bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-promoting school. Mediation effects on health behaviors and the socio-economic level of pupils
Authors: Simar C , Coudert Chevreau R , Monier M , Cury P H , Pironom J
Published: October 2024

Pupils health indicators and behaviors are marked by social and territorial inequalities which develop early (DREES, 2015, 2019). In order to combat these inequalities and improve the health behaviors and well-being of pupils, the “health-promoting school” approach is recognized as convincing. It is endorsed by the World Health Organization (Langford, 2015; WHO, 2021). The health policy currently implemented in French schools is convergent (MEN, 2018, 2021). In order to disseminate this policy, since 2019, the Alliance project has been implemented in 101 French schools (9 - 12 years old) and 97 municipalities in the AURA region. Each school and community are trained and supported to promote the development of professional practices and a health promotion project to improve the health behaviors of pupils. The question arises as to the extent to which the development of health-promoting teaching projects and practices participating in the strengthening of health protective factors - life skills and health literacy - of pupils would have a mediating effect from the point of view of socio-economic level and health behaviors of pupils? Each year, data are collected from pupils by questionnaire, mesuring their well-being, health habits, psychosocial competencies and their families’ socio-economic level. 11500 questionnaires collected during 3 years have been analyzed. Descriptive and bivariate analysis indicate sevreral improvements between years in their health habits like for example daily physical activities (6% for T0 and 16% for T2) or daily consumption of sweets (17% for T0 and 13% for T2). They confirm negative influence of risk factors as low socio-economic level on health habits. But mediation analysis show that psychosocial competencies, especially emotionnal and social competencies, mediate significatively this influence (mediation effect range from 5% to 21%).

Key messages

• The health indicators and behaviors of young people are marked very early on by social and territorial health inequalities.

• Health-promoting school approach and particularly – life skills and health literacy – would have a mediation effect on health behaviors and the socio-economic level of students.
Forecasting the future demand on health workforce – the Austrian model
Authors: Rappold E
Published: October 2024

Background

An aging population and upcoming retirements of health care professionals pose new challenges to the Austrian health care system. On the one hand the health care and nursing needs will increase while at the same time a shortage on health care personnel threatens adequate supply. We as the Austrian Public Health Institute estimate the risk of an undersupply with model-based health workforce forecasting and are therefore able to advise the federal states and the ministry of health on early measures.

Methods

We developed a forecasting model to estimate the future supply and demand. The main influencing factors are the demographic development as well as the upcoming retirements and graduates. Different environments and needs in different federal states (e.g. changing future skill mix) are considered and can be implemented as additional influencing factors. Usually a baseline scenario as a forward projection of the status quo is developed for defined professions and workplace settings. Then depending on the stakeholder needs additional scenarios are calculated and discussed. A usual forecast horizon is 10 to 15 years.

Results

Model output are time series of yearly workforce personnel numbers (heads and full-time equivalents) and demand in the defined settings. An analysis of possible gaps shows the need for action.

Conclusions

The Austrian health workforce model is a flexible tool to estimate future needs on health workforce based on different assumptions. But as assumptions and influencing factors must be represented as data, the data collection can be quite laborious. Comprehensive data is the basis for a comprehensive health workforce planning. Further work is needed to develop practical and evidence-based nursing-sensitive indicators for nursing workfoce reportings on a country level. In Austria the health professionals register forms the basis for the description of the nursing workforce structure, but that there is a need for data sources on care effectiveness.

Key messages

• Comprehensive data is the basis for a comprehensive health workforce planning.

• An aging population and upcoming retirements of health care professionals pose new challenges to the Austrian health care system.
Working in emergency services in Germany: cross-sectional data on violence experience and perception
Authors: Zhelyazkova A , Bonigut M
Published: October 2024

Background

Violence in emergency medical services (EMS) continues to be a topic of concern. Experiencing violence impedes the workers’ wellbeing, thus impairing the coverage and quality of EMS. We explored employment-related factors associated with violence experience and perception.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous online-based survey among EMS staff in Germany (09.2023-01.2024). Participants reported on their work setting, frequency of violent experiences and perception of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were calculated.

