Perceptions Of Workload Research Articles

Effects of a low-cost prosthetic knee on amputee gait over uneven and even terrains.

Limited data are available related to using a low-cost prosthetic knee while walking. To address this gap, this study compared the performance of a low-cost prosthetic knee with 2 more advanced prosthetic knees while walking on even and uneven terrains. Two adult subjects with above-knee amputations completed walking trials using a low-cost prosthetic knee (ReMotion knee) and their personal prosthetic knees (Ottobock 3R60 Pro mechanical knee and Ossur Rheo microprocessor knee) over even and uneven terrains. Several measures of gait performance were obtained including step size, stability, energy expenditure, as well as user perception of ReMotion workload and performance during gait. Effects of the ReMotion knee were different between the mechanical and microprocessor knee user. In addition, subjects perceived the positive aspects associated with the ReMotion knee to be its lightweight feature and their perceived increased in stability during walking while both subjects disliked the inability of the ReMotion knee to adjust to preferred walking speeds. This study provided an understanding of low-cost prosthetic technology among lower-limb amputees compared to prosthetic technology with more technologically advanced assistance. These findings may help guide future low-cost prosthetic knee design considerations for use on various terrains.

Perceptions of Cognitive Load and Workload in Nurse Handoffs: A Comparative Study Across Differing Patient-Nurse Ratios and Acuity Levels.

Medical errors, often resulting from miscommunication and cognitive lapses during handoffs, account for numerous preventable deaths and patient harm annually. This research examined nurses' perceived workload and cognitive load during handoffs on hospital units with varying patient acuity levels and patient-nurse ratios. Conducted at a southeastern US medical facility, the study analyzed 20 handoff dyads using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index to measure perceived workload and cognitive load. Linear regressions revealed significant associations between patient acuity levels, patient-nurse ratios, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index subscales, specifically mental demand (P = .007) and performance (P = .008). Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test showed no significant associations between these factors and nurses' roles (P > .05). The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage workload and cognitive load, emphasizing standardized handoff protocols and technological aids. The study underscores the variability in perceived workload and cognitive load among nurses across different units. Medical-surgical units showed higher cognitive load, indicating the need for improved workload management strategies. Despite limitations, including the single-center design and small sample size, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing handoff communications and reducing medical errors.

An evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, practice, and associated factors regarding oxygen therapy among resident doctors in a tertiary care teaching hospital: A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Despite oxygen therapy guidelines, suboptimal practices prevail among front-line resident doctors, highlighting knowledge and attitudinal barriers. Mixed-methods research can inform tailored quality improvements. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of resident doctors regarding oxygen therapy, determine associated factors quantitatively, and explore experiences, barriers, and enablers qualitatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a convergent parallel mixed-methods study conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital. An analytical cross-sectional survey of 410 resident doctors assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices using a questionnaire. Qualitative phenomenology entailed in-depth interviews with 30 participants analyzing experiences and perspectives. Integration enabled corroborating and complementing findings. Logistic regression analysis and thematic analysis were used to make themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Most demonstrated suboptimal knowledge (78% or 320/410 good), attitudes (61.7% or 253/410 positive), and practices (47.8% or 196/410 good). Significant factors were gender, experience, workload perceptions, and device familiarity. Males had 5.5 times higher odds of good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.25–10). Those perceiving workload impact had 13 times higher odds of positive attitudes (AOR 13, 95% CI 9.4–20.9). Qualitative themes highlighted inadequate skills and time constraints as barriers and protocolization and decision tools as enablers. CONCLUSION: Gaps exist in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oxygen therapy among resident doctors attributable to varied factors. Tailored quality improvement strategies addressing demonstrated barriers, such as enablement workshops, order set integration, and pulse oximetry audits, are recommended based on mixed-methods insights.

A Study on the Mediating Role of Work-Family Conflict in the Effect of Workload Perception on Professional Burnout of Employees in the Energy Sector

Abstract Previous research could not yield consistent results concerning the relationship between workload perception and dimensions of professional burnout. The present work examines the mediating role of work-family conflict (WFC) in the relationship between workload perception and the dimensions of professional burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment). The population of this study consists of employees employed in 21 electricity distribution companies operating in the energy sector in Turkey. 221 usable data were obtained through the survey method. The data were tested with the SmartPLS 4 analysis program. The analysis found a significant positive relationship between workload perception and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and WFC. However, no significant correlation between workload perception and lack of personal accomplishment could be identified. Moreover, the study results confirmed a significant positive relationship between WFC and the three dimensions of professional burnout. Considering the mediating relationships, it was revealed that WFC plays a complementary partial mediating role in the relationship between workload perception and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Likewise, the full mediating role of WFC in the relationship between workload perception and a lack of personal accomplishment was confirmed. This research contributes significantly to literature and practice by showing that lack of personal accomplishment develops when workload perception turns into WFC.

