Well-being Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Bullying in the healthcare workplace: a cross-sectional study among Nigerian physiotherapists

BackgroundWorkplace bullying (WPB) can impact the overall well-being of healthcare professionals as well as the care provided to patients. There are no available studies on the prevalence of WPB among physiotherapists, especially in Nigeria.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WPB and its associated factors among clinical physiotherapists in Nigeria.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 372 Nigerian clinical physiotherapists conveniently recruited at various hospitals. Data was obtained using an adapted self-administered questionnaire and the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R).ResultsThe prevalence of bullying was 42.1%, with participants reporting repeated experiences within the previous 6 months. A high proportion of participants (83.1%) witnessed someone else being bullied at their workplace. The majority of the bullying incidents involved superiors targeting subordinates (83.7%). Participants reported that the most prevalent forms of bullying were verbal aggression (64.4%), followed by intimidating acts (59.4%), insulting remarks, gossip (58.3%), mind games (29.8%), and neglect of opinions (37.6%). No significant associations were found with gender (p = 0.632), religion (p = 0.151), marital status (p = 0.085), ethnicity (p = 0.896), educational attainment (p = 0.150), or rank (p = 0.091). However, significant associations were identified between WPB and years of practice (p = 0.041), and organization of employment (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe observed prevalence of WPB among Nigerian clinical physiotherapists is of great concern. Targeted interventions and policy developments are highly recommended to create a safer work environment.

Interdisciplinary systems may restore the healthcare professional-patient relationship in electronic health systems.

To develop a framework that models the impact of electronic health record (EHR) systems on healthcare professionals' well-being and their relationships with patients, using interdisciplinary insights to guide machine learning in identifying value patterns important to healthcare professionals in EHR systems. A theoretical framework of EHR systems' implementation was developed using interdisciplinary literature from healthcare, information systems, and management science focusing on the systems approach, clinical decision-making, and interface terminologies. Healthcare professionals balance personal norms of narrative and data-driven communication in knowledge creation for EHRs by integrating detailed patient stories with structured data. This integration forms 2 learning loops that create tension in the healthcare professional-patient relationship, shaping how healthcare professionals apply their values in care delivery. The manifestation of this value tension in EHRs directly affects the well-being of healthcare professionals. Understanding the value tension learning loop between structured data and narrative forms lays the groundwork for future studies of how healthcare professionals use EHRs to deliver care, emphasizing their well-being and patient relationships through a sociotechnical lens. EHR systems can improve the healthcare professional-patient relationship and healthcare professional well-being by integrating norms and values into pattern recognition of narrative and data communication forms.

Measuring Self-Reported Well-Being of Physicians Using the Well-Being Thermometer: Cohort Study.

Advancements in medical science have focused largely on patient care, often overlooking the well-being of health care professionals (HCPs). This oversight has consequences; not only are HCPs prone to mental and physical health challenges, but the quality of patient care may also endure as a result. Such concerns are also exacerbated by unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to other sectors, HCPs report high incidence of stress, depression, and suicide, among other challenging factors that have a significant negative impact on their well-being. Given these substantial concerns, the development of a tool specifically designed to be used in clinical settings to measure the well-being of HCPs is essential. A United Kingdom-based cross-sectional pilot study was carried out to measure self-reported well-being in a cohort of 148 physicians, using the newly developed well-being thermometer. The aim of the tool is to allow respondents to develop an individual sense of "well-being intelligence" thus supporting HCPs to have better insight and control over their well-being and allow insights into how to manage it. The tool consists of 5 well-being domains-health, thoughts, emotions, spiritual, and social. Each domain can be measured individually or combined to produce an overall well-being score. The tool demonstrated good internal consistency; the Cronbach α in this study was 0.84 for the total scale. Results from this cohort demonstrated that the well-being thermometer can be used to gather intelligence of staff well-being. This is a promising new tool that will assist HCPs to recognize their own well-being needs and allow health care organizations to facilitate change in policies and practices to reflect a better understanding of staff well-being.

Association of burnout and working environment conditions in respiratory care professionals in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Burnout is a pervasive issue in healthcare, and it impacts both the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This study examines factors associated with burnout and working environment among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respiratory therapists. We collected 315 questionnaires including burnout assessment. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between various variables and the likelihood of experiencing severe burnout and personal achievement problems. Marital status was a significant predictor of severe burnout (p = 0.001), with single individuals having 8.2 times higher odds than married individuals. Working longer than 44 h per week was associated with a 19.3-fold increase in the odds of severe personal achievement issues compared to those working 40-44 h per week (p < 0.001). Age, gender, living arrangements, education, employment status, and salary level were not significant predictors of severe burnout or personal achievement issues. The findings highlight that marital status and extended working hours are significantly associated with increased burnout among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia. These results underscore the importance of social support networks and work-life balance in mitigating burnout risks within this profession.

