Excessive Workload Research Articles

Spiritual Care Experiences of Nurses Caring for Gynecologic Cancer Patients in Türkiye: A Qualitative Research.

The study aimed to examine the spiritual care experiences of nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients. The study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. Nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients were included in the study. In sample selection, the criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used, and the sample size was ten nurses. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. Content analysis was performed using the MAXQDA package program. The study was written based on the COREQ checklist. The nurses' statements determined themes, sub-themes, and codes in line with the research findings. Accordingly, four themes were identified as "spiritual care practices," "emotional effects of spiritual care," "factors affecting spiritual care," and "recommendations to improve spiritual care".In line with the findings obtained, it is recommended that in-service training should be provided to nurses caring for gynecologic cancer patients to provide spiritual care at a professional level. Moreover, the excessive workload caused by working conditions should be reduced, and regulations and institutional policies should be established to increase the number of nurses.

A demographic-based challenges and trust issues on the implementation of the new BSND curriculum

Ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with the latest standards, guidelines, and best practices in nursing education and healthcare can be challenging. Developing fair and effective assessment methods to evaluate students' competency can be difficult. It is essential to ensure that assessments and pedagogical approaches accurately reflect the knowledge and skills students need as future registered nutritionists and dietician. The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges experienced by faculty and program administrators in relation to the mandates stipulated in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memo Order No. 14, series of 2017. Faculty (n=37) and program administrators (n=5) were randomly selected from five higher education institutions in Mindanao, Philippines. Findings indicated that the administrators and teaching staff manifested low level of trust issues on the implementation of the curriculum. Consequently, they feel positive about the design, execution, and outcomes of the program. However, it is important to note several challenges they experienced. Lack of doctorate programs in institutions, absence of vertically articulated doctorate programs, and outdated library materials were the most prominent challenges the faculty and program administrators experienced. They also noted challenges related to excessive workloads for faculty beyond their Individual Daily Plans, the absence of Registered Nutrition and Dietetics (RND) professionals in food service establishments to supervise practicum experiences, and a lack of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with accredited Level III hospitals for practicum training programs.

Pendekatan Efektif dalam Manajemen Konflik di Madrasah

This research aims to examine the sources of conflict and strategies implemented by madrasa heads in managing conflict at MTs Al Washoya, Ngoro, Jombang. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach. Data was collected through observation techniques, in-depth interviews and document analysis, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the source of the conflict and the madrasa head's strategy in resolving it. The results of the research show that the source of conflict arises from the first internal factor, the absence of teachers without notification and the lack of attendance of most teachers at meetings. Secondly, the unequal distribution of tasks has resulted in excessive workload for some teachers and staff. The third issue is interpersonal relations. Some teachers felt offended when they were reprimanded by picket teachers. The strategy used by madrasah heads in handling conflict is by carrying out several stages, namely analysis of the level of conflict that occurs, including identifying the characteristics of the conflict, the type of conflict, its causes and the actors involved. Next, identify the source of the problem, to understand the roots of the conflict that occurs. Then the conflict resolution process involves summoning the conflicting party for questioning and giving a personal warning. Lastly, carry out an evaluation by communicating with the parties in conflict to ensure that the solution provided resolves the conflict

Adherence towards good pharmacy practice of community pharmacists in central Visayas, Philippines

