Affect Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Impact of second victim distress on healthcare professionals' intent to leave, absenteeism and resilience: A mediation model of organizational support.

To examine the relationship between the second victim distress and outcome variables, specifically: 'turnover intentions, absenteeism and resilience'. Furthermore, this study also assessed how organizational support mediates the relationship between second victim distress and outcome variables. Cross-sectional survey. A cross-sectional survey study using regression and mediation analysis with bootstrapping was conducted among (n = 149) healthcare professionals in two university hospitals in Finland from September 2022 to April 2023 during different time periods. The Finnish version of the revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (FI-SVEST-R) was used to assess second victim distress, level of organizational support and related outcomes. Psychological distress was the most frequently experienced form of reported second victim distress, and institutional support was the lowest perceived form of support by healthcare professionals. The study found second victim distress to have a significant association with work-related outcomes: turnover intention and absenteeism. However, no significant relationship was found with resilience. Mediation models with organizational support revealed a partially mediated relationship between second victim distress and work-related outcomes. The findings from this study indicate that second victim experiences if not adequately addressed can lead to negative work-related outcomes such as increased job turnover and absenteeism. Such outcomes not only affect healthcare professionals but can also have a cascading effect on the quality of care. However, the mediating effect of organizational support suggests that if comprehensive support is provided, it is possible to mitigate the negative impact of the second victim phenomenon. Raising awareness regarding the second victim phenomenon, promoting a culture of safety and shifting the paradigm from a blame to just culture helps in identifying the system flaws thus improving both patient and provider safety. The study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines. No patient or public contribution.

Factors affecting healthcare professionals’ decision-making around parenteral nutrition in advanced cancer: a systematic review

Factors affecting healthcare professionals’ decision-making around parenteral nutrition in advanced cancer: a systematic review

Systematic analysis of combined oral contraceptive prescription patterns in psychotropic drug users across twelve European countries

ObjectiveTo investigate prescription patterns of combined oral contraceptives (COC) among psychotropic drug users compared to non-psychotropic drug users in routine clinical practice in Europe. Study designA pooled analysis of three large, prospective, multinational cohort studies including women with a new prescription of COC from 12 European countries. We calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) to investigate whether the status of psychotropic drug use (use/no use) or the psychotropic drug class (psycholeptics/psychoanaleptics) is associated with the healthcare professional’s choice of a specific type of COC progestin. ResultsOur analysis comprised 143,069 non-psychotropic drug users and 2174 psychotropic drug users. Progestins with the highest frequency in the cohorts were levonorgestrel (non-psychotropic drug users: 33.8%; psychotropic drug users: 32.4%), nomegestrol/nomegestrol acetate (non-psychotropic drug users: 19.1%; psychotropic drug users: 26.4%), and drospirenone (non-psychotropic drug users: 15.9%; psychotropic drug users: 14.8%). SMD analysis indicated no substantial differences in COC prescription patterns between the two cohorts. However, we observed association signals for users of the herbal antidepressant St. John’s wort in that those individuals more often received a prescription for drospirenone and less frequently for nomegestrol/nomegestrol acetate compared to non-psychotropic drug users. ConclusionsPsychotropic drug user status does not seem to affect healthcare professionals’ decisions when prescribing COC. However, limited evidence suggests that the risk for drug interactions might differ by progestin type, and some COC might be more suitable for psychotropic drug users than others. Specific guidelines should be conveyed to healthcare professionals to assist them in contraceptive counseling. ImplicationsWith exception of St. John’s wort, our analysis showed no differential prescription behavior of combined oral contraceptives in psychotropic drug users and non-users. However, healthcare professionals should carefully consider psychotropic drug use in contraceptive counseling as it is still unclear whether drug interactions exist when co-administered with certain oral contraceptives.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Blockchain Technology in Jordan: The Perspective of Health Care Professionals

