Correct Working Research Articles

Factor structure and factorial invariance of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 in public safety personnel: Results from a large and diverse sample.

Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers) are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and report posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) difficulties more frequently than the general population. The PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a commonly used measure to screen PSP for PTSD. A single previous study assessed PCL-5 factorial invariance among PSP but used a small homogenous sample. The current study evaluated factorial invariance with a large (n = 5,855) and diverse PSP sample. Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (mCFAs; n = 98) were conducted using six competing factor models of the PCL-5 across seven PSP sectors, five age groups, and two gender groups. The seven-factor hybrid model of PTSD (i.e., reexperiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, hyperarousal, intrusion, emotional numbing, dysphoria, dysphoric arousal, anxious arousal, anhedonia, negative affect) produced consistently superior fit across all sectors assessed and produced marginally better absolute values than the six-factor anhedonia model, supporting PCL-5 factorial invariance among PSP. The current study is the first to use a large and diverse PSP sample to assess PCL-5 factorial invariance. The results support the PCL-5 as invariant across PSP sectors, age groups, and men and women. Consistent with other studies, the seven-factor hybrid model of PTSD produced the best fit, followed closely by the six-factor anhedonia model. Future research could use structured clinical interviews to further investigate the factorial structure and invariance of PTSD symptoms among PSPs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Applying the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify police, fire, and paramedic preferences for accessing mental health care in a First Responder Operational Stress Injury Clinic: a qualitative study.

First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP; e.g. correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police, public safety communicators) are often exposed to events that have the potential to be psychologically traumatizing. Such exposures may contribute to poor mental health outcomes and a greater need to seek mental health care. However, a theoretically driven, structured qualitative study of barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviours has not yet been undertaken in this population. This study used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify and better understand critical barriers and facilitators of help-seeking and accessing mental health care for a planned First Responder Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinic. We conducted face-to-face, one-on-one semistructured interviews with 24 first responders (11 firefighters, five paramedics, and eight police officers), recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were analyzed using deductive content analysis. The TDF guided study design, interview content, data collection, and analysis. The most reported barriers included concerns regarding confidentiality, lack of trust, cultural competency of clinicians, lack of clarity about the availability and accessibility of services, and stigma within first responder organizations. Key themes influencing help-seeking were classified into six of the TDF's 14 theoretical domains: environmental context and resources; knowledge; social influences; social/professional role and identity; emotion; and beliefs about consequences. The results identified key actions that can be utilized to tailor interventions to encourage attendance at a First Responder OSI Clinic. Such approaches include providing transparency around confidentiality, policies to ensure greater cultural competency in all clinic staff, and clear descriptions of how to access care; routinely involving families; and addressing stigma.

Worker's compensation usage and return to work outcomes for Ontario public safety personnel with mental stress injury claims: 2017–2021

This study explored approved worker's compensation claims made by public safety personnel (PSP) with work-related psychological injuries to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario's Mental Stress Injury Program (MSIP) between 2017 and 2021. This worker's compensation program provides access to health care coverage, loss of earnings benefits, and return to work support services for psychologically injured workers. In 2016, the Government of Ontario amended legislation to presume that, for this population, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is work-related, potentially expanding access to the program. The aim of this study was to understand the volume and types of claims, return to work rates, and differences between PSP career categories in the first 5 years after the legislative change. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, statistical analysis revealed that claims increased over the 5-year period, with significantly more claims made in 2021 (n = 1,420) compared to 2017 (n = 1,050). Of the 6,674 approved claims, 33.5% were made by police, 28.4% by paramedics, 21.6% by correctional workers, 9.4% by firefighters, and 7.1% by communicators. Analysis of claim type revealed that police, firefighters, and communicators made more cumulative incident claims, while paramedics made more single incident claims. Differences were also observed in return to work rates, with fewer police officers, firefighters, and communicators assigned to a return to work program, and more paramedics successfully completing a return to work program. This study sheds light on differences among PSP in their WSIB Ontario MSIP claims and underscores the importance of continued research to develop a more robust understanding of these differences, to inform policy development for both employers and worker's compensation organizations.

Exposures to correctional-specific potentially psychologically traumatic events among Ontario provincial correctional workers.