Abstract Introduction Community pharmacists play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in the delivery of health care services and for taking the roles of ensuring the rational use of medicines. With the advent of Good Pharmacy Practice, it is essential that there be an established national framework of quality standards and guidelines; however, there is dearth in the evaluation of GPP implementation in the country. Philippine community pharmacist's practices are expected to exhibit expertise in medications nonetheless, their practices often diverge significantly from these expectations. In this literature study, community pharmacists grapple with consultation roles due to lack of clinical guidelines, training, skills, and patient self-selection behavior. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the adherence towards Good Pharmacy Practice among community pharmacists in Central Visayas, Philippines and proposed a policy brief formulated based on the findings to gain a better understanding of the country's existing approach to community pharmacy practice. Methods The study used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design to scrutinize community pharmacist practices in the Philippines, specifically in FDA-registered independent and chain pharmacies in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor provinces. Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Review Committee and four experts validated the instrument, resulting in a high and acceptable S-CVI and a reliability index of .893, indicating good reliability. The selection process involved stratified random sampling and a modified closed ended questionnaire from Badro et al. (2020) tallying 321 respondents. Data was recorded as 1 for Yes responses and 0 for No. The GPP adherence levels were categorized as poor adherence for <50% or good adherence for >75%. Results The demographic profile of the respondents indicates that the majority belongs to the Millennial generation aged 27- 45 years old. These respondents are predominantly female community pharmacists, mostly in Cebu. They hold a BS Pharmacy degree, having 3 years to less than 6 years of practice. Their work schedule typically exceeds 40 hours per week, and they operate within independent pharmacy. Findings revealed that the majority of community pharmacists in Central Visayas, Philippines have a poor adherence to the GPP indicators on data management and data recording with 69.8% (224), services and facilities with 94.7% (304), dispensing, preparation, administration and distribution of medicines with 96.2% (309) but good adherence to storage with 75.4% (242). The most significant challenges identified were time restrictions, a lack of understanding, a lack of training and resources. Additionally, time constraints, excessive workload, workforce shortage, lack of support from employers and other colleagues were recognized. But the majority shows compliance to FDA storage regulations and standards as a minimum requirement to continue the establishment and pharmacists operate in the community setting. Therefore, a three-pronged strategy is likely necessary: increasing the number of trained pharmacy staff, engaging in professional development and regulatory advocacy. Conclusion The majority of respondents demonstrated good adherence to storage indicators and poor adherence to data management, services and facilities and dispensing indicators. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and tailored strategies to elevate standards.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN LONGITUDINAL CURRICULUM OF MEDICAL COLLEGE

Objective: Medical education is long and stressful due to academic demands, frequent examinations, excessive workload, chronic exposure to human suffering and death and vast extensive syllabus, and increased psychological pressure due to multiple reasons, all of which can cause burnout, leading to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate medical students of Rama Medical College, Kanpur, and its correlation with year of medical education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by providing self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic datasheet and depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS 42). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of academic burnout using SPSS. The association of academic burnout with academic year was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The data were also analyzed using analysis of variance. Results: Using DASS 42, it was found that 11.8%, 16.8%, and 19% experienced mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. 32.5% had mild and 16.6% had moderate anxiety. 17.9%, 22.1%, 9.0%, and 2.0% of students experienced mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe stress, respectively. The percentages of students experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress increased as the academic year progressed. Conclusion: High prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found among undergraduate medical students. One out of every three students is found to be depressed and about half of the students were reported experiencing anxiety and stress. A clear progression of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout was observed as the academic year progressed.

Unveiling Efficiency: A Research Inquiry into Technical Staff Utilization in South Indian Clinical Laboratory using Workload Indicators Staffing Need (WSN) Analysis.

Background Effective clinical laboratories are the need of the hour, they play a significant role in healthcare, providing tests for diagnosis, treatment monitoring. Having skilled and adequate staffing is crucial for clinical laboratories to operate efficiently, manage their workload effectively, and deliver test results in a timely manner. Despite being critical for healthcare delivery, ensuring adequate staffing levels in clinical laboratories remains a complex challenge for healthcare providers worldwide due to resource constraints and workforce shortages. Methods This study evaluates the effectiveness of clinical laboratory staff utilization by considering workload, work pressure, and staffing requirements. We utilized the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method to assess the staffing in the clinical laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. Annual hospital statistics were collected for two years from June 2021 to May 2023 to calculate the average number of days (234) worked annually, percentage of workload, distribution of activity time measurement units, and the ratio of needed, surplus, and existing staff. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for optimizing staffing levels and ensuring an efficient laboratory environment. Result The analysis found a significant workforce gap in the laboratory between the current staff numbers and the calculated staffing needs. The WISN ratios ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, indicating the existing 33 staff members face a high workload burden. The calculated ideal staffing level was 46.33 personnel. These results demonstrate staff shortage and excess workload pressure on the current laboratory employees. Conclusion The results highlight the importance of optimizing staffing levels in clinical laboratories to ensure quality service delivery. The WISN methodology can be a useful tool in healthcare facilities for making evidence -based decisions for staff allocation, maximizing the utilization of employee skill sets, and establishing standard staffing benchmarks tailored to the needs of clinical laboratories.

Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 – Donor selection strategies and establishment of a plasma bank

BackgroundEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, convalescent plasma (CP) emerged as a potentially effective treatment neutralising SARS-CoV-2. Early CP therapy with high neutralising antibody (NAb) titre may benefit COVID-19 outpatients and, in sufficient quantities even some hospitalised patients. This study details the process of setting up a CP bank, containing high- and low-titre CP for a clinical trial. Study design and methodsWe identified 18–65-year-old convalescents with SARS-CoV-2 NAb titres of ≥1:40 in microneutralisation test (MNT). Following eligibility pre-screening, the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS) determined suitability as CP donors. ResultsOf the 6466 COVID-19 convalescents contacted, 1481 provided serum, with 851 (57.5 %) exhibiting NAb titres ≥1:40. Participation barriers included reluctance, advanced age and, for women, insufficient body size. Of the volunteers, 125 were evaluated at FRCBS, with major exclusions for HLA antibodies (42 women), interferon antibodies (five men), and NAb titres waning below 1:20 (16 participants). Finally, 70 underwent plasmapheresis, resulting in 50 suitable CP donors (0.8 % of initial contacts and 3.4 % of those tested for NAb). DiscussionThe process of setting up a CP bank proved challenging. Excessive laboratory workloads during a pandemic hamper their ability to conduct MNT, underscoring the need for rapid screening tests. Only a small proportion of our convalescents exhibited high-titre CP, this fraction declining over time because of waning immunity. Strict plasmapheresis criteria further constrained donor eligibility. Establishing a plasma bank requires meticulous planning to maximize efficiency. Detailed insights from current experiences may prove critical in future pandemics before other remedies and vaccines become available.

Hubungan kelelahan dengan kejadian depresi pada mahasiswa kedokteran semester 7 di Universitas Palangka Raya

Fatigue can be defined as a feeling of lack of energy and difficulty in initiating or maintaining spontaneous activities. Fatigue is a growing problem among medical students. A common reason for fatigue in medical students is excessive academic workload. In recent years, fatigue has been linked to stress which can lead to depression. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between fatigue and the incidence of depression in 7th semester medical students at Palangkaraya University. This research is an observational study with a cross sectional research design. which data were taken using a questionnaire from 140 respondents using purposive sampling technique. Statistical analysis using Spearman. The results of statistical analysis showed that of 140 respondents with an age range of 20 – 23 years, 82 respondents (58.57%) experienced significant fatigue. There were 93 respondents (66.43%) experiencing minimal depression, 24 respondents (17.14%) experiencing mild depression, 16 respondents (11.43%) experiencing moderate depression and 7 respondents (5%) experiencing severe depression. From the results of the hypothesis test, it was found that there was a relationship between fatigue and the incidence of depression with a value of p = 0.001. This research shows there is a statistically significant relationship between fatigue and depression.

Premenstrual symptoms risk factors among newly graduated nurses in shift work: A prospective longitudinal study