Results

Of 224 participants with completed questionnaires, 86 reported to have been exposed to physical violence (PV) in the past 12 months (Median number of events=2.00) and 129 reported to have experienced non-physical violence (NPV; Median number of events=5.00) with the majority of participants reporting that all cases occurred during assignment (n(PV)=79; n(NPV)=86). Of those, 78 reported PV by patients and 5 by colleagues, while in NPV cases 113 participants experienced violence by patients and 40 by colleagues. Women had a higher probability of reporting PV experiences compared to men (OR = 2.214, p=.010). Reporting NPV experiences was negatively associated with age between 45 and 49 (compared to ≤ 24 years, OR=.291, p=.019) and having worked for the current employer for ≥16 years (OR=.339, p=.035). Participants who have experienced violence in the past year had a higher likelihood of perceiving a general increase in the prevalence of violence in EMS (PV: OR = 6.766, p<.001; NPV: OR = 1.688, p=.047).

Conclusions

Younger EMS workers with juniority have a higher probability of reporting experiencing NPV. Women are more likely to report experiencing PV. It remains to be explored, if these associations refer to the experiences of violence, to reporting frequency or both. Regardless, the majority of respondents perceive an increase in violence within the work setting of EMS, especially if they have been subjected to it themselves.

Key messages

• EMS professionals experience significant levels of physical and non-physical violence originating from patients and colleagues.

• Sex, age and seniority may affect the likelihood of EMS professionals of experiencing physical or non-physical violence.
Patterns of alcohol use in Belgium, 2013-2020
Authors: Nayani S , De Pauw R , Devleesschauwer B , Guariguata L
Published: October 2024

Despite numerous efforts worldwide to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol, its impact on health remains significant, contributing significantly to the loss of healthy life years. In Belgium, alcohol use is still a major public health concern, ranking among the highest in alcohol consumption across Europe. This study aims to use available nationally representative data to estimate and evaluate the time trends of alcohol use patterns in Belgium from 2013 to 2018. We used repeated cross-sectional survey data from the Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS), which includes self-reported alcohol use and sociodemographic data, to create a time series of annual consumption from 2013 to 2018. This included current and former drinkers, and lifetime abstainers by year, sex, region, and age groups. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model, using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation to create the time series and forecast trends for 2020. In Belgium, the prevalence of current drinking remained at a similar level of 80% from 2013 to 2020, with similar rates observed in the Flemish (FL) and Walloon (WA) regions. However, the Brussels-Capital region (BR) had a slightly lower prevalence of 70%. Trends remained relatively stable across all regions during this period. The national level of former drinkers increased from 5% in 2013 to 8% in 2020, with BR and FL showing similar increases, while WA experienced a decline. Abstainer rates rose from 15% in 2013 to 19% in 2020 nationally, with varying increases in each region. Specifically, abstainer rates in FL increased from 13% to 17% and in WA from 14% to 20%, while BR saw an increase from 19% to 22%. Overall, declining trends were evident, with men exhibiting higher prevalence rates across all categories. Time trends from the BHIS reveal consistent and high use of alcohol in Belgium over 7 years, emphasizing the ongoing public health challenge. Urgent policy interventions are needed to reduce the impact of alcohol on health

Key messages

• Alcohol use in Belgium is still a pressing public health issue, with high prevalence rates of current drinking in the population. Different patterns of alcohol use can be seen between regions.

• Understanding the role of alcohol on population health as an attributable burden can improve health monitoring.
Depressive symptoms among medical students
Authors: Vidojevic J , Stamenkovic Z , Terzic-Supic Z , Mirkovic M , Stevanovic A , Sotirovic I , Todorovic J
Published: October 2024

Background

Adolescence is a period of psychological development which is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health disorders. Medical students have a higher prevalence of depression compared to the general population, but they are given low priority in the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of clinically significant scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and factors associated with clinically significant scores.