Aim/Purpose: This paper investigates the user acceptability of blockchain technology in the healthcare sector, with a specific focus on healthcare professionals in Jordan. Background: The study seeks to identify the factors that affect healthcare professionals’ use and acceptance of blockchain technology in Jordan. Methodology: The study’s research framework integrates factors from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A questionnaire was distributed to collect data from 372 healthcare professionals in Jordan, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling based on the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. Contribution: While only a few previous studies have explored blockchain technology acceptance in the healthcare sector using either the TAM or the UTAUT, this study uniquely integrates elements from both models, offering a novel approach that provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the acceptance of blockchain technology among healthcare professionals in Jordan. The findings can assist decision-makers in developing strategies to enhance the adoption rate of blockchain technology in the Jordanian healthcare sector. Findings: The study revealed that usability, convenience, privacy and security, cost, and trust significantly impact the perceived usefulness of blockchain technology. The findings also suggest that healthcare professionals are more likely to have a positive attitude towards blockchain-based healthcare systems if they perceive them as useful and easy to use. Attitude, social influence, and facilitating conditions were found to significantly impact behavioral intention to use. Recommendations for Practitioners: Stakeholders should focus on developing blockchain-based healthcare systems that are easy to use, convenient, efficient, and effort-free. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers may compare the acceptance of blockchain technology in the healthcare sector with other industries to identify industry-specific factors that may influence adoption. This comparative analysis can contribute to a broader understanding of technology acceptance. Impact on Society: Successful adoption of blockchain technology in the healthcare sector can lead to improved efficiency, enhanced protection of healthcare data, and reduced administrative burdens. This, in turn, can positively impact patient care and lead to cost savings, which contributes to more sustainable and accessible healthcare services. Future Research: Future research may explore integrating blockchain technology with other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and sidechain, to create more comprehensive and innovative healthcare solutions.

Factors that Influence Healthcare Professionals' Intentions towards Biosimilars.

Background: Physicians often prescribe original biologic products to patients who have not used them before and are reluctant to switch to biosimilars. Biosimilars are highly similar versions of already-approved biologics, but healthcare professionals typically hesitate to transition patients from the original products to biosimilars. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence U.S. healthcare professionals' intentions to use biosimilars. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 510 participants were eligible healthcare professionals (279 physicians and 231 pharmacists). The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used to identify which factors affect healthcare professionals' intentions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and the logistic regression model tested the TPB constructs as predictors of intentions toward biosimilars. Results: Among 279 physicians, most were aged 61 and above, with high (n = 142) and low (n = 137) intentions. Male physicians constituted 71% of the population. Attending physicians (66.3%) showed consistent perceptions towards biosimilars, primarily in the private sector (76.3%). Pharmacists (n = 231), a higher percentage of females demonstrated higher intentions compared to males (35.5% vs. 28.1%); the majority were community pharmacists. Associations between years of practice and intentions were significant. Positive correlations existed between beliefs and intentions, except for normative beliefs. Conclusions: This study revealed diverse attitudes among healthcare professionals towards biosimilars in the USA. Pharmacists and physicians, especially those with limited experience, require ongoing education on biosimilar manufacturing pathways. This education supports the appropriate use of biosimilars and helps standardize federal and state legislation.

UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING BURNOUT AND COMPASSION FATIGUE IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Burnout and compassion fatigue are critical issues affecting healthcare professionals, leading to decreased job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and signif- icant personal consequences. This presentation delves into the complex dynamics of burnout and compassion fatigue, exploring their causes, symptoms, and impact on healthcare providers across various settings. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, is a response to prolonged stress and high demands in the workplace. Compassion fatigue, often described as the cost of caring, occurs when healthcare providers experience secondary traumatic stress due to the emotional burden of caring for patients in distress. Together, these conditions can lead to a decline in mental and physical health, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates among healthcare professionals. The presentation will provide an overview of the factors contributing to burnout and compassion fatigue, including excessive workloads, lack of support, emotional strain, and the ethical dilemmas often faced in clinical practice. It will also highlight the signs and symptoms of these conditions, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and intervention. Strategies for prevention and management will be a central focus, with a discussion on evidence-based approaches such as mindfulness, resilience training, peer support programs, and organizational changes aimed at creating a more supportive work environment. The role of self-care, work-life balance, and institutional responsibility in mitigating burnout and compassion fatigue will also be examined. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective strategies, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of well-being and resilience, ensuring that providers maintain their passion for patient care while safeguarding their own health and well-being. This presentation aims to equip healthcare professionals and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to address burnout and compassion fatigue, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for both providers and patients.