PurposeThe premenstrual symptoms (PMS) is a common health issue affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with various physiological, psychological, and situational factors. Newly graduated nurses, when suddenly exposed to excessive workloads and shift work, may experience disturbances such as sleep disorders, fatigue, depression, and stress. These factors are related to PMS, and their occurrence varies. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the changes in PMS and its risk factors among newly graduated nurses across shift work periods, and investigate the longitudinal relationships between PMS and its risk factors based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. MethodsThis study constituted a secondary data analysis and employed a prospective longitudinal design. Newly graduated nurses were assessed three times: before starting shift work, six months after initiating shift work, and 18 months thereafter. Physiological (age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, dietary behavior), psychological (sleep quality, fatigue, depression, stress, life satisfaction), and situational (social support) factors were included as PMS-related factors. ResultsPMS worsened six months after the initiation of shift work compared to those before, and this aggravation persisted even after 18 months of shift work (p < .001). Age (p = .043), sleep quality (p = .004), and fatigue (p < .001) were associated with PMS. An interaction between time and depression that affected PMS was observed (p = .021). ConclusionsNewly graduated nurses need to pay attention to the exacerbation of PMS after initiating shift work. Interventions to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue are crucial for novice nurses, irrespective of shiftwork duration. Additionally, it is important to assess depressive symptoms before starting shift work and implement early interventions. Furthermore, the need for interventions addressing depression escalates with the increase in shiftwork duration.

Critical learning development and the crisis of the university: a collective consideration

This participatory session concerned consideration of the ‘critical turn in LD’ (Syska and Buckley, 2023: 107), manifest through an emerging critical LD movement – as centring an academic literacies approach (Hilsdon, 2018; Asher, 2022, 2023a; Dhillon, 2023; Rooney, 2023) – as a response to ‘the crisis of the university’ (Bacevic, 2017). The focus is on the positionality of LD/LDers within the increasingly neoliberal university, and to this critical learning development movement. Time and space are provided for sharing experiences, worries and hopes for LD/HE and to collectively explore the contemporary realities/trajectory of LD/HE – and alternative futures. The central cause of the crisis of UK HE, exacerbated by government and senior management responses to COVID-19, is intensifying and accelerating processes of the ‘deep neoliberalisation’ of the public university – reflected in industrial action concerning ‘pay devaluation; pay inequality, based on gender and race; excessive workloads; and casualisation’ (Hall, 2020a). The session explores where LD/LDers are positioned within the HE crisis, before considering how critically oriented LD/LDers who believe HE should be a social and public good can best respond to the crisis, while connecting such to wider contemporary societal and global crises. Specifically: How might LD/LDers respond to different contexts of crisis in ways that encompass LD’s developmental/pedagogical ethos, emancipatory values and empowering academic literacies approach (Syska and Buckley, 2023; Webster, 2019)? How do we link with wider critical educational theories, practices, communities and struggles? What might be the role of critical Learning Development and academic literacies? The objective is critical reflection on contemporary LD/HE contexts – with take-aways, as thus grounded in actual lived experiences of the crisis, including: Developing understandings as to self, team and LD contemporary positionality. Considerations of possible actions and next steps, including the potential for an ALDinHE CoP focused on critical LD and academic literacies.

Nurses’ experiences in neonatal sepsis prevention and management: a qualitative cross-sectional study at selected hospitals in a metropolitan area

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among infants in healthcare settings. This study explored nurses’ experiences in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in the Tamale metropolis.MethodsAn exploratory, descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The sample size was determined at the point of data saturation of fifteen participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify codes, subthemes, and themes within the interview transcripts.ResultsThree major challenges nurses face in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis, including (1) the absence of a protocol for handling newborns upon admission, (2) an excessive workload that made it difficult for staff to follow infection prevention protocols, and (3) inadequate, obsolete and/or lack of equipment that caused devices to be overused. The nurses also identified critical psychological and emotional difficulties they encounter as a result of working within such a stressful environment. Other activities nurses conducted were handwashing before and after every procedure, infection prevention, and separating the babies in the incubator. In managing babies with neonatal sepsis, nurses provided daily treatment, hygiene care, and supported activities of living. The nurses also assert that the availability of resources, appropriate staff, and critical skills are important for preventing and managing neonatal sepsis.ConclusionThe lack of basic working consumables like gloves, syringes, and needles, inadequate staff, and lack of defined protocol of care were identified as critical challenges that hamper the care provided in neonatal care units. Hospital authorities must focus attention on addressing the critical challenges faced by neonatal care units. Also, measures should be instituted to address the emotional and psychological concerns associated with nursing care. Future research must consider the level of influence of each of the challenges enumerated on nurses’ overall health.