Methods

The research was conducted through a cross-sectional study among fifth-year medical students, using a 95-item questionnaire anonymously filled out. The questionnaire examined: socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the students; students’ lifestyles (including alcohol consumption, binge drinking, smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, use any of other tobacco products); Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); Zung’s Anxiety Scale; and Problematic Internet Use Scale. Based on the score on PHQ-9, the participants were classified in two groups: with clinically significant scores (score ≥10) and without clinically significant scores (score <10).

Results

The study included 461 medical students who completed the PHQ-9. Average score on PHQ-9 scale was 5.25±4.53 and total of 66 students (14.3%) had the PHQ-9 indicative of clinically significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10). The clinically significant depression was associated with smoking of any tobacco product (OR:3.02, 95% CI: 1.37-6.63), score on social support scale (0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), age (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06-1.90) and score on Zung anxiety scale (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.16-1.34).

Conclusions

Considering that medical students, are at higher risk of developing clinically significant symptoms of depression, it is crucial to form psychological and social support programs.

Key messages

• Monitoring the mental health of young individuals holds significant importance.

• It is crucial to detect risk factors in time and develop prevention programs.
Infodemic management in higher education: Mapping opportunities at the University of Belgrade
Authors: Stevanović A , Mandić-Rajčević S , Rowland A , Zdujić M , Vidojević J , Sotirović I , Zelić P , Martin R
Published: October 2024

Background

Effective infodemic management (IM) requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of various skills originating from natural, social, and medical sciences. Personnel involved in IM activities have diverse backgrounds from medical doctors and data scientists to communication specialists and journalists. However, the IM framework is rarely introduced into the existing teaching programs, compromising the training of a competent workforce.

Objectives

Our goal was to identify opportunities for integrating the IM framework into the existing teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. A team of researchers reviewed the curricula of 31 faculty and identified the courses that already covered IM skills or had the potential to include them in their teaching programs. The research was conducted as part of the U.S. Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade.

Results

After conducting independent reviews and reaching a consensus, over 40 different courses and/or teaching programs have been identified to include or could potentially integrate IM skills and competencies. These courses are found across all major academic clusters (natural sciences and mathematics, technology and engineering, medical sciences, social sciences, and humanities). Faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry lead with the number of courses and interested teaching staff, followed by social sciences (psychology, sociology, political science). Most of the identified courses are related to information, data science, and communications.

Conclusions

There is a promising opportunity to introduce IM skills into the current teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. Faculties from the medical sciences group have a solid potential to lead such a process. Collaborative efforts are needed to establish comprehensive teaching programs to ensure a competent public health workforce and certification.

Key messages

• University of Belgrade has the potential to introduce infodemic management skills into its existing teaching programs, respecting the multidisciplinary nature of this discipline.

• Medical and social sciences faculties can lead the process of mainstreaming infodemic management in their curricula, ensuring a competent public health workforce and certification.
Burnout as a multidimensional phenomenon: How can workplaces be healthy environments?
Authors: Gaspar T , Gaspar T , Carvalho M , Matos M
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Burnout was already a significant problem before the pandemics, but in the aftermath became a serious concern and a public health and occupational health priority. This study had two aims. First, it investigated how different healthy workplace dimensions and other health individual-level variables are related to burnout. Second, it examined differences in terms of presentism, absenteeism, quality of life between employees who report burnout symptoms and those who do not.

Methods

Participants were 1702 Portuguese employees from various organizations. 69.68% were female, age ranged from 18 to 72 years (M = 43.25 years, SD = 10.40). Almost half of the participants (49.9%; 851 participants) reported having at least one burnout symptom.

