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Die Rehabilitation Dec 2023The Long Covid syndrome, a condition that is induced by SARS-CoV-2, affects patients in their social and professional life due to persistent symptoms and functional... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The Long Covid syndrome, a condition that is induced by SARS-CoV-2, affects patients in their social and professional life due to persistent symptoms and functional deficits. Medical rehabilitation aims to reduce participation incapacity and restore the ability to work. So far, it is not known what happens to the occupational situation of people affected by Long Covid after pneumological rehabilitation.
METHODS
The overall study is designed as a multicentric and prospective observational study with a mixed-method design. Covid-19 rehabilitation patients undergoing pneumological rehabilitation aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited. The questionnaire data of persons that were employed at baseline were evaluated. The written survey took place at the beginning and at end of rehabilitation and, additionally, after six months. The data collected included terms such as return to work, occupational stress and changes, subjective prognosis of gainful employment (SPE scale) and occupational performance and working ability (WAI).
RESULTS
The sample comprised N=173 participants (68.2% female) and the average age was 52.5 years. 85.5% of the rehabilitation patients were fit for work six months after rehabilitation and returned to a job. Absenteeism, subjectively perceived performance, and work ability improved statistically significantly over time (p<0.01). The risk of early retirement still existed six months after rehabilitation in 41.3% of the study participants. The participation limitations were statistically significantly reduced during the follow-up with a medium effect size (ES=0.60, p<0.01). In the logistic regression, the WAI proved to be a significantly protective predictor of return to work, while cognitive corona symptoms and high levels of cognitive fatigue proved to be risk factors.
CONCLUSION
The majority of rehabilitation patients are gainfully employed six months after pneumological rehabilitation, although persistent symptoms and a reduced ability to work are also reported even after rehabilitation. In the rehabilitation of employed persons, work-related elements, for example clarification of work-related questions and preparation for occupational demands (e. g. concentration, stress, physical demands), could support a sustained return to work.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Aged; Male; Return to Work; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Germany; Occupational Stress
PubMed: 37595619
DOI: 10.1055/a-2105-5810 -
PloS One 2023Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious spinal pathology, which can have life changing physical and psychological consequences and is highly litigious. Litigation can have...
BACKGROUND
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious spinal pathology, which can have life changing physical and psychological consequences and is highly litigious. Litigation can have negative personal and professional effects on the healthcare professionals cited in a clinical negligence claim. There is an absence of research looking at the experience of the physiotherapist and as such, it is unknown the impact litigation is having on them. This study explored the lived experiences of UK physiotherapists in relation to Cauda Equina Syndrome litigation.
METHODS
A qualitative design, informed by Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology, using semi-structured interviews was used to explore participants' lived experiences of litigation. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Findings were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis framework. Nvivo software was used to facilitate analysis. The study is reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative (COREQ) research.
RESULTS
40 interviews took place online or over the phone, with physiotherapists and stakeholders. Four themes were found; 'litigation effects', 'it feels personal', 'learning from litigation' and 'support and training'.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study to investigate the lived experiences of litigation in UK physiotherapists. Involvement in clinical negligence affected physiotherapists' physical and mental wellbeing and impacted their clinical practice. Most physiotherapists felt litigation was a personal attack on them and their ability to do their job. Physiotherapists highlighted perceptions of a 'blame culture' and perceived stigma associated with the claim, which often led to a lack of sharing and learning from litigation. Physiotherapists emphasised the need for emotional support for those going through a legal claim and that training was needed to understand the process of litigation and range of potential outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Physical Therapists; Cauda Equina Syndrome; Qualitative Research; Malpractice; United Kingdom
PubMed: 37708146
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290882 -
Die Rehabilitation Dec 2023The present work is intended to give an overview of rehabilitation of patients with post COVID-19 condition covered by the German Pension Insurance in 2021.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The present work is intended to give an overview of rehabilitation of patients with post COVID-19 condition covered by the German Pension Insurance in 2021.
METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis of medical rehabilitation completed in 2021, in which COVID-19 sequelae were coded in first or second place in the uniform discharge report according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems was carried out. The codes U08(.9), U09(.9) and U10(.9) as well as the corresponding codes from 2020 were taken into the evaluation as COVID-19-related diseases. Children's rehabilitation and oncological rehabilitation for pensioners and their relatives were excluded. Statistically, relative and absolute frequencies are given for nominal and ordinal variables, and median and quartiles for continuous, skewed distributed variables.
RESULTS
9,666 rehabilitations with one of the codes mentioned in first or second place remained. 54.8% of the patients were women and 43.2% men. The median age was 54 and 55 years (women/men). In all, 64.4% of the rehabilitations were carried out in the pulmonary medicine department. Owing to somatic indications, almost 50% of these patients in rehabilitation remained in the clinic beyond the regular approval period. The most common other diagnoses were diseases of the respiratory system. In 80.7% of those affected, the treating physicians considered the post-COVID-19 condition-associated symptoms as improved through rehabilitation. Furthermore, employment was subject to social security contributions for 88.0% of these patients, and 30.5% were employed in the fields of health, social affairs, teaching, and education. Of those affected, 63.8% were on sick leave when they were admitted, 63.0% when they were discharged. With regard to performance in the last job or on the general job market, over 90.0% received a prognosis for 6 hours and more.