Productivity and consultation times in Portuguese primary care: trends and payment model variations

Abstract Background Portugal faces a shortage of primary care workforce resulting in an increase in patients without Family Physician (FP). While expanding the patient list per FP may help, it could also result in excessive workloads, compromising Consultation Times (CT) and quality of care. Furthermore, it is important to study the role of the primary healthcare (PHC) financing model in incentivizing their productivity. This study aims to analyse the productivity and CT in PHC units in Portugal, variation over time, and differences across PHC unit payment models. Methods 6,563 PHC units with different payment models (salary at UCSP, salary and group pay-for-performance at USF-A, and salary, capitation, and individual pay-for-performance at USF-B) from 2015 to 2022 were analysed, including the annual numbers of medical and nursing consultations and full-time equivalents (FTE) of physicians and nurses. Weekly productivity (WP) was calculated using the consultations per FTE physician and nurse. CT were determined by dividing each FTE’s weekly workload by WP. Multivariate analysis explored differences in CT between PHC units, temporal variations, and the influence of the patient population characteristics. Results FTE physicians had a mean WP of 117 consultations (SD 39) lasting 22.4 minutes (SD 7.0). FTE nurses had a mean WP of 56 consultations (SD 18) lasting 41.0 minutes (SD 14.3). Compared to UCSPs, USF-A and USF-B had shorter CT (p &amp;lt; 0.05) by 2.48 to 4.05 minutes for medical consultations and by 5.51 to 8.04 minutes for nursing consultations. CT increased over time, decreased with higher PHC age and favorable socio-demographic context, and increased with higher population density and elderly patients’ proportion (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions USF-B professionals showed higher productivity and shorter CT, suggesting that financial incentives are effective in enhancing productivity but that gains may be obtained with losses in visit duration. Key messages • Effective workforce management is crucial given the current primary care professionals shortages. • Physicians and nurses in PHC units pay-for-performance exhibit higher productivity and shorter consultation time.

Study of Graphic Armatures, Multimodal Cues, and Numeric Measures in Virtual Reality on Learners’ Performance and Workload

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly utilized in education, yet its effectiveness can vary due to potential distractions and excessive workload. Prior research suggests that virtual signaling elements can enhance learning in VR environments. However, the effectiveness of different design elements for specific learning content and their impact on learner workload remain understudied. This study examines the influence of graphic armatures, multimodal cues, and numeric measures on scale learning in Scale Worlds, a VR learning environment for exploring scientific entities across multiple scales. Preliminary results indicate that numeric measures notably enhance learning outcomes by providing direct scale representations. It shows that different virtual elements can variably affect learners’ scale learning outcomes and behaviors and can lead to varying levels of workload. This study underscores the importance of aligning the design of virtual elements with educational objectives and ensuring they induce an appropriate level of workload for learning in VR learning environment.

Addressing Nursing Resignation: Insights From Qualitative Studies on Nurses Leaving Healthcare Organisations and the Profession.

The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of nurses who resigned from healthcare organisations or abandoned the profession and explore the reasons behind them. A systematic review of qualitative studies and meta-summary. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Social Science Citation Index (Web of Science), and Scopus. The search was conducted up to May 2024. Primary qualitative studies focused on nurses who had resigned or left the profession were included. The meta-summary was conducted using method: findings were extracted from the reports, edited, grouped, abstracted into key meta-findings, and finally, their frequency effect sizes were calculated. A total of 282 findings were extracted from 12 studies, generating 49 statements of findings that were aggregated into nine key meta-findings. Poor management practices presented a frequency effect size of 100%. Other key meta-findings included excessive workload, teamwork hurdles, health issues related to work shifts and difficulty in maintaining work-life balance, a lack of career growth opportunities and promotion chances, disillusionment with nursing, dissatisfaction due to salary, bullying and horizontal violence, and moral distress over ethical dilemmas. The findings can help support the development of targeted strategies and the implementation of effective policies aimed at reducing nursing turnover. The major impact of these findings is the recognition of rising factors that negatively affect nurses' quality of life, including workload pressures and poor management strategies, which significantly lower job satisfaction. To address these challenges, the profession should prioritise tools that value nurses in their roles, implement strategies to manage workloads more effectively and advocate for policies promoting flexible scheduling. Additionally, investing in professional development and fostering a supportive work environment can help retain skilled nurses and nurture the growth of new talent. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). No patient or public contribution.