Results

Participants reported that they have felt exhausted (43.7%), irritated (34.5%) and sad (30.5%) always or very often in the last 4 weeks. Regression analysis revealed that the global score on burnout symptoms was negatively related to leadership engagement, psychosocial work environment, personal health resources, health behaviours, and satisfaction with salary. In addition, the global score on burnout symptoms was positively related to worker involvement, enterprise community involvement, perceived stress, and screen time at work. Furthermore, females tend to report a higher level of burnout symptoms compared to males. In addition, burnout has an impact on sickness absenteeism, presentism, and quality of life.

Conclusions

Our findings have an important contribution to understanding and promoting a healthier work environment and reinforce the need for measures and policies to promote mental health, manage stress, and prevent burnout in the workplace.

Key messages

• What best explains the burnout symptoms is the workers’ perceived stress, followed by psychosocial risk factors at work.

• There is a positive relationship between perceived stress and burnout: effective work stress management is one of the protective factors that prevents burnout.
Self-reported mistreatment of Danish medical students
Authors: Sorensen J , Krasnik A , Hindhede A L
Published: October 2024

Background

Evidence suggests that mistreatment of medical students (MS) exists and that it is associated with stress, anxiety, burnout, substance abuse etc. Mistreatment encompasses discrimination and sexual harassment and impacts MS’ ability to partake their education with increased risk of dropout. The aim of the study is therefore to explore whether Danish MS and junior physicians enrolled in the Clinical basic education (CBE) have experienced mistreatment during their studies.

Methods

An online survey was conducted by email and sent to 5234 MS enrolled in one of four medical Master programs in Denmark or in the CBE. Reminders were distributed by email, shared in Facebook groups, and presented during lectures, accompanied by cards with QR codes for the survey. Data collection took place during spring 2023 and 645 completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 12 %. The questions were based on the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results

MS most often encounter mistreatment from physicians, other health professionals and patients during their clinical internships. They also encounter mistreatment from lecturers and peers. MS who self-identify with another ethnicity than Danish/European were 3.2 times more likely than MS identifying with Danish/European ethnicity to report mistreatment from other students (95% CI 1.76 -5.95). Men were also less likely than women to report mistreatment. The mistreatment reported by MS is predominantly based on gender, ethnicity, religion, and age. The most frequent experiences are stereotypical statements (71,8%), lack of respect (65,1%) and being ignored (54,1%).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that Danish MS experience mistreatment, which can potentially impact their mental health. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to create an inclusive educational environment that fosters the well-being and success of MS.

Key messages

• Danish medical students often face mistreatment from peers and health professionals, and more often reported by woman and students identifying with ethnic backgrounds other than Danish/European.

• Action by University management is needed to implement targeted interventions such as diversity training, as mistreatment can negatively impact students’ mental health and educational outcomes.
Perception of stress among healthcare workers in hospitals in Belgrade during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Babić M , Bukumirić Z , Nešković A , Tripković K
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare institutions and workers, exposing them to unfamiliar and hazardous conditions, increased workloads, and changing directives. This has led to work-related stress, resulting in burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, and other health issues among healthcare workers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized an anonymous questionnaire with closed-ended questions. To assess stress levels among healthcare workers, a Likert-type scale was used. Over 6.000 healthcare workers completed the questionnaire in 2022. The relationship between the dependent variable (perceived stress level) and predictors was modelled using generalized ordinal univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Almost a third (30.7%) of respondents felt a very high amount of tension, stress, or pressure while performing their jobs under the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic, while 422 (6.8%) did not feel tension, stress, or pressure at all. In the multivariate logistic regression model, statistically significant predictors of higher levels of perceived stress in the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic include female sex (OR = 0,80), older age (OR = 1.19), being in a managerial position (OR = 1.32), lower satisfaction with available work time (OR = 0.82), patient relations (OR = 0.81), financial compensation (OR = 0.83), and cooperation with colleagues (OR = 0.93).