Surface and deep learning: a blended learning approach in preclinical years of medical school

BackgroundSignificant challenges are arising around how to best enable peer communities, broaden educational reach, and innovate in pedagogy. While digital education can address these challenges, digital elements alone do not guarantee effective learning. This study reports a blended learning approach integrating online and face-to-face components, guided by the Student Approaches to Learning framework.MethodsThis study was carried out investigating learning in first and second year medical students over two academic years, 2019/20 and 2020/21. We evaluated: (1) comparison of students engaged with blended learning and traditional learning; and (2) student learning engaged with blended learning approach over a two-year preclinical curriculum. A revised two-factor study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) evaluated students’ surface/deep learning before and after an academic year. Learning experience (LE) questionnaire was administered over the domains of learning engagement, and outcomes of learning approach. In-depth interviews were carried out to understand the context of students’ responses to the R-SPQ-2F and LE questionnaires.ResultsThe R-SPQ-2F analysis indicated first year students maintained deep learning but second year students became neutral across the academic year, regardless of learning approach, with workload contributing to this outcome. R-SPQ-2F sub-scales showed that students engaged with blended learning maintained an intrinsic interest to learning, as compared to traditional learning which led to surface learning motives. The LE questionnaire showed students engaged with blended learning had deeper subject interest, and more positive perceptions of workload, feedback, and effectively developed skills and knowledge. However, peer interactions from blended learning were significantly lacking. In-depth interviews revealed that the flexibility and multi-modality of blended learning enabled learning, but the best use of these features require teacher support. Online interactions could be cultivated through intentional institutional efforts.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of designing blended learning that leverages technology-enabled flexibility while prioritising collaborative, learner-centred spaces for deep engagement and knowledge construction.

Workload disparities and their role in the health of migrants and natives in Germany

BackgroundThis study explores the health status differences between migrants and native Germans, focusing on potential disparities in their workloads. Physical and mental workloads can negatively impact individual health. Since various occupations come with distinct health-related patterns, occupational selection may contribute to systematic health disparities among socio-economic groups. Given the generally poorer health of migrants, they might experience systematic workload differences overall.MethodsWe suggest a conceptual framework for the empirical analysis based on the theory of health as a durable good with health consumption and health investment as key parameters. We quantify the role of work tasks, job requirements and working conditions on individual health based on detailed information from the BIBB/BAuA labour force survey 2012 and 2018.ResultsThe empirical results reveal that migrants, i.e. foreigners and German citizens with a migration background, have a higher perception of workload and related health afflictions within the same occupation. Native Germans, on the other hand, experience a higher burden by high job requirements, both physically and mentally. The findings imply heterogeneous health impacts of work for migrants and native Germans due to differences in health consumption.ConclusionsThe analysis shows that migrants report worse health than natives, with stronger negative effects of work-related conditions on their health, both physically and mentally. Women, in general, report poorer health conditions than men. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting human capital to reduce economic and health disparities, though caution is advised regarding affirmative actions for migrants; further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and address these issues effectively.

University lecturers' perceived stress andself-rated health during COVID-19.

In 2022, many universities transitioned from virtual learning back to in-person teaching. Significant changes in working conditions, along with COVID-19-related anxiety during the pandemic, might impact the well-being of lecturers. This study aims to assess the perceived stress, self-rated physical and occupational health of Vietnamese lecturers in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic levels, and to identify their associating factors. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in May-June 2022 through an online survey questionnaire. A sample of 425 university lecturers were included. Participants' stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Participants were asked to compare their current physical and occupational health with before the pandemic. Explanatory variables included (1) COVID-19 exposure; and (2) perceptions of changes in working environment due to the pandemic. Multivariable ordinal least squared regression analyses were used to estimate the coefficient and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between COVID-19 exposure variables, work conditions, and each outcome. Our findings indicated that over 60% of participants experienced moderate stress, while nearly half reported worsened physical and occupational health during the pandemic. Gender, age, perceptions of workload, workplace safety, COVID-19 infection, and incentive programs were significant factors associated with higher stress levels and worse self-rated health. To ensure occupational safety and support lecturers as they return to in-person classes, it is crucial to provide appropriate psychological and health support services.