How does responsible leadership affect healthcare professionals’ customer-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors? Mediating and moderating effect analysis

How does responsible leadership affect healthcare professionals’ customer-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors? Mediating and moderating effect analysis

Factors influencing second victim experiences and support needs of OB/GYN and pediatric healthcare professionals after adverse patient events

There is growing recognition that clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals may become “second victims” following adverse patient events, medical errors, or patient-related injuries. In addition to the trauma-associated symptoms experienced by second victims, unprocessed second victim experience (SVE) can lead to burnout and leaving the healthcare workforce. To better understand the risk factors and support needs of affected healthcare professionals after a SVE, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with twelve staff in obstetrics & gynecology and pediatrics at a large academic medical institution in the upper Midwest of the U.S. Several participants indicated that it was not the patient outcome itself that precipitated the SVE, but associated factors such as moral distress or communication challenges. Participants discussed the role of their work unit culture in post-SVE processing, expressing that units perceived as blame-seeking or where adverse events were not openly discussed, hindered their recovery. While desired support mechanisms were individualized, participants stressed the importance of immediate and proactive support, such as through a peer support program, and long-term support mechanisms for lingering symptoms. As attrition of the healthcare workforce continues to be a significant concern, it is essential that we understand and meet the post-SVE support needs of affected staff, to promote holistic care following adverse patient events.

The effect of capacity building evidence-based medicine training on its implementation among healthcare professionals in Southwest Ethiopia: a controlled quasi-experimental outcome evaluation

BackgroundEvidence-based medicine (EBM) bridges research and clinical practice to enhance medical knowledge and improve patient care. However, clinical decisions in many African countries don’t base on the best available scientific evidence. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of training interventions on background knowledge and awareness of EBM sources, attitude, competence, and practice of EBM among healthcare professionals.MethodWe designed a controlled group quasi-experimental pre-post test study to evaluate the effect of capacity-building EBM training. A total of 192 healthcare professionals were recruited in the study (96 from the intervention and 96 from the control group). We used a difference-in-differences (DID) analysis to determine the effect of the training. Along the way, we used a fixed effect panel-data regression model to assess variables that could affect healthcare professionals’ practice of EBM. The cut point to determine the significant effect of EBM training on healthcare professionals’ background knowledge and awareness of EBM sources, attitude, and competence was at a P-value < 0.05.ResultThe DID estimator showed a significant net change of 8.0%, 17.1%, and 11.4% at P < 0.01 on attitude, competence, and practice of EBM, respectively, whereas no significant increment in the background knowledge and awareness of EBM sources. The fixed effect regression model showed that the attitude [OR = 2.288, 95% CI: (1.049, 4.989)], competence [OR = 4.174, 95% CI: 1.984, 8.780)], technical support [OR = 2.222, 95% CI: (1.043, 3.401)], and internet access [OR = 1.984, 95% CI: (1.073, 4.048)] were significantly affected EBM practice.ConclusionThe capacity-building training improved attitude, competence, and EBM practice. Policymakers, government, and other concerned bodies recommended focusing on a well-designed training strategy to enhance the attitude, competence, and practice towards EBM among healthcare professionals. It was also recommended to enhance internet access and set mechanisms to provide technical support at health facilities.

The Influence of Obesity on Cognitive Functioning Among Healthcare Professionals: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Background Excessive body fat, or obesity, is a worldwide epidemic and a major contributor to the development of dementia. Aim The research aimed to determine how obesity affected healthcare professionals' memory performance. Materials and Method A total of 474 participants (both male and female) were recruited in this study by random sampling method from three different health institutions. Participants were categorized into overweight, normal weight, and obese groups based on their body mass index (BMI) as per the WHO guidelines and for body fat participants. The memory function test was done using the Gilewski MJ scale.General frequency of forgetting, mnemonic usage, retrospective functioning, and seriousness of forgetting were measured and compared across the BMI and %body fat groups. Results The percentage of body fat of males and females was 38.19% and42.26%. Statistically, a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed among the male and female BMI and percentage of body fat.The results showed that there was a significant difference between memory scale parameters and percentage BMI. Statistically, a significant difference was observed in the level of general frequency of forgetting among participants with different percentages of BMI (p<0.05). Similar, results were also observed in the level of seriousness of forgetting, retrospective functioning, and mnemonics usage with different % BMI (p<0.05). The findings showed a positive correlation between BMI and %body fat on the scale of general frequency of forgetting and seriousness of forgetting whereas, a negative correlation was observed on the scale of retrospective functioning and mnemonics usage. Conclusion Memory loss is one of the disorders that obesity is linked to more frequently. A focus on keeping a healthy weight may help prevent the development of future diseases.