Conclusions

Through the identification of potential stress predictors, valuable insights are gained to aid policymakers in the planning and enhancement of healthcare personnel’s work during pandemics, as well as in situations characterized by heightened stress levels.

Key messages

• These findings emphasize supporting healthcare workers during the pandemic.

• Strategies for reducing stress should be directed towards healthcare professionals who experience higher stress levels.
Unveiling pharmacogenomics: insights from Portuguese pharmacists on quaternary prevention
Authors: Cardoso M L , Costa A , Rasga C , Marques A R , Vicente A
Published: October 2024

Background

Public health genomics recognises the potential of genomic knowledge for enhancing population health. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) and lack of efficacy have significant clinical and economic burdens, which can be mitigated by pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing. Pharmacists can play a vital role in facilitating the implementation of PGx into routine clinical care. This will promote quaternary prevention, to protect individuals from medical intervention that can cause more harm than good.

Objectives

To assess attitudes, opinions, expectations, practices, and concerns of Portuguese pharmacists regarding PGx implementation.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional web-based survey was developed based on literature review, adapted to the national context, and validated in a focus group. The target population were adults residing in Portugal with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent, with convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

From 303 participants, 98% believe that PGx is an important area of pharmaceutical sciences and 97% indicate that PGx should be included in continuing education. Almost all (99%) anticipate that PGx implementation will prevent the administration of ineffective drugs and inappropriate doses, 98% expect PGx will reduce ADR. Major concerns are related with direct-to-consumer sale of PGx tests via internet (78%) and unauthorized access to test results (91%). Currently, 25% are familiar with reliable sources of information on PGx, but only 11% feel qualified to recommend PGx testing, and 10% have analysed PGx reports.

Conclusions

There are positive opinions and expectations regarding the potential benefits of PGx tests. However, there are regulatory concerns and lack of readiness for immediate application. Pharmacists express interest in learning more about PGx, highlighting the need for continuous education and training to integrate it effectively into routine pharmaceutical practice.

Key messages

• Pharmacists recognize the benefits of PGx implementation for quaternary prevention.

• Regulatory concerns and readiness gaps in PGx emphasise a need for training and life-long education of pharmacists.
Diversity challenges in German nursing teams: a participatory organizational development approach
Authors: Feisst M , Peppler L , Schneider A , Schenk L , Apelt M
Published: October 2024

Background

Migration of health care professionals, demographic change and the transformation of the health care system result in highly diverse nursing teams in German hospitals and nursing homes. Different orientations (regarding qualification, generation or migration background) collide in a working environment characterized by staff shortage, time pressure and decisions about life and death. But team cooperation not only has a strong impact on patient safety, but on job satisfaction and therefore retention management. Little is known on how teams cope with diversity challenges and how this is linked with organizational structures.

Methods

Based on qualitative content analysis of 197,5 hours of participatory observation, 8 group discussions and 25 interviews in 6 nursing teams in 2 hospitals and 2 nursing homes situated in a major German city, we developed workshops on the topic of team diversity and cooperation. 10 workshops (4-16 participants each) were in held in 2023/24 both on team- and management-level.

Results

All teams are struggling with diversity-related problems, but in their specific ways, depending on the particular neighbourhood of the facility and team composition among other things. Due to the strong team spirit and identity, the teams have a fundamental tendency to integrate diverse perspectives and orientations. But they need time capacities and supportive organizational structures. The workshops created a space to discuss the team specific problems. Starting points for structural changes could be identified and further discussed in the workshops at the next higher hierarchical level.

Conclusions

Organisational structures provide the framework conditions that enable teams to integrate different perspectives resulting from diversity in a productive way. One-fits all solutions are not suitable to address those problems and improve teamwork. A participatory bottom-up process seems to be the most appropriate approach.

Key messages

• Institutions need to provide structures in which diversity is not perceived as an additional burden.