Correctional work involves exposures to correctional-specific potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs); however, the frequency and impact of such PPTEs on the mental health of correctional workers remain unclear. We analyzed the prevalence and frequency of 13 different occupational-specific PPTE exposures among correctional workers (n = 980; 50.7% female) and estimated associations with mental health symptoms. The survey data used are from the Provincial Ontario Correctional Worker Mental Health Prevalence Study in Canada. Cross-tabulations, Chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and logistic regression are used to examine the following: (a) the distribution of correctional-specific PPTEs across correctional worker occupational categories; (b) the frequencies of correctional-specific PPTE exposures; and (c) the association between correctional-specific PPTEs and mental disorders. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) are used to estimate the proportion of mental disorders that may be attributable to PPTE exposures. Most correctional workers reported exposures to most types of PPTEs, including being directly threatened or subject to abusive language (94.6%), de-escalating a prison/client in mental health crisis (92.2%), and using force or suit up and resort to "use of force" in a nontraining situation (70.6%). The mean number of lifetime PPTE exposures was 7.79 (SD = 3.33). There were statistically significant differences in PPTE exposure patterns across correctional worker categories. PPTEs were positively associated with mental disorder symptoms for all participants. PAFs indicated that mental disorders among correctional workers could reduce by 66%-80% with the elimination of all PPTEs among correctional workers. Eliminating PPTE exposures is unlikely in the correctional environment; nevertheless, the results indicate that mitigating PPTEs may drastically improve the mental health of correctional workers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

‘Not in touch’: Nonverbal communication and frontline perceptions of inter-organizational justice in parole work

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 parole officers working in Canadian federal correctional services to understand how their perceptions mediate well-being. Our study elucidates dimensions of interactional justice related to three elements of nonverbal communication theory (i.e. haptics, proxemics and kinesics). By centralizing the voices of our participants, we show how nonverbal communication theory mediates organizational citizenship behaviour and the multi-construct concepts of justice. Framing interpretations with how public employees interact, we reflect on the impacts to which correctional workers—as public safety employees—perceive their criminal justice employment. We argue exploration into nonverbal communication, and a deeper understanding of how correctional services govern, may provide structural accountability by closing a loop in organizational knowledge flow.

The Comparison of Contact with Inmates, Risk Perception, and Mental Health of Officers in a Correctional Institution with Different Levels of Security

Introduction: Correctional institutions (LP) have various levels of security that are adjusted to the characteristics of the inmates accommodated in it. This level of security includes minimum, medium, and maximum prisons and often includes special prisons for prisoners with special needs or high danger. Differences in security levels present unique dynamics and challenges in contact between officers and inmates, perceptions of risk, and their impact on officers' mental health.
 Methods: This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 116 research subjects participated in this study. This study observes contact between officers and inmates using the contact with inmate scale. Perception of risk is measured by a scale compiled by Ferdik. The mental health assessment of correctional worker participants used the mental health inventory (MHI-38) made by Veit and Ware.
 Results: Officers in medium-security level penitentiaries have more positive contact with inmates than in maximum and super-maximum security level penitentiaries. Likewise, the aspect of officer risk perception in medium-security level penitentiaries shows a lower score than in maximum and super-maximum security level penitentiaries. However, super-maximum security level penitentiary officers show a lower level of mental health than medium security level penitentiaries.
 Conclusion: There are differences in correctional officers' contact with inmates, risk perception, and mental health of correctional officers in prisons with different levels of security.

Exploring Belonging & Interventions to Improve Well-Being Through a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Qualitative Study Among Correctional Workers

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 Belonging is important for addressing worker well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Using a participatory approach with focus groups, public safety workers in prison settings described their experiences and suggestions related to belonging. Primary Author and Speaker: Catherine M. Kiaupa Additional Authors and Speakers: Drashti Topiwala, Lisa Jaegers

Understanding PTSD among correctional workers in Manitoba, Canada: Key considerations of social variables

AbstractMounting evidence highlights the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among correctional workers. The current analysis draws on survey response data to present a social profile of correctional workers in the province of Manitoba (n = 580), Canada, who screened positive for PTSD (n = 196). We examined demographic information, professional history information, and adverse work exposure experiences, as well as treatment and support patterns. The analysis was not intended to identify correlates of PTSD development among correctional workers, but did identify the characteristics, professional and personal situations, and treatment experiences of correctional workers who screened positive for PTSD. The results highlight the multidimensional nature of work stressors, the pronounced problem of work–life conflict, and variations in seeking supports and treatments. Generally, participants screening positive for PTSD reported higher exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, higher environmental or occupational stressors at work, and many had prior work experience as public safety personnel. Correctional workers who screened positive for PTSD appeared more likely to access mental health supports. Promoting proactive support seeking for mental health treatment may help to mitigate the severity, frequency, stigma, and length of mental health challenges among correctional workers.