50 years after the Securing Educational Personnel Act (1974): Why Japan faces teacher shortage

ABSTRACT This article examines the paradoxical teacher shortage in Japan 50 years after the enactment of the 1974 Securing Educational Personnel Act, which aimed to attract talented individuals to the teaching profession. It analyses how teacher education policies, administrative reforms, and fiscal measures have contributed to the current situation. The study traces the evolution of post-war teacher training principles, the recommendations of the 1971 Central Council for Education report, and subsequent policy implementations. Through a critical lens, it explores how neoliberal reforms since the 1990s, including deregulation, decentralisation, and market-oriented approaches, have impacted teacher supply, working conditions, and the profession’s attractiveness. The paper argues that while quantitative teacher shortages may not exist, qualitative issues stemming from increased temporary appointments, excessive workloads, and diminished job security have created a perceived shortage. It concludes by discussing potential strategies to revitalise the teaching profession and ensure a sustainable supply of qualified educators in Japan’s changing socioeconomic landscape.

Proposed Improvement of Monitoring and Controlling Process on Outstanding Customer (Study Case: XYZ Company in Jambi Area)

PT XYZ is a company that provides telecommunications services, and for corporate customers, thereis the BGES Unit. The payment process for corporate customers is managed by one of the BGESpillars, namely Collection Management. One of the tasks that Collection Management takes care ofis outstanding data. The achievement of outstanding billing is only 14.75% per year, which means apayment delay of IDR 7,000,458,871.00 in 2021. Due to excessive workload, billing managementdoes not supervise customers regarding billing so billing objectives are not achieved. In addition,billing information in the form of invoices is provided later than the 5th through 12th of each monthso that customers do not know for sure the total bill. This research aims to make improvements in themonitoring and controlling processes of customer outstanding billing. This research uses the businessprocess improvement method. This method also refers to a process that works but some activitiesneed improvement. It does not design new activities but improves existing activities. The tools ofbusiness process improvement that were used in this research are application technique wheels andstreamlining, which can be useful for simplifying a process and fixing a problem based on theoutstanding billing problems by PT XYZ. The result of this research is a new business process as isdashboard monitoring and controlling shown by a context diagram that contains incoming andoutgoing data on the billing information system and reminder notification will appear if the target isnot achieved. The new business process is expected to assist the BGES unit in monitoring andcontrolling customers every month, and the target that is expected to be achieved is an outstandingfigure of less than 1,000,000 by the end of the year.

Designing Ergonomic Standing Chair for Computer Numerical Control Machine Operators using TRIZ

In this research, the working hours and posture of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machineoperators were investigated to determine the physical workload that they experienced during theirdaily work. Based on our observations, the operator works 8-hour regular shifts or 12-hour longshifts for 5 – 6 days a week. During these shifts, the operators work in front of the CNC machinewhile standing upright without any tools to rest. Preliminary research was conducted to evaluatethese conditions the results show 13 out of 20 CNC machine operators complained about physicalfatigue while working the CNC machines. It can also be concluded that the operators areexperiencing excessive workload based on a workload assessment using the Quick Exposure Check(QEC) method. To solve this problem, a standing chair is designed with ergonomics in mind. Thedimensions of the standing chair are based on the anthropometry of the CNC machine operators,which was never used before. The design process is conducted using the Theory of InventiveProblem Solving (TRIZ) methodology. Need statements from the CNC machine operators anddesign requirements from the stakeholders are converted into design specifications using TRIZmethodology. Parameters are determined to increase the capability of the existing design based onthe design specifications. The result of this research is a standing chair that is suitable for theoperator’s needs. Based on the analysis of the design result and the stress analysis simulation, it canbe concluded a functional standing chair can be ergonomically designed with the TRIZmethodology.