• The best way to initiate improvements is through a participatory bottom-up approach.
How to rank schools of public health? The PHAR project
Authors: Dugerdil A , Chiolero A , Flahault A
Published: October 2024

Background

Since the shattering and abrupt withdrawal of several Ivy League universities from ranking systems in 2022, the debate on rankings has been raging in the academic world and beyond. Despite this, rankings have undeniable advantages and continue to be used on a daily basis by a variety of stakeholders. As a previous work has demonstrated that there is no ranking specifically designed for schools of public health, the aim of this project was to create one.

Methods

To create the Public Health Academic Ranking (PHAR), the InCites Benchmarking and Analytics™ software and the Web Of Science™ Core Collection database were employed. Bibliometric data on 26 schools of public health, from each continent, were collected between August and September 2022. Eleven research indicators and scores, covering four criteria (productivity, quality, accessibility for readers, international collaboration), for the period 2017-2021, were used. For some schools whose affiliation was not mentioned directly in the software, a specific methodology was designed and tested, with unique research queries applied to the database.

Results

The five top schools of the PHAR were: the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Conclusions

The PHAR provides an international bibliometric ranking of schools of public health. As this is a pilot project, the results should be taken with caution and future improvements should be developed.

Key messages

• The PHAR is the first university ranking system specifically designed for schools of public health and focuses on the research field of this discipline.

• The PHAR makes it possible to rank schools of public health with an unusual structure (such as the PHFI and the SSPH+), which are generally overlooked by traditional rankings.
The influence of post-traumatic stress on the intention to leave among Korean child welfare workers
Authors: Nho C , Cui L , Chen S , Jun H
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Previous research have highlighted the challenges faced by social workers who are exposed to traumatic events, such as client violence, and vicarious traumas. These experiences often lead social workers to leave their agencies. However, it is commonly assumed that child welfare workers are immune to such experiences as they primarily work with non-violent children. This study aims to investigate whether post-traumatic stress among Korean child welfare workers influences their intention to leave, and whether peer support and organizational culture mediate this relationship.

Methods

A total of 246 participants were recruited in 2021 through purposive sampling. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a self-administered online survey method was employed. Only workers who reported direct and/or indirect traumatic experiences at their workplaces were included in the final analysis. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine the relationships among variables in this study.

Results

While organizational culture had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between post-traumatic stress and intention to leave, peer support did not show a significant effect. This suggests that fostering a supportive organizational climate may be crucial in reducing work-related stress, including post-traumatic stress. It also highlights the need for social work administrators to actively promote such climates to prevent turnover within the child welfare workforce.

Discussion and conclusions

The findings of this study suggests that child welfare organizations can take proactive measures to address this issue. Creating a supportive organizational culture that fosters resilience and provides resources for coping with post-traumatic stress is crucial. Organizations may explore additional strategies for reducing workforce turnover, which will have negative effects on their clients and organizations as well.

Key messages

• Fostering a supportive organizational climate may be crucial in reducing work-related stress, including post-traumatic stress.

• Child welfare organizations may explore additional strategies for reducing workforce turnover, which will have negative effects on their clients and organizations as well.
Skill mix among healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic – a scoping review
Authors: Petka N , Nowak-Zając K , Badora-Musiał K , Domagała A , Kowalska-Bobko I
Published: October 2024

Background

The problem of human resource shortages in health care was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic in many countries around the world. Various solutions have been implemented to cope with the crisis, one of which is the skill mix of medical and peri-medical staff. The aim of the scoping review was to systematise knowledge about the skill mix of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

The review was conducted in five scientific databases including Cinahl Ultimate, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Embase and Scopus. The review included studies published from 2020 until July 2023, presenting original research on the skill mix of health care workers.