The effect of dispositional resilience on the relationship between professional quality of life and psychological distress factors of nurses during the pandemic: A three-wave longitudinal study.

COVID-19 overwhelmed all healthcare workers, especially nurses, who worked tirelessly in patient care in extremely stressful situations. Italy, with its hospital overcrowding and staff shortages, exacerbated these negative consequences. A three-wave prospective longitudinal-design was adopted to use validated scales to examine the trend of stress, anxiety, depression and resilience on the professional quality of life of nurses who worked during the pandemic. During an 8-month period, a sample of 411 individuals was recruited and surveyed three times. Resilience showed an increasing positive trend from the first to the third wave, increasing its effects on the outcomes and demonstrating its important protective role. The compassion fatigue showed progressively higher scores in the three waves, indicating greater workload perception and greater difficulty in managing the patients' perceived stress. Burnout increased in the first compared to second waves but decreased significantly in the third wave, due to the effect of resilience on burnout that was significantly stronger in the third wave. Our findings align with the literature about the role of resilience and emphasize the importance of investing in strategies aimed at developing resilience in healthcare workers and providing prevention and assistance to them in terms of job demands and unsustainable stressors.

Work-Related Psychosocial Factors and Their Effects on Mental Workload Perception and Body Postures.

The perception of work is closely linked to body reactions that facilitate task performance. Previous studies have shown that psychosocial work factors significantly impact employee health on both psychological and physical levels, though their cross-sectional designs limit causal interpretations. In this study, participants performed sitting and standing tasks under four different levels of mental workload. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) assessed mental workload perception across six dimensions, while Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores evaluated body postures for standing and sitting tasks, respectively. This study examined the effects of alarms, distractions, and time constraints-common psychosocial factors in healthcare environments-on human behavior. We compared NASA-TLX scores with corresponding REBA/RULA scores to evaluate how perceived mental workload affects body postures. One-way ANOVA assessed the impact of experimental conditions on response variables, and Pearson correlation analyses explored the relationships between psychosocial factors and these variables. Results indicated that alarm conditions most negatively impacted mental workload perception and body postures. Temporal demand and effort scores were particularly affected by psychosocial factors in both tasks. Gender influenced physical demand and performance scores (higher in females) for the standing task but did not affect REBA and RULA scores. These findings suggest that organizational and psychosocial factors significantly influence healthcare workers' behavior, health, and patient safety. Further research is needed to evaluate the specific effects of psychosocial factors on both physical and mental workload to understand the relationship between overall task workload and occupational disorders.

#1600 The effect of integrated real-time hemodialysis surveillance on staff workload and time efficacy—a multicenter prospective study

Abstract Background and Aims For many years, dialysis data have been manually registered and transferred to the patients’ electronic health records by dialysis staff. However, manual documentation can be associated with poor data completeness, delayed recognition of inadequate dialysis prescriptions, and high staff workload. We studied the effect of introducing a new integrated, digitalized haemodialysis surveillance system, the Treatment Guidance System (TGS), on staff workload and time saving in clinics from a large multi-national dialysis provider. To measure the effect of introducing the new TGS system on staff workload and time saving. Method This was a prospective, observational multicenter study conducted between November 2021 and January 2023 in five countries: Saudi Arabia, Spain, Portugal, UK, and Kazakhstan. Inclusion criteria were clinics with adequate digital infrastructure, introducing the TGS. Only staff without prior experience with TGS were included in this study. Staff workload was determined using the NASA Task Load Index (TLS) at three timepoints: 1: two weeks prior to introduction of the TGS, 2: one month after introduction of the TGS, and 3: three months after introduction of the TGS. Time saving was determined by observation of the time used for dialysis data documentation by an independent person at timepoints 1 and 3. Differences in staff workload were determined by Friedman's two-way analysis of variance by ranks with Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, while time saving was determined by Wilcox signed rank test. Results In total, 223 participants from 20 clinics were included in the study, 56% were female, age distribution was 32.1% <30 years, 58.8% 30-49 years, and 9.1% ≥50 years, and dialysis experience was 17.5% ≤2 years, 27.9% 2-5 years, 33.3% 5-10 years, and 21.2% >10 years. The staff adaptability to the introduction of TGS at their workplace and the workload perception improved significantly over all domains of the NASA TLS (Table 1). While most domains improved by approximately 50%, median physical demand improved by more than 60% (Table 1). There was some variation of the observed time used for documentation between different countries, however, the observed time decreased in all countries from median (25-75%) 9:35 (5:36-14:41) minutes at timepoint 1 to 5:22 (2:05-9:22) minutes at timepoint 3 (p < 0.001). The largest saving was noted in the United Kingdom (14:06 (11:01-18:25) to 5:17 (4:56-5:45) minutes), while the smallest saving was noted in Kazakhstan, where only 3 individuals were observed (3:37 to 3:08). Conclusion Introduction of the novel, digitalized, integrated real-time dialysis documentation system TGS greatly reduced staff workload and time spent with documentation of dialysis treatments. Digitalization and automation of haemodialysis treatment has the potential to improve dialysis treatment, which will be further elucidated by the analysis of data quality and completeness in the current study.