Advancing Delivery of Emergency Care in Honduras: Implementing a Triage System

Introduction:Overcrowding in the Emergency Room (ER) is a worldwide phenomenon affecting healthcare professionals' ability to apply life-saving interventions to critically wounded and sick patients. Implementing a routine triage system allows the early recognition and treatment of critical conditions such as polytrauma, difficulty in breathing, shock, and altered mental status. Furthermore, a triage system allows the prioritization of patients and the delivery of timely care. We describe the improvements in patient care for the critically ill through the implementation of a triage system in Hospital Escuela (HE), a 1306-bed, academic, tertiary care hospital in HondurasMethod:Demographic data was recovered through paper triage forms from January 2020 until December 2021. From January 2022 to June 2022, the data was primarily recovered from digital triage forms. The data was consolidated, analyzed, and interpreted using Microsoft Excel.Results:During the thirty-month period, there were 161,848 triage consults, with 2.7% being critically wounded and sick patients, classified “red” according to the triage system. Most cases were triaged as yellow (53%), followed by green (23.6%), and then orange (15.8%). Some triage forms (5%) did not assign classifications. One-third (33.4%) of consults were diverted from the ER to the Triage and Urgent Care Room (SATU for the acronym in Spanish). Trauma-related cases accounted for 26.2% of the consults with 3.6% of the overall being weapon wounded.Conclusion:Implementing a triage system in HE enhanced the recognition and treatment of critically wounded and sick patients. This system has improved patient flow and the use of clinical space in the ER by diverting low-acuity patients to the SATU. Multi-disciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals has also improved and the need to create a centralized Resuscitation Room was recognized.

Artificial Intelligence and Telehealth as Diagnostic Approach to Middle Ear Disease- Advances in Otology

As with other subspecialities, remote otoscopy commonly regarded as telehealth is being studied as a new approach for diagnosis of middle ear diseases. As in covid-19 pandemic, otolaryngologists were the most affected health care professionals as aerolized particles were a hurdle to conduct routine upper airway and ear canal examination, telehealth gain popularity, also to justify shortage of PPE. Beside this, reduction in post operative follow up visits, and cost savings in terms of greater access for rural populations were the major attractions to adopt remote otoscopy in ENT.

The Experiences of Primary Healthcare Nurses During Covid-19 pandemic: Voices from Nursing Staff at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Buraydah

With the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the world has witnessed unprecedented changes in healthcare provision. With the nurses being the most affected healthcare professionals during the pandemic, the current study aimed to examine the experiences of primary healthcare nurses during covid-19 pandemic at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Buraydah city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The population of this research consists of all the nurses at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Buraydah Saudi Arabia whose number is (128) nurses. The target sample included the whole research population using the complete census method. Using the questionnaire as the main data collection tool, the researchers distributed the questionnaire to the target sample and got only (106) complete responses. The duration of the study took about (1) month starting from 01 October 2022 until 02 November 2022. The findings of the study showed that the nurses experienced major employment changes during the pandemic such as extra work hours, the thought of resigning and moving to other clinical areas, and taking long vacations. Also, the findings showed that the nurses experienced major psychological problems such as anxiety, fatigue, and lack of communication, and support from their co-workers and superiors. It has also been reported that the lack of medical suppliers, lack of personal protective equipment, and the extra volume of infected patients served as major challenges experienced by the nurses during the pandemic. The researchers provided a set of recommendations that focused mainly on the importance of organizational intervention and supporting the nurses both psychologically and professionally with an extended focus on training and qualification for the nurses to deal with such crises.

How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Palliative Care Social Work Services? A Scoping Review

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) generated life-defining challenges on a global level, affecting healthcare professionals, who faced the same imminent public health threat as patients and families. Reduced face-to-face contact, wearing personal protective equipment and enforcing visitor restrictions generated moral distress in healthcare professionals, unable to provide holistic care. This scoping review explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on palliative care social workers (PCSWs). PubMED, CINAHL and PsycINFO were systematically searched. Empirical studies and reflective articles about palliative care social work during the pandemic were screened. Data extraction used Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Thematic analysis was underpinned by Braun and Clarke for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns. From 706 citations retrieved, 125 were selected for full-text review and 32 were included in the scoping review. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (i) moral distress, (ii) transitioning and (iii) inequality. Implementing visitor restrictions caused moral distress and raised questions about their justification. Not being present at the time of death generated feelings of anger among bereaved family members. Virtual communication replaced face-to-face contact, yet improved access to Telehealth. Inequalities were illuminated and PCSWs advocated for disadvantaged populations, worked creatively to minimise suffering or stigma and supported peers.