Developing a culturally-responsive training program: Workplace violence against physicians in Türkiye

Workplace violence against physicians is a critical issue in Türkiye, requiring comprehensive strategies for prevention and management. This paper outlines the development of a culturally-responsive training program aimed at equipping Turkish physicians with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively address workplace violence. The program is built on the findings from semi-structured interviews with Turkish physicians, a national survey of 136 healthcare workers, historical analysis of workplace violence against physicians in Turkish online newspaper archives, and a workshop with practicing physicians, medical professors, communication experts, and patients. The training program integrates cultural sensitivity and empirical evidence to create a robust framework for mitigating violence in healthcare settings. The training consists of 16 interactive units, each focusing on different aspects of workplace violence and its management specific to Turkish hospital settings. They incorporate real-life scenarios, practical suggestions, and legislative guidelines on effectively managing and mitigating violence. By simulating actual situations, the modules provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge. A crucial aspect of the training is its culturally-responsive approach, which addresses the unique cultural dynamics and sensitivities within Turkish healthcare environments. This program ensures that Turkish physicians can perform their duties without fear of violence while respecting and understanding the cultural values and dynamics of Turkish society. This culturally-responsive dimension is key to creating an effective and impactful training program that enhances the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals in Türkiye.

Resilience, psychosomatic health, and support needs of Ukrainian healthcare professionals in wartime: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAs Ukraine enters its third year of war, healthcare professionals (HPs) continue to face ongoing challenges to their adaptability and resilience. This study aimed to assess the emotional and physical well-being of HPs, evaluate their resilience levels, and identify the most anticipated types of psychological support that would benefit them. MethodsEmotional and somatic states were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Resilience was measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Open-ended questions were used to identify anticipated measures of psychological support. ResultsA total of 1442 HPs participated in the study. The majority exhibited high levels of anxiety and depression. Resilience scores showed negative correlations with anxiety (r = −0.34), depression (r = −0.53), and somatic symptom severity (r = −0.36). The most desired types of psychological support included psychological counselling, spiritual support, and opportunities for rest. ConclusionIt is essential to address the primary needs of HPs in Ukraine to support their professional and personal resilience during wartime. Psychological support should not only focus on treating symptoms and distress but also respond to deeper needs that foster hope and faith in a better future.

USO INDISCRIMINADO DOS OPIOIDES POR PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a global public health crisis that affects several regions, including one that is not always highlighted: health professionals. General objective: to analyze the complexity of the indiscriminate use of opioids by health professionals. Method: This is an integrative literature review, following five stages with a search in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases from 2019 to 2024. Results: 109 articles were found; 06 articles were used to prepare the study. Discussion: According to the Brazilian guidelines on opioid abuse, patients with chronic pain and healthcare professionals are among the groups most at risk of acquiring opioid dependence. Concern about the abuse of psychoactive substances by healthcare professionals is not new. Historically, the population of doctors and other healthcare workers has been more exposed to the risk of abusing psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines. Conclusion: The disordered use of opioids by healthcare professionals is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat. Healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies and society in general have an important role to play in promoting a safer and more supportive working environment. Emphasizing the importance of the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective interventions, is essential to reducing opioid use and ensuring that these professionals can continue to provide quality care while protecting their own health and safety.

A Predictive Score for Bullying-Related Burnout in Healthcare Professionals: Implications for Organizational Interventions in Indonesia

Introduction: Workplace bullying is a pervasive issue with detrimental effects on the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive score for bullying-related burnout among healthcare professionals in Indonesia and explore its implications for organizational interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 785 healthcare professionals from various hospitals in Indonesia. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including the Indonesian versions of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and the Workplace Bullying Scale (WBS). Sociodemographic and work-related factors were also assessed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the predictive score, and its performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The prevalence of workplace bullying was 32.1%, with verbal bullying being the most common type. Burnout was significantly associated with bullying experiences (p&lt;0.001). The final predictive score included age, gender, profession, years of experience, work hours per week, perceived social support, and exposure to different types of bullying. The score demonstrated good predictive accuracy (AUC=0.88, 95% CI: 0.84-0.90) for identifying individuals at high risk of burnout. Conclusion: This study provides a validated predictive score for bullying-related burnout in Indonesian healthcare professionals. The score can be used to identify high-risk individuals and guide targeted organizational interventions to prevent and mitigate the negative consequences of workplace bullying.