“Making a Difference”: Unpacking the Positives in Correctional Work and Prison Life From the Perspective of Correctional Workers

Prisons are rarely conceptualized as promoting “positivity” in the lives of people who are incarcerated (PWAI) or correctional workers (CWs). Analyzing data from 908 open-ended survey responses of Canadian provincial and territorial correctional employees, we present nuances to the more negative constructions of carceral environments; namely, that many CWs work to better the lives of marginalized and vulnerable criminalized people. CWs are able to reflect on how their occupation facilitates personal growth and the pursuit of social and transformative justice. We discuss how their internal commitments toward rehabilitating and making a difference must be reinforced through institutional and organizational changes.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Diagnosis Using QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Kit Among Correctional Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Francisco Beltrão-PR, Brazil.

Correctional workers form a high-priority group for tuberculosis control measures because of their high exposure and risk. This cross-sectional study conducted in April and May 2022 included 71 criminal police officers from the State Penitentiary of Francisco Beltrão-PR, Brazil. Their sociodemographic and laboratory data were collected. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) was assessed using a QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus in-tube test kit. Binary logistic regression was applied to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the LTBI predictors. The prevalence of LTBI was 22.6% (95% CI, 12.8-32.2%). Factors associated with LTBI were age > 43 years (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.70; p < 0.014) and the use of medications (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 1.40-18.87; p < 0.014). The prevalence was close to that estimated worldwide for LTBI in correctional workers, reinforcing the need for occupational health control measures consisting of regular screening and treatment of positive cases of latent infection among correctional workers to reduce the risk of illness and spread of infection in the penitentiary system and community.

Assessing Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training among correctional workers in Canada

BackgroundMental health frameworks, best practices, and the well-being of public safety personnel in Canada are topics of increasing interest to both researchers and organizations. To protect and improve worker mental health, different training programs have been implemented to serve this population. The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training regimen is one such program specialized to build cultural awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and mitigate the cumulative impacts of exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events among public safety personnel. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of R2MR, especially among correctional workers.MethodsThe current study analyzed 307 open-ended survey responses to four (4) questions about R2MR garnered from 124 Canadian provincial and territorial correctional workers between 2018–2020 to reveal their understandings and perceptions of R2MR training, and to identify what learned skills they found challenging or easy to implement.ResultsThe results suggest that R2MR training plays a significant role in decreasing stigma and increasing mental health awareness. Across jurisdictions, R2MR creates a supportive space for open dialogue around mental health meant to shift cultural and individual barriers that often hinder treatment-seeking. Some respondents also indicated that R2MR was a starting point for intervention.ConclusionsFurther research is necessary to understand how R2MR and other programs could support the mental health and well-being of correctional workers.

Documenting the mental health climate in correctional work and the realities of suicide.

Public safety personnel are at an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors relative to the general public. Correctional workers in particular report some of the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. To better understand this phenomenon, the current study draws on qualitative, open-ended survey response data (n = 94) that explores three distinct themes (occupational environment, lack of support, social silence) and how entrenched notions of mental health stigma and occupational culture inform how Canadian correctional workers understand their experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We conclude with a brief discussion of the research and policy implications, with an emphasis on mobilizing efforts to normalize mental health discussion in correctional workplaces, bolstering peer support resources, and collaboration, and assessing the limited organizational supports available to struggling staff.

Assessing the impact of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) protocol and Emotional Resilience Skills Training (ERST) among diverse public safety personnel.

Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., border services personnel, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police, public safety communicators) are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events. Such events contribute to substantial and growing challenges from posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs), including but not limited to posttraumatic stress disorder. The current protocol paper describes the PSP PTSI Study (i.e., design, measures, materials, hypotheses, planned analyses, expected implications, and limitations), which was originally designed to evaluate an evidence-informed, proactive system of mental health assessment and training among Royal Canadian Mounted Police for delivery among diverse PSP (i.e., firefighters, municipal police, paramedics, public safety communicators). Specifically, the PSP PTSI Study will: (1) adapt, implement, and assess the impact of a system for ongoing (i.e., annual, monthly, daily) evidence-based assessments; (2) evaluate associations between demographic variables and PTSI; (3) longitudinally assess individual differences associated with PTSI; and, (4) assess the impact of providing diverse PSP with a tailored version of the Emotional Resilience Skills Training originally developed for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in mitigating PTSIs based on the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. Participants are assessed pre- and post-training, and then at a follow-up 1-year after training. The assessments include clinical interviews, self-report surveys including brief daily and monthly assessments, and daily biometric data. The current protocol paper also describes participant recruitment and developments to date. The PSP PTSI Study is an opportunity to implement, test, and improve a set of evidence-based tools and training as part of an evidence-informed solution to protect PSP mental health. The current protocol paper provides details to inform and support translation of the PSP PTSI Study results as well as informing and supporting replication efforts by other researchers. Hypotheses Registration: aspredicted.org, #90136. Registered 7 March 2022-Prospectively registered. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05530642. Registered 1 September 2022-Retrospectively registered. The subsequent PSP PTSI Study results are expected to benefit the mental health of all participants and, ultimately, all PSP.