Weak Correlation Between Perceived and Measured Intensive Care Unit Nursing Workload: An Observational Study.

Efficient management of nursing workload in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential for patient safety, care quality, and nurse well-being. Current ICU-specific workload assessment scores lack comprehensive coverage of nursing activities and perceived workload. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between ICU nurses' perceived workload and the Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS). In a 45-bed adult ICU at a tertiary academic hospital, nurses' perceived shift workload (measured with an 11-point Likert scale) was correlated with the NEMS, calculated manually and electronically. The study included 1734 observations. The perceived workload was recorded for 77.6% of observations. A weak positive correlation was found between perceived and objectively measured workload. Findings indicate a need to consider the multifaceted nature of nursing activities and individual workload perceptions in the ICU.

Comparison of Alabama Nurse Experiences Between Practice Areas During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

According to the Total Worker Health® framework, safety culture including a reasonable workload among healthcare workers is essential to the security and well-being of patients, staff, and healthcare organizations. Evaluating the impact of the pandemic on the nursing workforce in different practice areas is critical for addressing workforce health and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to compare work and selfcare experiences among Alabama nurses between practice areas and the early pandemic years (2020 vs. 2021). A secondary analysis of cross-sectional Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) survey data was conducted. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, Wilcoxon rank, and false discovery rates were examined. There were 1,369 and 2,458 nurse survey responses in 2020 and 2021, respectively. By 2021, nurses reported worsening staff shortages, a greater need for retired and new graduate nurses to help with the workload burden, and perceptions of heavier emergency department workloads. Lower proportions of nurses reported the ability to engage in self-care activities and satisfaction with state and federal crisis management. Intensive care nurses were more likely to report staffing shortages while also reporting the lowest ability to engage in self-care. Overall, the Alabama nursing workforce perceived worsening work conditions in 2021 compared to when the pandemic began. Practice areas varied greatly in their responses, with acute and intensive care areas perceiving more difficult work conditions. Total Worker Health® programs should be designed to promote and support nurses' well-being based on their experience and the needs of specific practice areas.

The development and pilot of a novel mobile application to assess clinician perception of workload and work environment.

Traditional measures of workload such as wRVUs may not be adequate to understand the impact of workload on key outcomes. The objective of this study was to develop a mobile application to assess, in near real time, clinicians' perception of workload and work environment. We developed the GrittyWork™ application (GW App) using the Chokshi and Mann process model for user-centered digital development. Study occured at a single academic medical center with hospitalist clinicians. Measures included the System Usability Scale (SUS), use measures from GW App, electronic health record (EHR) event log data and note counts, and qualitative interviews. From October 28, 2022 to November 3, 2022, six hospitalist clinicians provided feedback on the early prototype of the GW App, and from February 28, 2023 to June 8, 2023, 30 hospitalist clinicians participated in the pilot while on clinical service. All 30 clinicians (100%) participated in the pilot submitting data for a total of 122 shifts. Participants reported working 10 ± 1 h per day (mean ± SD) and were responsible for an average of 11 ± 3 patients per day. The postpilot evaluation of the GW App showed a SUS score of 86 ± 11 and a participant preference toward mobile application-based surveys (73% of participants). Regarding workload measures, EHR event log data and notes data correlated with physician-reported workloads. Applying user-centered design techniques, we successfully developed a mobile application with high usability. These data can be paired with EHR event log data and outcomes to provide insights into the impact of workloads and work environments on outcomes.