Work stress and professional quality of life among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: the chain mediating role of self-compassion and benefit finding

BackgroundSince the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), front-line nurses have faced not only daily work stress but also a high risk of infection and excessive workload, leading to unsatisfactory professional quality of life (ProQOL). This study aimed to explore whether self-compassion (SC) and benefit finding (BF) play a chain mediating role between work stress and ProQOL among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFrom March to April 2022, a sample of 13,936 Chinese nurses was recruited through snowball sampling. Demographic information, work stress, SC, BF, and ProQOL were assessed. The SPSS 25.0 software and Amos 24.0 software were used for statistical analysis. The bootstrap method was employed to construct and examine the chain mediating structural equation model.ResultsThe ProQOL level of Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was moderate. The overall fit indices for the compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) models were satisfactory (χ²/df = 2.486, 3.256, 2.553, RMSEA = 0.011, 0.014, 0.011, the GFI, AGFI, NFI, and CFI values were all above 0.90). Work stress had direct effects on CS, BO, and STS (β=–0.171, 0.334, 0.222, P < 0.001), and also indirectly affected these outcomes through SC (point estimate=–0.010, 0.021, 0.024, P < 0.001), BF (point estimate=–0.033, 0.015, − 0.011, P < 0.001), as well as their chain mediating effect (point estimate=–0.015, 0.006, − 0.005, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study suggests that SC and BF partially mediated the association between work stress and ProQOL in Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training on SC and BF may be crucial components of interventions aimed at improving ProQOL.

Challenges of tertiary higher education in the framework of highly qualified teacher training in Ghana

The study of the features of the educational system of the Republic of Ghana in the context of the third stage of higher education is necessary for the further development of Russian-Ghanaian relations and the growth of partnership projects between higher educational institutions of Russia and Ghana. A proper understanding of the educational system of the Republic of Ghana, as well as the existing problems in the training of postgraduate students and possible ways to solve them, can help to improve the training process of highly qualified teaching staff. The purpose of the work is to reveal the problems of the third stage of higher education in the context of teacher training, and identify possible ways to solve them. The study analyses: 1) the characteristics of the higher education sector in the Republic of Ghana, in particular its tertiary level; 2) existing state initiatives in the country to improve the training of highly qualified teaching staff on the third stage of higher education; 3) statistics characterizing the current situation of postgraduate studies within the framework of higher education in the country; 4) the challenges emerging in the training of highly qualified teachers in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their relevance to tertiary education in the Republic of Ghana. The study has identified the following difficulties that affect the process of writing and successful defense of dissertations: insufficient awareness of graduate students about further prospects for their employment with a PhD; insufficient financial security of postgraduate students; insufficient level of scientific supervision and excessive academic workload on supervisors of dissertation research. The study proposes solutions to the existing problems, such as increasing financial incentives for high-achieving PhD students, increasing control over the process of scientific supervision, placing greater emphasis on conducting interdisciplinary research and establishing partnerships with other countries of the African continent, and developing existing interaction with states outside Africa, including the Russian Federation.

HOW DOES TEACHER EMOTIONAL BURNOUT SYNDROME AFFECT TEACHERS’ DEVELOPMENT?

In this article, we explore the phenomenon of teacher emotional burnout syndrome (EBS), a critical issue affecting educators worldwide. EBS arises due to prolonged stress, high emotional demands, and inadequate support in the teaching environment, leading to mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. The study examines the underlying causes of EBS, including excessive workload, lack of autonomy, and insufficient resources, which contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness among teachers. Key symptoms of emotional burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, emotional detachment, and reduced personal accomplishment, are identified as warning signs that need immediate attention. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, providing a comprehensive overview of preventive measures. These include strategies like promoting work-life balance, encouraging peer support networks, implementing mindfulness techniques, and offering professional development on stress management. Practical recommendations for educational institutions, such as reducing administrative burdens and fostering a supportive workplace culture, are also discussed to create a healthier teaching environment. By addressing both the personal and organizational factors contributing to emotional burnout, this article aims to enhance teachers' well-being and protect them from the long-term impacts of EBS.