Results

A total of 5039 records were identified in the databases and 27 articles were included in the final analysis. Of the included studies, 14 were conducted in Western and Southern Europe. Most of the studies included in the review were conducted among nurses (n = 12), pharmacists (n = 11) and doctors (n = 6). The majority of studies concerned re-allocating tasks (n = 9) and re-allocating tasks and introducing or changing teamwork (n = 7). Research covered psychological aspects of work, patient safety, work reorganisation and training and collaboration. Many studies also focused on difficulties and barriers related to skill mix, such as blurring of responsibilities and role ambiguity. The review did not identify any studies conducted among laboratory diagnosticians, medical coordinators or surgical assistants. In addition, there were no studies of skill mix in Central and Eastern Europe during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Given that skill mix may be one of the solutions to reduce the negative impact of staff shortages, more research should be conducted in this area. Healthcare professionals should be involved in decision-making processes related to the granting of new competencies or the creation of new professions/functions in healthcare.

Key messages

• It is necessary to involve health professionals in the process of creating new skill mix solutions.

• More research is needed on skill mix in times of crisis, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Promoting healthy ageing at work through the development of coping strategies among senior workers
Authors: Tsai M , Thoral S , Jourdan D
Published: October 2024

Background

In France, the employment rate for individuals aged 50-64 has risen to almost 67% by 2023, with projections indicating that nearly one in three citizens will be over 60 by 2040. This demographic shift presents a significant labour challenge. To address this, the study explores how senior workers tackle workplace challenges and how their coping strategies influence healthy ageing at work.

Methods

This study explores critical factors in healthy ageing at work using a mixed QUAL/Quant methodology. 15 interviews provided insight into senior workers, while 28 participants from a French company completed an online questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using template analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results

The interviews revealed that senior workers’ problem-solving methods were grouped into three approaches: technical solutions (ergonomic adjustments, supportive equipment), coping strategies (help-seeking, utilisation crafting and developmental crafting), and mindset changes (metacognition, positive reappraisal). Among the senior group, the survey results showed that developmental crafting was a significant positive predictor of work engagement (β = 1.52, p< .05). Utilisation crafting and relational crafting were significant positive predictors of general health (β=.53, p< .05, and β=.50, p= .05, respectively).

Conclusions

This study not only emphasizes the significance of technological solutions but also underscores the critical roles of help-seeking, utilisation crafting, developmental crafting, metacognition, and positive reappraisal in fostering healthy ageing at work. These insights emphasize the need for ongoing development of human resource management strategies to address the challenges associated with ageing at work.

Key messages

• Our study finds senior workers employ diverse strategies - technical solutions, coping strategies, mindset shifts - to promote healthy ageing at work.

• The insights highlight the importance of human resource strategies for addressing challenges of the ageing workforce, emphasizing proactive approaches.
Informing infodemic management capacity building by piloting an adaptable capability tool
Authors: White B , Bertrand-Ferrandis C , Von Harbou K , Latinovic L , Emiroglu N , Varaidzo Machiri S
Published: October 2024

Background

Infodemic management competencies and indicators have been included in key WHO pandemic preparedness documents and guidance such as the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative, the Health Emergency preparedness and response (HEPR) framework and in the WHO benchmarks for strengthening health emergency capacities. Training and capacity building is needed to strengthen infodemic management skills and capacity, and a tool to define capabilities and inform training needs was needed.

Objectives

An adaptable tool was developed and piloted to measure infodemic management capacity to inform training and capacity building needs. The tool was informed by previous work and adapted to cover a wide set of capabilities. It was piloted in March - May 2024.

Results

The tool was developed to cover the breadth of infodemic management work practice and structural support and included: who is conducting infodemic management work; structures in place to support; main activities; health topics focus areas; partnerships with other organisations; social listening and infodemic insights generation; as well as challenges, opportunities and training needs. The tool can be adapted to the specific situation, with a full survey able to be disseminated via an online survey platform as well as a modified interview guide for key informants or settings where that is more appropriate.

Conclusions

Preliminary results show that this tool can be a useful way to measure infodemic management competencies and to inform training and capacity building needs. The ability to adapt to specific settings is important to ensure the results are as useful and tailored as possible. As further testing in different setting continues the tool will continue to be iterated upon.