The impact of the multicomponent “Healthy and Vital” 3-month lifestyle intervention in health professionals: a single group pre-(multiple) post-study

BackgroundWorking in healthcare often involves stressful situations and a high workload, and many healthcare workers experience burnout complaints or suffer from mental or physical problems. This also affects the overall quality of health care. Many previous workplace interventions focused on knowledge exchange instead of other health cognitions, and were not particularly effective. Multicomponent lifestyle interventions may offer the potential in improving lifestyle and well-being of healthcare professionals. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a multicomponent lifestyle intervention “Healthy and Vital” for healthcare professionals on several health-related outcomes.MethodsA pre- (multiple) post-pilot study has been conducted using data from 2012 to 2018 to evaluate the lifestyle intervention in 126 female healthcare professionals. Measurements were conducted before, directly after the intervention (at 3 months), and 6 months after finishing the intervention (at 9 months). Participants filled out questionnaires and anthropometrics measurements were conducted by a dietitian. The intervention is based on the ASE-model, theory of planned behavior, and motivational interviewing techniques. The intervention included workshops related to stress, eating, sleep, and individual meetings with a dietitian. Multilevel linear mixed models with a random intercept and fixed slope were used to evaluate the impact on lifestyle self-efficacy, eating behavior, anthropometric outcomes and quality of life.ResultsImprovements were observed for lifestyle self-efficacy (total: beta= 1.32 95%CI 0.94;1.48, I know: beta= 1.19 95%CI 0.92;1.46, and I can: beta= 1.46 95%CI 1.19;1.73), eating behavior (emotional eating: beta=-0.33 95%CI-0.44;-0.23, external eating: beta=-0.35 95%CI -0.44;-0.26, and diet/restrictive behavior: beta= 0.41 95%CI 0.30;0.51), anthropometric outcomes (weight: beta=-5.03 95%CI -5.93;-4.12, BMI: beta=-1.873 95%CI -2.06;-1.41, waist circumference: beta=-6.83 95%CI -8.00;-5.65, and body fat percentage: beta=-1.80 95%CI -2.48;-1.17) and multiple outcomes of quality of life (physical functioning: beta= 4.43 95%CI 1.98;6.88, vitality: beta= 7.58 95%CI 4.74;10.42, pain: beta=4.59 95%CI 0.91;1.827, general health perception: beta= 7.43 95%CI 4.79;10.07, and health change: beta= 21.60 95%CI 16.41;28.80) directly after the intervention. The improvements remained after a six-month follow-up.ConclusionsMulticomponent interventions such as “Healthy and Vital” for healthcare professionals may be useful for improving the health of healthcare workers. More research using other designs with a control group, such as a stepped-wedge or RCT, is needed to verify our findings.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on May 1 2024 at the Open Science Framework Registries (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z9VU5).

Developing Self-Compassion in Healthcare Professionals Utilising a Brief Online Intervention: A Randomised Waitlist Control Trial.

(1) Background: The level of stress experienced by staff in the healthcare sector is highly prevalent and well documented. Self-compassion may support the health and wellbeing of individuals and enable them to stay well at work. This study aimed to understand whether a brief, online, self-guided, novel intervention improved the health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals. (2) Methods: In a parallel randomised controlled trial, a volunteer sample of healthcare professionals were assigned to an intervention group (n = 110) or a waitlist control group (n = 80). Measures of self-compassion, mental wellbeing, stress and burnout were collected by an online questionnaire at baseline, post-programme and, for the intervention group, at follow-up. (3) Results: This intervention appeared to be effective in increasing self-compassion and mental health and decreasing stress and burnout. Significant group effects and significant time × group interactions for overall self-compassion [F (2, 183) = 32.72, p < 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.226], mental wellbeing [F (2, 212) = 17.46, p < 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.135], perceived stress [F (2, 205) = 5.42, p = 0.006; effect size ηp2 = 0.46], personal burnout [F (2, 224) = 7.57, p = 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.063] and work burnout [F (2, 208) = 7.39, p = 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.062] were found. (4) Conclusions: This study shows promise that an affordable and scalable intervention can be effective for busy healthcare professionals operating in a significantly challenging environment.