Comparative analysis of mental workload and performance between young and elderly drivers: Implications for road safety and age-related driving challenges

BACKGROUND: Driving represents a multifaceted cognitive endeavor, demanding heightened vigilance and swift responses. Considering the high statistics of driving accidents and heavy loads, as well as the effect of the driver’s age on the occurrence of accidents, it is important to investigate these factors to reduce accidents. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of mental workload on the performance of young and older drivers in a dynamic driving scenario to compare cognitive performance, workload perception, and driving outcomes between the two age groups. METHODS: Cognitive tests including the Stroop test, Continuous Performance test, and Focused Attention test were conducted, alongside the use of the DALI questionnaire to measure workload levels. Participants encompassed twenty male drivers, divided into two age groups: 20 to 35 years and 55 to 70 years, with varying years of driving experience. The study entailed a dynamic driving scenario involving a designated route in Tehran, Iran. RESULTS: Results exhibited differences in workload scores between the age groups, particularly in dimensions such as visual demand, auditory demand, attention, and interference. Older drivers demonstrated heightened cognitive and physical demands during driving, implying a greater need for attention and cognitive effort. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicated that navigating through congested roads and dense urban traffic significantly elevates the mental workload for drivers, consequently impacting their cognitive functioning. Given the critical need for attention in driving, this heightened workload can manifest as increased fatigue, increasing stress levels, and diminished concentration, all of which substantially raise the risk of vehicular accidents. Furthermore, the study highlighted a particular concern for older drivers, whose diminished cognitive capacities further raise their vulnerability to accidents under such demanding driving conditions.

Гендерні та вікові особливості феномену емоційного вигорання серед фахівців у галузі інформаційних технологій

The research focuses on gender and age aspects of emotional burnout among information technology (IT) professionals and examines the influence of various factors, such as gender and age, on the occurrence and development of emotional burnout in IT workers. The research analyses the relationship between gender and emotional burnout, reveals possible differences in the perception of the working environment, stressful situations, and the ability of coping strategies between men and women in the IT field. The influence of age factors on emotional burnout is also studied, it is analyzed how the levels of stress and burnout change during different stages of career growth. The research aims to identify the specifics of coping with stressful situations and effective methods of preventing emotional burnout for different groups of IT workers. Various aspects of emotional burnout are considered, including stress at work, dissatisfaction with career growth, age, and gender differences in the perception of workload and emotional well-being. The study aims to expand the understanding of the problem of emotional burnout in the context of the IT industry and provides grounds for the development of personalized strategies to support and manage emotional risks in this professional environment. In addition, specific recommendations are offered for the development of gender-sensitive and age-oriented burnout prevention programs (individual support strategies, stress management training and creation of working conditions conducive to maintaining mental health). Also presented are directions for further research in this area for a deeper understanding of gender and age aspects of burnout, studying the relationship between working conditions and emotional burnout, developing, and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention programs, as well as considering the latest technologies and changes in the work environment. These studies will contribute to the expansion of knowledge about emotional burnout and the development of more effective strategies to prevent and overcome it.

Comparing ANOVA and PowerShap Feature Selection Methods via Shapley Additive Explanations of Models of Mental Workload Built with the Theta and Alpha EEG Band Ratios

Background: Creating models to differentiate self-reported mental workload perceptions is challenging and requires machine learning to identify features from EEG signals. EEG band ratios quantify human activity, but limited research on mental workload assessment exists. This study evaluates the use of theta-to-alpha and alpha-to-theta EEG band ratio features to distinguish human self-reported perceptions of mental workload. Methods: In this study, EEG data from 48 participants were analyzed while engaged in resting and task-intensive activities. Multiple mental workload indices were developed using different EEG channel clusters and band ratios. ANOVA’s F-score and PowerSHAP were used to extract the statistical features. At the same time, models were built and tested using techniques such as Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosting, and Random Forest. These models were then explained using Shapley Additive Explanations. Results: Based on the results, using PowerSHAP to select features led to improved model performance, exhibiting an accuracy exceeding 90% across three mental workload indexes. In contrast, statistical techniques for model building indicated poorer results across all mental workload indexes. Moreover, using Shapley values to evaluate feature contributions to the model output, it was noted that features rated low in importance by both ANOVA F-score and PowerSHAP measures played the most substantial role in determining the model output. Conclusions: Using models with Shapley values can reduce data complexity and improve the training of better discriminative models for perceived human mental workload. However, the outcomes can sometimes be unclear due to variations in the significance of features during the selection process and their actual impact on the model output.

