, Ont.
| | - Maria Athina Tina Martimianakis
- Départements de psychiatrie (Stergiopoulos, Zaheer) et de pédiatrie (Martimianakis), Université de Toronto; Centre pour les dépendances et la santé mentale (Zaheer), Toronto, Ont
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Départements de psychiatrie (Stergiopoulos, Zaheer) et de pédiatrie (Martimianakis), Université de Toronto; Centre pour les dépendances et la santé mentale (Zaheer), Toronto, Ont
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Lageborn CT, Bjureberg J, Song J, Runeson B, Möller J, Ljung R, Dahlin M. Risk of suicide and self-harm in university students entering different university programs - a national register-based cohort study in Sweden. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1139-1149. [PMID: 37149517 PMCID: PMC10366015 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02484-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is not known whether the elevated suicide risk in certain occupations, such as health care professionals, is partly attributable to a selection of individuals with prior vulnerability. We aimed to determine the risk of suicide and self-harm already in students entering different university programs. METHODS We used national registers to identify 621,218 Swedish residents aged 18-39 years with registration for a university program 1993-2013. Outcomes were suicide and self-harm within three years. We applied logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of risk of suicide and self-harm, with the Education program category as a reference. Results were adjusted for sex, age, time period and for history of hospitalization due to mental disorder or self-harm, as a measure of previous vulnerability. In the second step, we stratified results by sex. RESULTS There was a higher risk of suicide (OR 2.4) in female nursing students and natural science students (OR 4.2) and of self-harm in female and male Nursing/Health care students (OR range 1.2 -1.7). Subcategorization into nursing students only strengthened the association with self-harm for both sexes. Prior vulnerability did not fully explain the increased risk. CONCLUSION The elevated risk of suicide in nursing and health care occupations partly has its onset in vulnerability factors present before or emerging during university studies. Increased efforts in identifying and treating mental disorders and preventing self-harm in university students could be an important step in preventing future suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Takami Lageborn
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Norra Stockholms Psykiatri, Vårdvägen 1, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johan Bjureberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Runeson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Norra Stockholms Psykiatri, Vårdvägen 1, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Dahlin
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Norra Stockholms Psykiatri, Vårdvägen 1, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden
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Saifullah, Ma Z, Li M, Maqbool MQ. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers (HCWs) in Sindh Province of Pakistan. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:78. [PMID: 37525274 PMCID: PMC10388469 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Pakistan, the COVID-19 outbreak posed a significant challenge for healthcare workers in the country's public hospitals. The HCWs faced several problems in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore this study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the medical staff at the public hospital in Sindh Province, Pakistan. METHODS In this study, a qualitative exploratory design was used. Semi-Structure interviews (SSI) were conducted by using an open-indeed questionnaire (OIQ) for data collection. An inductive approach was used for theoretical data analysis. A total of 320 HCWs participated to complete the criteria of the study from 10 different public hospitals. RESULTS The study result showed the Sindh public hospital's insufficient infrastructure, lack of health protective equipment, shortages of isolation rooms and beds, and emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic caused HCWs to experience physical and psychological weariness, sleep disturbance, mental stress, and fear of infection. CONCLUSION The study concluded that public hospitals' insufficient infrastructure, furniture, emergency wards, and safety equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly damaged HCWs' physical and psychological health, generating fear of infection and sleep disturbance. Additionally, Sindh healthcare workers' fear of illness and isolation may impair family connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifullah
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Muhammad Qasim Maqbool
- Department of Management Sciences, University of Okara, Renala, Okara, 044, Punjab, Pakistan.
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Carlos KM, Ahmadi H, Uban KA, Riis JL. Behavioral and psychosocial factors related to mental distress among medical students. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1225254. [PMID: 37575125 PMCID: PMC10413116 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1225254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physicians die by suicide at rates higher than the general population, with the increased risk beginning in medical school. To better understand why, this study examined the prevalence of mental distress (e.g., depressive symptoms and suicide risk) and behavioral and psychosocial risk factors for distress, as well as the associations between mental distress and risk factors among a sample of medical students in a pre-COVID-19-era. Methods Students enrolled in a large California medical school in 2018-2019 (N = 134; 52% female) completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, depression and suicide family history, health behaviors, and psychosocial wellbeing. Assessment scores indexing mental distress (e.g., depressive symptoms, thoughts of suicide in the past 12 months, suicide risk, and history of suicidality) and risk factors (e.g., stress, subjective sleep quality, alcohol use, impostor feelings, and bill payment difficulty) were compared across biological sex using chi-squared tests, and associations between mental distress and risk factors were determined through logistic regression. Results Elevated mental distress indicators were observed relative to the general public (e.g., 16% positive depression screen, 17% thought about suicide in previous 12 months, 10% positive suicide risk screen, and 34% history of suicidality), as well as elevated risk factors [e.g., 55% moderate or high stress, 95% at least moderate impostor feelings, 59% poor sleep quality, 50% screened positive for hazardous drinking (more likely in females), and 25% difficulty paying bills]. A positive depression screen was associated with higher stress, higher impostor feelings, poorer sleep quality, and difficulty paying bills. Suicidal ideation in the previous 12 months, suicide risk, and a history of suicidality were independently associated with higher levels of impostor feelings. Discussion Higher scores on assessments of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were related to several individual-level and potentially modifiable risk factors (e.g., stress, impostor feelings, sleep quality, and bill payment difficulties). Future research is needed to inform customized screening and resources for the wellbeing of the medical community. However, it is likely that the modification of individual-level risk factors is limited by the larger medical culture and systems, suggesting that successful interventions mitigate suicide risk for medical providers need to address multiple socio-ecological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Carlos
- Program in Public Health, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kristina A. Uban
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Developing Brains Laboratory, Program in Public Health, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jenna L. Riis