Evaluation of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a correctional facility

ABSTRACT The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed a challenge for correctional facilities worldwide. People in such settings are more vulnerable to severe forms of infection and it is impossible to completely isolate inmates from the outside world. This study aimed to assess the antibody-mediated immune response in terms of neutralizing antibodies against Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Omicron (sub-lineage BA.1) variants of concern after two doses of mRNA vaccine in correctional officers and inmates from an Italian correctional facility. Most of the correctional officers (56.5%) and inmates (52.3% and 63.6%) retained their neutralizing activity toward the Alpha and Gamma variants, respectively. By contrast, the most striking reduction in comparison with the ancestral virus was found in the antibody response toward the Beta and Omicron variants, in both correctional officers (91.2% and 93.9%) and inmates (85.1% and 92.8%). In addition, subjects who had undergone primary vaccination and had previously been naturally infected had higher neutralizing antibody titers toward the 4 variants than negative subjects. Overall, our findings indicate that primary mRNA vaccination is able to induce neutralizing antibodies toward the ancestral virus, while titers toward variants may vary, depending on the mutations harboring by the variants. Although the correctional setting is often considered distinct or isolated from the wider society and sanitary system, the health of correctional workers and prisoners is inexorably linked to the public health of the country as a whole and it is of paramount importance to monitor the antibody response in these settings.

Workflow modelling for human–robot collaborative assembly operations

With the advent of Industry 4.0 , industries are requested to provide customisation of the products, with a high number of tailored features, which a pure robotic assembly line cannot provide. This suggests using a collaborative and flexible scenario together with the need for workflow modelling architectures. These can handle the communication and interaction among the actors of the workcell to improve the collaboration, making it more fluent, reliable, and able to correct workers’ oversights. Within this scenario, the main contribution of this paper is the introduction of a general library of atomic Predicates that can be combined with a first-order logic allowing to model general industrial assembly processes in human–robot collaboration. Such logics and Predicates allow to model and supervise the workflow, remaining hidden to the operator through an interface that intervenes only when errors have to be notified. The methodology has been validated on a complex collaborative assembly use case, requiring different tools and characterized by components of several sizes and shapes. Predicates have been mainly exploited to recognize human activities, allowing modelling and supervising the workflow. • Formalization of a library of predicates for human activity recognition. • Extension of an architecture to model and supervise assembly operations workflow. • Validation of the proposed methodology in a complex use case scenario.

Exposures to Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Events among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers.

Canadian Public Safety Personnel (PSP) (i.e., municipal/provincial police, firefighters, paramedics, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, correctional workers, dispatchers) report frequent and varied exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). Exposure to PPTEs may be one explanation for the symptoms of mental health disorders prevalent among PSP. The objective of the current study was to provide estimates of lifetime PPTE exposures among Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Conservation and Protection (C&P) Officers and to assess for associations between PPTEs, mental health disorders, and sociodemographic variables. Participants (n = 412; 55.3% male, 37.4% female) completed an online survey assessing self-reported PPTE exposures and self-reported symptoms of mental health disorders. Participants reported higher frequencies of lifetime exposures to PPTEs than the general population (all ps < 0.001) but lower frequencies than other Canadian PSP (p < 0.5). Several PPTE types were associated with increased odds of positive screens for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder (all ps < 0.05). Experiencing a serious transportation accident (77.4%), a serious accident at work, home, or during recreational activity (69.7%), and physical assault (69.4%) were among the PPTEs most frequently reported by participants. The current results provide the first known information describing PPTE exposures of CCG and C&P members, supporting the growing evidence that PPTEs are more frequent and varied among PSP and can be associated with diverse mental health disorders.