Digital Staff Support Interventions for the Psychological Wellbeing of Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review

AbstractHealthcare professionals experience stressful events which impact on overall wellbeing. The rise of digital interventions marks an opportunity to support healthcare professionals in their psychological wellbeing. This systematic review aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of digital interventions for healthcare professionals in mental and physical healthcare to improve psychological wellbeing (PROSPERO CRD42023394966). Four electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) were searched, from inception, until 10 June 2024. The review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. Thirty-five studies were included (N = 5364, published 2004–2024), including 13 randomised controlled trials. The majority of the studies were carried out in Europe and North America (mostly UK and USA). Digital interventions varied across format (e.g. web based, virtual reality based) and content type (e.g. biofeedback training). The most frequently used format for digital interventions were smartphone apps with the most common digital intervention type being general stress management programmes. Thirty-three studies indicated significant changes in at least one wellbeing measure, such as depression, anxiety, stress, resilience or compassion. On the EPHPP, 4 studies were rated strong, 14 were rated as moderate and 17 were rated as weak. Evidence suggests that digital interventions are a feasible, acceptable and effective approach to support wellbeing in healthcare professionals, although there are significant methodological limitations. Further research would benefit from stronger methodological designs, maximising participant engagement, and greater, more diverse sample sizes.

SP8.11 - Conflict Resolution in Surgery

Abstract Aim In our study, we dive into perspectives gathered from academic and public investigations, shedding light on how patient safety is at risk when communication and professional behaviours crumble within surgical teams. Despite clear evidence, current educational paths for both undergraduates and postgraduates prioritise surgical knowledge and skills, sidelining the crucial aspects of effective teamwork and conflict resolution. The increasing diversity in the surgical workforce, paired with a spectrum of personalities, emphasises the urgency of evaluating the evidence base on how interpersonal conflict impacts and exploring effective interventions. This evaluation is pivotal for shaping the direction of future curricula. Methods We took a systematic approach, exploring databases using keywords like "conflict resolution," "surgery," and "healthcare professionals," and related terms. Following PRISMA guidelines, we analysed identified studies, resolving any discrepancies through collaborative discussions among reviewers. Results Sixty-three studies reveal the adverse effects of interpersonal conflict on healthcare professionals (HCPs), leading to stress, burnout, job dissatisfaction, and compromising team effectiveness and patient safety. Conflict causes were categorised into systemic and interpersonal factors, with resolution interventions focusing on improving communication skills, organising team-building workshops, and facilitating debriefing sessions. Despite recognising the value of conflict resolution, variations in strategies were noted across different surgical specialties. Conclusion This systematic review underlines interpersonal conflict within surgical teams as a significant threat to patient safety and the well-being of healthcare professionals. The literature exposes strategic diversity in reported educational interventions, advocating for the integration of formalised training in teamworking and conflict resolution—an often overlooked yet vital component in surgical curricula.

Socio-demographic and work-related factors associated with mental health disparities among nurses working in public sector hospitals

ABSTRACT This study addresses the mental health disparities among nurses based on various socio-demographic and work-related factors. Recognizing the widespread issue of mental health in the nursing profession, the study investigates the differences in the mental health of nurses to various socio-demographic and work-related factors. The study focused on hospital status, shift timing, education level, working hours, marital status, gender, family income level, and family size. Using convenient sampling, data were collected from 310 nurses working in public sector hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Kruskal Wallis H test, Mann Whitney U test, and Dunn's pairwise tests were used. The study findings revealed significant differences in mental health across these factors except for family size. Key findings highlight mental health disparities based on hospital status, shift timing, education level, working hours, marital status, gender, and family income. The study concludes that tailored interventions and support systems are essential to address the specific challenges faced by diverse nursing subgroups. The study contributes to the development of a resilient and well-supported nursing workforce. These findings have broader implications for nursing professional development, academic courses, and the overall well-being of healthcare professionals.