Single- versus two-stage reconstruction in patients with head and neck cancer: What are the benefits?

In head and neck oncology, surgical treatment frequently results in microvascular reconstruction. Oncologic resection followed by immediate reconstruction is often associated with prolonged working and surgical duration, challenging a surgeon’s concentration level and potentially worsening patient outcome. To improve the surgeon’s performance and to reduce risk of potential complications, we implemented a two-stage procedure in patients with head and neck cancer. This study critically analyzed the surgical outcomes, organizational benefits, and investigated job satisfaction among affected health care professionals. A retrospective data analysis of patients who had undergone microvascular reconstruction after oncologic head and neck surgery between 2010 and 2021 included 33 patients (n = 33). Twenty patients underwent single-stage reconstruction (group 1, n = 20) and 13 patients underwent two-stage reconstruction (group 2, n = 13) with 12.2 (± 7.4) days between surgeries. The mean surgical duration, and mean start and end time of the reconstructive surgery component differed significantly (p = 0.002). The mean total complication rate (p = 0.58) did not differ significantly, although a trend toward higher demands for blood products was observed in group 1. There was no significant difference in five-year survival (p = 0.28). A questionnaire on subjective work performance was answered by the affected health care professionals (n = 34) and it revealed that 88% preferred long surgeries to be scheduled first and that 97% work most efficiently in the morning. In conclusion, two-stage reconstruction is a suitable option in selected head and neck cancer patients offering the possibility of optimizing preoperative planning and organization. This may result in regular working hours, reduced surgeon fatigue, and improved job satisfaction without compromising patient outcomes or survival.

Brief Narrative Writing Program Implemented in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected health care professionals. Health care professionals have noted increased distress, psychiatric symptoms, and feelings of burnout during this time. Implementation of brief, easy-to-access psychosocial interventions might help health care professionals process stressful events, thus bolstering mental health. One such approach is the narrative expressive writing program, a 5-session cognitive behavioral writing intervention. The narrative expressive writing program was instituted in a neurosurgical intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was delivered online and guided by a licensed mental health professional. Health care professionals completed measures of anxiety, depression, burnout, resilience, and perceived stress before and after completing the narrative expressive writing program. Fifty-eight health care professionals initiated the program; 31 (53% of initiators) completed it. Health care professionals who completed the narrative expressive writing program experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms and perceived stress (P < .05). Preliminary data show that narrative expressive writing is an easy-to-access intervention that has the potential to decrease stress and depressive symptoms. Additional research on tailoring or augmenting the narrative expressive writing program may facilitate health care professionals' engagement and address other mental health domains (eg, burnout).

LOW BACK PAIN AMONG OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common work–related health problems, affecting health care professionals. In Malaysia, research data on the prevalence of low back pain, and its associated risk factors, among occupational therapists, is currently lacking. In view of this situation this study is aimed at identifying the prevalence, associated risk factors, and effects of LBP, among occupational therapists in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study involves a total of 287 occupational therapists. The instruments used in this study include demographic information, a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and an Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Data were collected online, and processed with the use of SPSS-21. This study revealed a high lifetime (79.4%), and one-year (71.1%) LBP prevalence among occupational therapists, in comparison to the point LBP prevalence (28.6%). The significant risk factors associated to LBP were identified as gender, exercise status, work stress level, and a poor working posture. Among those afflicted with LBP, 53.4% experienced a reduction in work activity, while 81.6% were affected by a minimal functional disability. A substantial proportion of occupational therapists in Malaysia, endure functional disability associated with LBP, which consequently has a negative effect on their leisure time and working life. As such, efforts should be directed at introducing multilevel interventions, for the prevention and control of LBP, in terms of this highly vulnerable occupational group.

Identification of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Frail Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care: A Retrospective Chart Review Study.