Importance of occupation for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and COVID-19 vaccination among correctional workers in Quebec, Canada: A cross-sectional study.

Correctional workers are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We examined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2, determined the effects of carceral and occupational exposures on seropositivity, and explored predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among correctional workers in Quebec, Canada. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study in three provincial prisons. The primary and secondary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity (Roche Elecsys® serology test) and self-reported COVID-19 vaccination status ("fully vaccinated" defined as two doses or prior infection plus one dose), respectively. Poisson regression models with robust standard error were used to examine the effect of occupational variables with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Estimates are presented as crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). From 14 July to 15 November 2021, 105/600 (18%) correctional workers tested positive across three prisons (range 11-21%); 76% were fully vaccinated. Seropositivity was affected by prison occupation (aPR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.27 for correctional officers vs. all other occupations) and low perceived concern of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition (aPR 1.62, 95% CI 1.11-2.38 for not/hardly worried vs. somewhat/extremely worried). Predictors of being fully vaccinated included race/ethnicity (aPR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.99 for visible minority vs. White), presence of comorbidities (aPR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28 for > 2 vs. none), and prison occupation (aPR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92 for correctional officers vs. all other occupations). Correctional officers were most likely to have acquired SARS-CoV-2, but least likely to be vaccinated, underscoring the importance of addressing both occupational risks and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy to mitigate future outbreaks.

A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers.

Correctional work is described as a high-stress environment associated with increased prevalence of mental health disorders in employees. Identifying appropriate healthcare services necessitates investigating the mental health challenges and needs of correctional workers (CWs). Individual interviews (n = 9; 5 M and 4 W) and a mixed gender focus group (n = 6; 3 M and 3 W) were conducted to gather a general sense of the mental health landscape. Data were analyzed to develop a targeted and comprehensive question guide for gender-specific focus groups (n = 14 unique participants; 6 M and 8 W). Eight themes emerged from the gender-specific focus groups. Themes focusing on work culture described the negative repercussions of job stress and the inability to discuss challenges openly due to confidentiality concerns and feelings of seclusion associated with the CW profession. Men were more likely to be subjected to physical violence and women to emotional and sexual harassment from staff and inmates. Themes related to mental health care described the benefits and limitations of the current services and digital mental healthcare. Stigma and accessibility were notable treatment barriers. Lastly, sector-specific therapy was seen as an important component in enhancing engagement and therapist interaction. The study demonstrates the interconnection between work culture and CW mental health that needs to be acknowledged when addressing mental health care.

Testifying after an Investigation: Shaping the Mental Health of Public Safety Personnel.

In this editorial, we draw on two Canadian cases to interrogate how mass causality events and investigations consume many responders before (e.g., public safety communicators, detachment service assistants), during (e.g., police, fire, paramedics), and after the incident (e.g., coroners, correctional workers, media coverage). Their well-being may suffer from the associated processes and outcomes. In the current article, we focus on the mass causality incident of 2020 in Nova Scotia, Canada, and the investigation following a prisoner death in 2019 in Newfoundland, Canada, to explore how testifying post-incident can be made more palatable for participating public safety personnel (PSP). Specifically, we study how testifying after an adverse event can affect PSP (e.g., recalling, vicarious trauma, triggers) and how best to mitigate the impact of testimony on PSP well-being, with a lens to psychological “recovery” or wellness. We focus here on how to support those who may have to testify in a judicial proceeding or official inquiry, given being investigated for best-intended actions can result in moral injury or a posttraumatic stress injury, both exacerbated by judicial review, charge, accusation, or inquiry.

Unpacking correctional workers’ experiences with transgender prisoners in Nova Scotia, Canada

Empirical research on Canadian correctional workers’ successes, challenges, and attitudes towards accommodating gender diversity remains limited. Drawing on data garnered from two open-ended survey questions (n = 70) asking correctional workers in the community or institutions about their perspectives on working with trans populations, we explore how correctional workers in Nova Scotia, Canada accommodate or struggle to accommodate gender diversity in carceral settings. We found that respondents are generally mindful of issues pertaining to the safety and security of trans prisoners, usually espouse open-mindedness, and are generally able to work within correctional parameters to accommodate those with a diverse gender identity. Yet some respondents raised concerns and suspicion towards prisoners who present a safety risk to other prisoners and, in their view, may be manipulating human rights policies to cause harm to others. We take up these tensions critically and discuss the scholarly and practical implications of our findings, as well as possible avenues for future research.