CONCLUSION
The importance of post-COVID-19 condition in the context of medical rehabilitation increased significantly over the course of 2021. The disease causes long periods of disability. With regard to performance, the available analyses give a positive picture; only 6.5% of those individuals undergoing rehabilitation were assessed as having a reduced capacity to earn of less than 3 hours on the general labor market.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Germany; Insurance; Pensions; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
PubMed: 38056495
DOI: 10.1055/a-2192-1969 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023While numerous studies have identified an increase in symptoms of depression as well as anxiety and distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relatively few studies have...
Increase in presentations with new-onset psychiatric disorders in a psychiatric emergency department in Berlin, Germany during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic - a retrospective cross-sectional study.
INTRODUCTION
While numerous studies have identified an increase in symptoms of depression as well as anxiety and distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relatively few studies have investigated the new-onset of psychiatric diseases during the pandemic.
METHODS
This study focuses on the number of psychiatric new-onset diagnoses in a psychiatric emergency department (pED) in Berlin, Germany during the second wave of the pandemic (i.e. from 09/15/2020 to 03/01/2021 = COVID-19-period) compared to pre-pandemic times (09/15/2019 to 03/01/2020 = control period). We focused on diagnostic subgroups and performed logistic regression analysis to investigate potential risk groups based on covariables such as age, gender, homelessness, attending in police custody and familial relationship.
RESULTS
Overall, there was a 59.7% increase in new-onset psychiatric diagnoses during the COVID-19-period. Increases in the following diagnoses were observed: new-onset of substance-related and addictive disorders (+192.5%), depressive disorders (+115.8%), schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders (+113.3%) and anxiety disorders (+63.6%). These diagnostic subgroups, together with attending in police custody, were found to predict pED presentations with new-onset during the COVID-19-period. Interestingly, in the group of new-onset psychiatric diseases in the COVID-19-period, higher amounts of job loss and living alone as well as a relative decrease in familial relationships were observed.
DISCUSSION
COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 syndrome are unlikely to have played a substantial role in the increase of new-onset diseases in this study. Conclusion: Our findings underline the role of indirect factors in new-onset of psychiatric diseases during the pandemic and should be a caveat for future pandemic control policies.
PubMed: 37904853
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240703 -
CJC Open May 2024The COVID-19 pandemic effects among patients with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of acute coronary syndrome associated with...
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic effects among patients with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of acute coronary syndrome associated with emotional and physical stress, are unknown.
METHODS
For this cross-sectional cohort study, participants of the Mayo Clinic "Virtual" Multicenter SCAD Registry were surveyed about the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESULTS
Among 1352 participants, 727 (53.8%) completed surveys between June 2, 2021 and September 29, 2021. The majority of respondents (96.7%) were female, with a mean age of 54.9 ± 9.4 years. At the time of completing the survey, which was early in the pandemic, 91 respondents (12.6%) reported having prior COVID-19 symptoms, with < 1% experiencing hospitalization (n = 4) or cardiac complications (n = 6). A total of 14% had ≥ moderate anxiety symptoms, per the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey, and 11.8% had ≥ moderate depressive symptoms, per the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item. Higher stress scores on the Likert scale were correlated with pandemic-related reduction in work hours and/or pay and/or unemployment ( = 0.013), remote work and/or change of job ( < 0.001), and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage ( = 0.025). A higher anxiety level, as measured on the Likert scale, was correlated with pandemic-related remote work and/or change of job ( = 0.007) and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage ( = 0.008). Since the start of the pandemic, 54% of respondents reported having at least monthly chest pain. Chest pain and COVID symptoms were each associated with higher scores on the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item.
CONCLUSIONS
Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and cardiac complications were uncommon among SCAD patients. The burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms was minimal to mild, similar to that in prior reports. Likert-scale measures of stress and anxiety were higher among persons with work and/or pay reduction and/or unemployment, remote work and/or change of job, and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage. Over half of respondents reported experiencing chest pain, which was correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting an overarching clinical need.
PubMed: 38846446
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2024.01.006 -
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2023Karoshi syndrome, also known as "death by overwork", has been a topic of study and concern in Japan since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) and International...
Karoshi syndrome, also known as "death by overwork", has been a topic of study and concern in Japan since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) joint unveiled that in 2021, approximately 750.000 deaths due to Karoshi syndrome globally. The joint defined long working as having > 55 h work/week. Karoshi nowadays is no longer limited to Japan and has become a global issue. Karoshi is primarily attributed to factors such as long working hours, job-related stress, and poor work-life balance. This perspective was sought to provide a short overview of Karoshi syndrome, the underlying mechanisms and the state-of-art preventive measures.
PubMed: 38145211
DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S444900 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) 2024In March 2020, with the scope to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most national governments around the world canceled in-person education and moved to online learning....