Deprescribing is associated with positive health outcomes for older adults in long-term care (LTC), however deprescribing is not universally implemented. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed to frail older adults in Irish long-term care facilities (LTCFs), as identified by the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in Frail adults with limited life expectancy, version 2 (STOPPFrail v2). A retrospective chart review was conducted in two publicly funded LTCFs in Ireland. Eligible participants were those (1) ≥65 years of age; (2) resident in a LTCF; (3) eligible as per the STOPPFrail v2 criteria by the site's Medical Officer; and (4) receiving regular medication. Data collected included age, sex, drug, dose, frequency, regular/pro re nata prescribing and indication/relevant diagnoses. Rates of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) and excessive polypharmacy (taking 10 or more medications) were calculated. STOPPFrail v2 was used to identify PIMs; however, clinical measurements were not taken. Descriptive and association statistics were calculated. Of the 103 residents, 89 were ≥65 years of age and categorised as frail and were therefore eligible for inclusion in the study. Of those eligible, 85 (95.5%) had polypharmacy and 57 (64%) experienced excessive polypharmacy. The mean number of regular medications was 10.8 (±3.8), total medications 17.7 (±5) and diagnoses 5.5 (±2.5). The mean number of PIMs per resident was 4.8 (±2.6). Of the eligible participants, 59.6% had at least one medicine without a documented indication, while 61.8%, 42.7% and 30.3% had at least one PIM from the vitamin D, antihypertensives and proton pump inhibitors drug classes, respectively. Medication and PIM use was high among LTC residents, with inappropriate polypharmacy of concern. Lack of clear indication for prescribing medications appears to be an issue in LTC, potentially affecting healthcare professionals' engagement with deprescribing. The prevalence of PIMs may be overestimated in the antihypertensives/antidiabetic classes due to the lack of clinical measurements.

COVID-19 stress and wellbeing: A phenomenological qualitative study of Pakistani Medical Doctors.

The COVID-19 stress and increased job pressure have largely affected healthcare professionals’ various life domains. This study particularly explores the effect of stress caused by treating COVID-19 patients on medical doctors’ wellbeing. To explore this phenomenon, we interviewed 12 doctors treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals of metropolitan cities in Pakistan. The thematic analysis using NVivo V.12 Plus software of interviews resulted in four major themes, COVID-19 Stressors, Effects of Stress, Nature and Personality, Stress Relievers, and Stress Coping Strategies. Physicians were physically and emotionally stressed as a result of the intense work. Although they were carrying a lot of pain and hurt on their insides, participants demonstrated a sense of professional determination to overcome obstacles. Physicians are currently dealing with their emotional issues, and they should have access to complete professional help to ensure their wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic’s mental health effects are anticipated to last far longer than the physical health effects. This study is well-positioned to investigate frontline physicians’ opinions and attitudes concerning the COVID-19 and its impact on their daily lives and mental health. This research will help implement context-specific innovative mental health solutions to help the frontline workers.

Factors Affecting Health Care Professionals' Adherence to COVID-19 Precautionary Measures.

ObjectiveCOVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern. There is still no definitive cure for this highly transmittable illness. Immunization and breaking the chain of infection is the only successful approach to mitigate its spread. Our study explored the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and its associating factors among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) working in Saudi Arabia.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from December 01, 2020, to March 31, 2021, among 978 HCPs in Saudi Arabia. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographic information, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, knowledge, attitude, fear, and risk. Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression tests were used in data analysis.ResultsMost of the HCPs were Saudi nationals (86.9%), females (63.1%), age group 20–29 years (42.3%), Middle Eastern ethnicity (82.5%), and working in the government sector (80.8%). A 52.2% of the participants were compliant with COVID-19 preventive behavior. The most and the least compliant preventive behaviors were “wearing masks” (88.8% compliance) and “keeping social distancing” (60.7% compliance). Preventive behavior was significantly higher in HCPs having a) more knowledge of COVID-19 (U=104849; p 0.001); b) positive attitude (U=84402; p 0.001); c) higher fear (U=103138; p less than 0.001) and d) nursing profession (p 0.01). COVID-19 knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p<0.001), and fear (p<0.001) contributed significantly to the prediction of preventive behavior compliance. A unit increase in COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and fear scores raised the odds of being compliant with preventive behavior by factors of 2.34, 1.87, and 1.53 respectively.ConclusionAbout half of the study participants were compliant with COVID-19 preventive behavior. Preventive behavior is significantly higher among HCPs having more knowledge of COVID-19, more fear, a positive attitude, and the “nursing” profession. Having more knowledge, a positive attitude, and more fear of COVID-19 may increase the likelihood of being compliant with preventive behavior.