Exploration of Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In response to curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare professionals (HCPs) encounter a multitude of mental stresses. The primary intent was to explore the mental health and well-being experienced by HCPs in Ekiti State, Nigeria, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methodology. The study was undertaken among HCPs in two teaching hospitals in Ekiti State during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Convenience sampling techniques were employed to select participants for this study. A comprehensive interview ranging from 30 to 50 minutes per participant was administered to a sample of 14 HCPs (doctors and nurses) representing various departments within the hospital. The interviews were conducted between March 2020 and May 2020. COVID-19 stressful situations, the physiological consequences of stress, personality, disposition, stress management techniques, and coping mechanisms were evaluated. The study outcomes indicate that a significant proportion of HCPs currently face mental well-being. The primary sources of stress identified in this study included heavy workloads and pressure from social media platforms and government agencies. The outbreak crisis significantly influenced on their lives and work, with the fear of catching diseases and their anxiety about spreading infections to their loved ones. HCPs require a secure working environment during the current circumstances, along with an enhanced support system to alleviate stressors. This study contributes to a significant proportion of HCPs currently facing stress.

Health Workforce Challenges: Key Findings From the Swiss Cohort of Healthcare Professionals and Informal Caregivers (SCOHPICA).

The Swiss Cohort of Healthcare Professionals and Informal Caregivers (SCOHPICA) was created to study the career trajectories, retention intentions, and wellbeing of healthcare professionals (HCPs), addressing challenges such as staff turnover, low job satisfaction and burnout. SCOHPICA is a prospective open cohort. An electronic questionnaire was used to collect data from HCPs across multiple healthcare settings in Switzerland, encompassing the intention to stay in the profession, wellbeing, and various organizational, psychosocial, occupational and sociodemographic determinants. The first (2022) baseline sample included 1707 HCPs from over 20 professions. Notably, 13% did not intend to stay in their profession, with intermediate caregivers (24%), registered nurses (17%) and pharmacists (17%) reporting the highest rates. Pharmacists scored lowest in wellbeing. Across determinants, pharmacists, physicians, and registered nurses reported worse scores for workload and work-life balance. Nursing professions had lower scores in various determinants, including influence at work, staffing and resource adequacy, and possibilities for development. SCOHPICA will provide critical insights on HCPs' work conditions and experiences, supporting health workforce monitoring and management, and informing policy-making to ensure high-quality healthcare delivery.

The Mindful Healthcare Scale (MHS): Development and initial validation

ObjectivesPsychological flexibility is associated with reduced burnout and improved wellbeing in healthcare professionals. This paper outlines the development and initial validation of the Mindful Healthcare Scale (MHS), a novel measure of psychological flexibility in healthcare professionals. MethodsThis paper comprises of three studies drawing on the following samples. Sample 1 (n = 480) and Sample 2 (n = 196) were cross-sectional samples of healthcare professionals. Sample 3 (n = 162) was the baseline sample of a longitudinal study who were followed up after a six-month interval. Seventy-seven participants of sample 3 provided test-retest data at six months. Classical test theory was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mindful Healthcare Scale. Sample One was used to conduct an exploratory factor analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken in sample two. Sample two and three were used to test the convergent validity and concurrent validity of the MHS via corelation with measures of burnout, wellbeing, general psychological flexibility, and self-compassion. Incremental validity of the MHS was assessed in predicting wellbeing and burnout after controlling for general psychological flexibility. The sub sample of Sample 3 was used to assess test-retest reliability. ResultsIn study one, exploratory factor analysis led to a three-factor structure that was labelled ‘engaged’, ‘awareness’, and ‘defusion’. In study two, confirmatory factor analyses supported this model. Study 3 supported the convergent validity, construct validity, incremental validity and test-retest reliability of the MHS. Internal reliability was found to be good across all samples. ConclusionsThe MHS is a psychometrically sound measure of psychological flexibility in healthcare contexts. It is hoped that this measure will contribute to research and practice that aims to understand and enhance the wellbeing and training of healthcare professionals.

The Feasibility and Impact of an Asynchronous Interprofessional Well-Being Course on Burnout in Health Care Professionals.

Well-being initiatives are essential components in fostering an engaged workforce and creating an effective health care ecosystem. Health care professional (HCP) burnout is widespread and has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2014, with Health Resources and Services Administration funding support, the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine created an online course for HCP well-being. It was subsequently studied in medical residents and revised in 2020. In this study, we explore the impact of the course across larger systems, as well as the long-term impact on HCPs. The Health Care Professional Well-Being course is 4.5 hours of interactive online education that explores personal well-being, promoters and detractors of well-being, and systemic factors that influence the overall impact of well-being in health care systems. Participants were recruited through institutional members of the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health and were randomized to either active or waitlist control groups. Assessments were taken pre-course, 1-month post-course, and 6-months post-course in the areas of burnout, compassion, resiliency, and lifestyle behaviors. Burnout measures of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion showed a significant improvement amongst active participants, sustained for 6 months after the course. However, no significant improvement in either the resiliency or the compassion measurements was noted for the active group. Initially, the active group showed improvement in personal accomplishment; however, both groups showed a decline overall. Most noteworthy, a large number of active participants demonstrated adoption of new health-promoting behavior; 95% incorporated at least 1 new lifestyle behavior learned from the course. This study of a brief, asynchronous, online well-being course with interprofessional HCPs, demonstrates that the course is associated with improvement in individual burnout measures and can educate HCPs about healthy behaviors and a framework for professional engagement.