The Effects of Workload Excess on Quality of Work Life in Third-Level Healthcare Workers: A Structural Equation Modeling Perspective.

Examining the workload and working conditions of healthcare workers is crucial regarding the quality of the work life of employees and the quality of services provided. This study aims to determine the effects of the perceptions of workload on the quality of work life of health personnel working in two different tertiary hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health and the Higher Education Institution in Türkiye with structural equation modeling. This study was conducted in two hospitals in Malatya province: İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center affiliated with the Higher Education Institution and Malatya Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health. The mean score of the Individual Workload Perception Scale was 106.18 ± 16.5, and the mean score of the Work-related Quality of Life Scale was 66.39 ± 15.33. Total workload scores had a statistically significant positive effect on total quality of work life scores (β1 = 0.98; p = 0.001). It was concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between workload and quality of work life and age, unit of employment, working time in the profession, and hospital type.

High workload is related to lower quality of life in public school teachers: A cross-sectional study.

People with long work hours, as evidenced by teachers, were more likely to present health problems that impact their quality of life (QoL). The reduced physical activity (PA) level or higher sedentary behavior in public school teachers was related to obesity. Although PA seems to improve the QoL in other professions, assessing whether the PA level could influence the relationship between workload and QoL in public school teachers is necessary. To analyze whether the high workload was related to worse QoL in teachers considered less active and more active. Two hundred forty-three teachers from public schools participated in this study. The domains of QoL and PA levels were assessed by SF-36 and Baecke questionnaires, respectively. Workload perception was assessed by a Likert scale. Binary logistic regression analyzed the association between high workload and QoL domains in teachers considering the PA level in a model adjusted by confounding factors (i.e., sex, age, and socioeconomic condition). Heavy workload was associated with less chances of having better physical limitation domain of both less and more physically active teachers. Less active teachers with heavy workloads were 53%, 61%, and 56% less likely to have better vitality, social functioning, and mental health, respectively. No such associations were observed in the more physically active teachers. Less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrate lower QoL. Although the PA practice eliminated this relationship, both active and less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrated lower QoL in physical limitation domain.

More than Just Workload-Personnel's Perspective on Workload at the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee: A Qualitative Study.

We investigated the perspective on workload within the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, part of the Dutch armed forces. This qualitative study follows an emergent design based on grounded theory principles and used semistructured interviews and focus groups with 91 Royal Netherlands Marechaussee employees. The interviews ( n = 31) and focus groups ( n = 14) were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by two researchers (C.B. and J.v.d.Z.) according to comparative data analysis. Participants believed the perception of workload to be more important than the actual workload. Furthermore, participants mentioned that indirect factors, such as organizational factors and recruitment, could modulate their workload perception. The perception of workload is key within the context of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Modifiable factors related to the perceived workload could facilitate employee well-being without reducing the actual workload.

Exploring the Impact of Hand Dominance on Laparoscopic Surgical Skills Development Using Network Models.

Laparoscopic surgery demands high precision and skill, necessitating effective training protocols that account for factors such as hand dominance. This study investigates the impact of hand dominance on the acquisition and proficiency of laparoscopic surgical skills, utilizing a novel assessment method that combines Network Models and electromyography (EMG) data. Eighteen participants, comprising both medical and non-medical students, engaged in laparoscopic simulation tasks, including peg transfer and wire loop tasks. Performance was assessed using Network Models to analyze EMG data, capturing muscle activity and learning progression. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was employed to evaluate subjective task demands and workload perceptions. Our analysis revealed significant differences in learning progression and skill proficiency between dominant and non-dominant hands, suggesting the need for tailored training approaches. Network Models effectively identified patterns of skill acquisition, while NASA-TLX scores correlated with participants' performance and learning progression, highlighting the importance of considering both objective and subjective measures in surgical training. The study underscores the importance of hand dominance in laparoscopic surgical training and suggests that personalized training protocols could enhance surgical precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. By leveraging advanced analytical techniques, including Network Models and EMG data analysis, this research contributes to optimizing clinical training methodologies, potentially revolutionizing surgical education and improving patient care.