BACKGROUND
In March 2020, with the scope to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most national governments around the world canceled in-person education and moved to online learning. Therefore, teachers and students had to adapt a new way of teaching. Most of Italian teachers never had such an experience before and encountered difficulties in effectively carrying out this process on their own. Difficulties that can naturally increase anxiety and stress, leading, in situations perceived as extreme, to burnout syndrome.
OBJECTIVES
This paper endeavored to verify levels of job stress and burnout of Italian teachers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-General. This study aimed to measure the association among the three main dimensions of burnout and the variables of teachers' personal and working lives that changed due to COVID-19.
METHOD
The aim of this paper was to verify burnout state and to measure the association among the three dimensions of burnout and the personal and working lives of Italian teachers using structural equation model analysis. The analysis was conducted in December 2021 and considered the situation in which the Italian teachers (from primary to middle and upper school) are working since March 2020.
RESULTS
The results showed that teachers were emotionally exhausted; they did not feel able to fully fulfill their task towards the students. This involved a high absenteeism, a lower quality of work performance and the impossibility of making an objective evaluation of the students with an inevitable flattening of the class level. In contrast, the study shows that teachers who experienced few problems had relatively low levels of burnout.
CONCLUSION
The findings brought out some proposals to reduce the risk of burnout and increase the individual well-being of schoolwork organization with positive effects on the lives of students: to strengthen social identity, to avoid a full-time online connection, to promote a psychological support service and to promote resilience training.
Topics: Humans; Pandemics; Surveys and Questionnaires; COVID-19; Burnout, Professional; School Teachers; Psychological Tests; Self Report
PubMed: 37483048
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220394 -
Administration and Policy in Mental... Feb 2024Burnout is a syndrome characterized by mental and emotional fatigue or exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lessened sense of personal accomplishment and efficacy....
Burnout is a syndrome characterized by mental and emotional fatigue or exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lessened sense of personal accomplishment and efficacy. Burnout leads to negative consequences for mental health clinicians and for mental health care organizations. Measurement-based care (MBC) is a clinical process in which clinicians and clients use patient-generated data, also called treatment feedback, to collaboratively monitor mental health care and to inform goal-setting and treatment planning. We propose that MBC may improve the experience of care for both clients and clinicians, and ultimately protect against each of the three components of burnout. When combined with other organizational changes, adoption of MBC may support organizational level efforts to reduce burnout in mental health services.
PubMed: 38379054
DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01349-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2023This study aims to clarify the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and psychological distress among working women in central Tokyo and examine the effect...
This study aims to clarify the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and psychological distress among working women in central Tokyo and examine the effect modification of job stressors. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 312 women who had undergone health check-ups in the "Marunouchi Hokenshitsu" project. The severity of dysmenorrhea was defined as the degree of daily life disturbance with menstrual pain, and the outcome variable was the K6 scores. To assess the association of psychological distress with the severity of dysmenorrhea, multiple regression analyses were performed. The results revealed that 18.3% of the 289 working women were in the moderate/severe group of dysmenorrhea. In multiple regression analysis, moderate/severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress, but the significance disappeared after adjusting for gynecology such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and workplace-related factors. The degree of job control was significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress and may modify psychological distress caused by dysmenorrhea. Moderate/severe dysmenorrhea may be associated with higher levels of psychological distress in working women, and psychological symptoms of PMS) and the degree of job control were possible effect factors, and there may be effect modification by the degree of job control.
Topics: Humans; Female; Dysmenorrhea; Tokyo; Cross-Sectional Studies; Premenstrual Syndrome; Psychological Distress; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37947577
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20217021 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery... Oct 2023There is controversy regarding the factors influencing the duration of sickness absence and return to work (RTW) after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome...
There is controversy regarding the factors influencing the duration of sickness absence and return to work (RTW) after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study aimed to determine factors related to RTW in these patients. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on all patients with CTS who underwent surgery in a main orthopaedic centre from December 2020 to April 2021. Patients were followed for 90 days after surgery for the RTW. The patients were classified into two groups based on the time of RTW, early (<21 days) and late (>21 days). These two groups were compared in terms of occupational, individual and disease-related factors and the type of surgery. The mean time to RTW in patients was 23.2 ± 7.1 days, with a range of 7-60 days. There was a statistically significant relationship between early RTW and gender (female) ( = 0.005 OR = 6.5), non-manual work ( = 0.002 OR = 1.2), the total score of the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire before surgery and job satisfaction ( = 0.04). The mean time to RTW in patients who underwent open surgery was less than in endoscopic surgery (22.89 ± 6.29 vs. 24.58 ± 4.7), but this difference was not statistically significant ( > 0.05). Based on the findings of our study, the type of surgery does not affect the RTW of patients with CTS. Considering the effect of job type and job satisfaction on RTW, it is recommended to pay attention to the type of occupation in addition to the type of surgery so that this workforce can RTW with good performance. Level IV (Therapeutic).
Topics: Humans; Female; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Return to Work; Cross-Sectional Studies; Time Factors; Endoscopy
PubMed: 37881825
DOI: 10.1142/S2424835523500595