Wearable Technologies for Detecting Burnout and Well-Being in Health Care Professionals: Scoping Review.

The occupational burnout epidemic is a growing issue, and in the United States, up to 60% of medical students, residents, physicians, and registered nurses experience symptoms. Wearable technologies may provide an opportunity to predict the onset of burnout and other forms of distress using physiological markers. This study aims to identify physiological biomarkers of burnout, and establish what gaps are currently present in the use of wearable technologies for burnout prediction among health care professionals (HCPs). A comprehensive search of several databases was performed on June 7, 2022. No date limits were set for the search. The databases were Ovid: MEDLINE(R), Embase, Healthstar, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science Core Collection via Clarivate Analytics, Scopus via Elsevier, EBSCOhost: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL with Full Text, and Business Source Premier. Studies observing anxiety, burnout, stress, and depression using a wearable device worn by an HCP were included, with HCP defined as medical students, residents, physicians, and nurses. Bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies. The initial search yielded 505 papers, from which 10 (1.95%) studies were included in this review. The majority (n=9) used wrist-worn biosensors and described observational cohort studies (n=8), with a low risk of bias. While no physiological measures were reliably associated with burnout or anxiety, step count and time in bed were associated with depressive symptoms, and heart rate and heart rate variability were associated with acute stress. Studies were limited with long-term observations (eg, ≥12 months) and large sample sizes, with limited integration of wearable data with system-level information (eg, acuity) to predict burnout. Reporting standards were also insufficient, particularly in device adherence and sampling frequency used for physiological measurements. With wearables offering promise for digital health assessments of human functioning, it is possible to see wearables as a frontier for predicting burnout. Future digital health studies exploring the utility of wearable technologies for burnout prediction should address the limitations of data standardization and strategies to improve adherence and inclusivity in study participation.

Strain and serenity: exploring the interplay of stress, burnout, and well-being among healthcare professionals.

Stress and burnout can negatively affect performance, mental health, and the overall well-being of healthcare workers. The study aims to examine the prevalence of stress and burnout, and investigate links between stress, burnout, mental state, and well-being among healthcare workers in the Czech Republic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Czech Republic, focusing on healthcare professionals working in various healthcare settings. A total of 1,064 healthcare workers participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire battery was used, consisting of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Supso-7 measuring mental state. Separate correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted. 46.24% of the healthcare workers reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 25.56% reported high levels of depersonalization, 24.15% reported low levels of personal accomplishment, while 11.18% reported high levels of perceived stress. The findings revealed that emotional exhaustion, a core component of burnout, was associated with increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Perceived stress was also linked to anxiety and depression, while personal accomplishment appeared to mitigate depression and support positive psychological well-being. The study provides promising evidence suggesting that addressing stress and emotional exhaustion, while fostering a sense of personal achievement, could lead to improvements in the mental health and work performance of healthcare workers. These findings highlight the importance of addressing burnout and stress management strategies to support the overall well-being of healthcare professionals.

Mental Health in Healthcare Workers Post-COVID-19: A Latin American Review and Insights into Personalized Management Strategies.

Over the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of enduring mental health on healthcare workers has become increasingly evident. This review focuses on post-pandemic mental health challenges faced by healthcare personnel in Latin America. This highlights the persistent burden on healthcare workers, especially women, which is exacerbated by economic disparities, inadequacies in the healthcare system, and ongoing occupational stressors. Our literature review, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, scrutinized the mental health status of healthcare professionals in the region after the pandemic's peak. The analysis indicated sustained levels of psychological distress, with frontline workers and women continuing to be affected disproportionately. These findings emphasize the urgent need for personalized interventions to effectively address the complex mental health challenges in this context. This review advocates strategic interventions, including tailored psychological support, innovative diagnostics, and technological solutions, integrated into patient-centered care models. Such approaches aim to enhance the mental resilience and overall well-being of healthcare professionals across Latin America in the post-COVID era.