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Kalasauskas D, Ottenhausen M, Irene I, Chmitorz A, Lieb K, Ringel F. How do spine surgeons cope with psychological distress: results of a cross-sectional study. Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:182. [PMID: 37481596 PMCID: PMC10363079 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02088-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cross Sectional Study/Online Survey. In this study, we sought to assess stress, psychological distress, resilience, and coping strategies among spine surgeons in German-speaking countries. Recent studies have reported high rates of stress and burnout among surgeons. A survey via Survey Monkey™ was conducted among spine surgeons practicing in German-speaking countries using validated questionnaires for perceived stress, mental burden, resilience, and quality of life. Data on working situation and demographics were also collected. 582 surgeons responded to the survey, representing 15% of those surveyed. 79% of respondents were satisfied with their professional success. Mental burden was higher than in the general population, as was perceived stress. Chairpersons were exposed to the lowest levels of perceived stress and mental burden. Mental distress was high (GHQ ≥ 12) in 59% of residents and 27% chairpersons. Self-reported psychological resilience was higher than levels found in the general population and highest among chairpersons. Quality of life was comparable to levels reported in the general population. There were statistically significant correlations between perceived stress and mental burden scores (r s = 0.65, p < 0.001). Career level (senior physicians vs. residents, OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10-0.66), perceived stress (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.33-1.77), self-reported resilience (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33-0.84), and mental composite score (SOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.83-0.90) were predictors of high mental burden. There was no interaction between perceived stress and resilience on mental burden (p = 0.835). Spine surgeons are exposed to higher levels of stress than the general population, which are associated with higher mental distress. More professional experience and higher levels of psychological resilience are associated with lower levels of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Kalasauskas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Malte Ottenhausen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Irene Irene
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Chmitorz
- Faculty of Social Work, Health and Nursing Sciences, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Ringel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Kottler J, Gingell MJ, Khosla S, Kordzikowski M, Raszewski R, Chestek D, Maki K. Exploring physical and biological manifestations of burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in healthcare workers: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074887. [PMID: 37479518 PMCID: PMC10364163 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the mental and physical well-being of healthcare workers (HCW). Increased work-related stress and limited resources have increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. Stress-related disorders have been strongly associated with long-term consequences, including cardiometabolic disorders, endocrine disorders and premature mortality. This scoping review aims to explore available literature on burnout, PTSD, and other mental health-associated symptoms in HCW to synthesise relationships with physiological and biological biomarkers that may be associated with increased risk of disease, creating an opportunity to summarise current biomarker knowledge and identify gaps in this literature. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review uses the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review methodology framework. The research team will select appropriate primary sources using a search strategy developed in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. Three reviewers will initially screen the title and abstracts obtained from the literature searches, and two reviewers will conduct independent reviews of full-text studies for inclusion. The research team will be reviewing literature focusing on which burnout and/or PTSD-associated physiological and biological biomarkers have been studied, the methodologies used to study them and the correlations between the biomarkers and HCW experiencing burnout/PTSD. Data extraction forms will be completed by two reviewers for included studies and will guide literature synthesis and analysis to determine common themes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This review does not require ethical approval. We expect results from this scoping review to identify gaps in the literature and encourage future research regarding improving biological and physiological biomarker research in HCW. Preliminary results and general themes will be communicated back to stakeholders. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conferences as well as presented to stakeholders to an effort to invest in HCW mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Kottler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Monica J Gingell
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaveta Khosla
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mitchell Kordzikowski
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca Raszewski
- Library of the Health Sciences Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Chestek
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine Maki
- Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Kleinhendler-Lustig D, Hamdan S, Mendlovic J, Gvion Y. Burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation among physicians before and during COVID-19 and the contribution of perfectionism to physicians' suicidal risk. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1211180. [PMID: 37520224 PMCID: PMC10374214 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1211180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is limited data regarding the prevalence of suicidal risk among physicians during COVID-19, and the risk factors relating to it. Dominant risk factors for suicide among physicians are depression and burnout. Maladaptive perfectionism may also serve as a profound risk factor for suicidality among physicians and may aggravate symptoms of distress under the challenges of COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate current suicidal risk, suicidal ideation, depression, and burnout before and during COVID-19 among physicians in Israel, and to identify the best sets of correlates between perfectionism and burnout, depression and suicidal ideation, during these time periods. Methods A sample of 246 Israeli physicians (160 before COVID-19 and 86 during COVID-19) completed online surveys assessing lifetime suicidal risk, suicidal ideation during the last year and current suicidal ideation, depression, burnout symptoms and maladaptive perfectionism. Results More than one-fifth of the sample (21.9%) reported high suicidal risk (Lifetime suicidal behaviors). More than one-fourth (27.2%) reported suicidal ideation during the last 12 months; and 13.4% reported suicidal ideation during the last 3 months. In addition, more than one-third (34.6%) exhibited moderate-severe levels of depressive symptoms and more than a half of the sample reported burnout symptoms. Maladaptive perfectionism was positively correlated with current suicidal ideation, burnout, and depression. Moderated serial mediation analysis demonstrated indirect effect of perfectionism on suicidal ideation by its impact on burnout and depression only during COVID-19. Before COVID-19, physicians were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Conclusion Physicians in Israel are at increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maladaptive perfectionism was found to be a risk factor for burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation. During the first waves of the pandemic, physicians were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. However, among physicians who were characterized with high maladaptive perfectionism, depression served as a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation during the pandemic, which places these individuals at increased risk for suicidality. These results highlight the importance of implementing intervention programs among physicians to reduce suicidal risk and to better identify rigid perfectionism and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami Hamdan
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel-Jaffa (MTA), Tel-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Joseph Mendlovic
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yari Gvion
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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