Key messages

• Infodemic management is an important component of pandemic preparedness and resilience and across the whole emergency response cycle.

• A new adaptable tool to measure capabilities can help inform infodemic management trainings and capacity building.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to evaluate Students Learning Needs using XR Technology
Authors: Nicolaou C , Boutopoulou V , Pieri I , Zoulias E , Papastamatiou N , Yanakieva A , De Winter K , Georgiev S ,   PeDXR Project team, Matziou V
Published: October 2024

Background

Extended Reality (XR) technology intends to combine or mirror the physical world, including innovative tools that can be applied in education increasing students’ engagement, improving comprehension, and leading to better outcomes. Under the umbrella of the PedXR project about an Extended Reality Learning Framework for Pediatric Nursing students in Higher Education (Erasmus +- 2023-1-EL01-KA220-HED-000161808), a survey was conducted aiming to validate a questionnaire to evaluate Students’ Learning Needs using XR technology (SLN-PedXR).

Methods

The questionnaire was developed by item generation through a literature review. The SLN-PedXR was validated in terms of content validity through PedXR Consortium (EL, CY, BE, BG) reviews. The psychometric properties of the final instrument were assessed in a sample of 106 nursing students of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Athens, Greece.

Results

The findings demonstrate high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .877). Principal component analysis was conducted to reduce dimensions and establish construct validity and internal consistency of the developed questionnaire. Following pilot-testing and consortium review, the final validated questionnaire consists of 45 items divided into 3 subcategories (current learning needs satisfaction, preferable learning modules, XR development).

Conclusions

The SLN-PedXR is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating students’ learning needs using XR technology.

Key messages

• In the rapidly evolving landscape of technological advancements, educational institutions must integrate innovative learning tools into their curricula.

• The discernment of students’ learning needs and the formulation of tailored modules stand as pivotal determinants to optimize educational outcomes particularly within the domain of nursing education.
Health and Care Horizons Leeds: Attracting, navigating and inspiring the future workforce
Authors: Gates C
Published: October 2024

Health and social care (H&SC) partners in Leeds connect and collaborate across seven shared workforce priorities, including ‘growing and developing registrants” and “narrowing inequalities”. A range of programmes across the Leeds H&SC system promote collaborative, person-centred recruitment, and developing diverse & accessible talent pipelines. Through these programmes and the aims of the NHS long-term workforce plan we have identified a need to draw together information, insight and opportunities to attract, navigate, inform and inspire young people into H&SC careers. The Leeds partnership co-designed an interactive career exploration tool with young people to meet these aims. This person-centred digital tool is designed to dispel misinformation and equip young people with personalised actions and pathways to work anywhere in the sector based on their skills, values and lifestyle. The framework of our approach to designing the tool and lessons learned is applicable to other settings and localities. An academically embedded evaluation of the co-design phase demonstrated the importance of reaching out to a diverse audience. We worked with over 400 young people across 12 unique and representative networks and made them feel valued. Our partners were persuaded by the potential for the tool to boost recruitment and retention strategies, aligning with the NHS long-term workforce plan and the vision for a Social Care Workforce Strategy. The platform will be launched in September 2024 so process findings will be combined with results around usage, appraisal from the sector and careers services, and impact on employers and educators. Through co-design we have challenged our assumptions at all stages of the project and created a transformational tool to address the needs of the sector and young people in Leeds. We will continue to work closely with our H&SC sector partners to embed the tool in their organisations and expand the tool’s functionality.

Key messages

• We have created a system-wide operational career exploration tool to attract young people in Leeds to the right Health and Care career for them.

• We will highlight the core values that have underpinned the creation of the tool, its functionality and lessons learned post-launch.
In development intervention, professionals aim to enhance working practices and interaction
Authors: Koivisto T
Published: October 2024

Background

The social services and healthcare professions are experiencing a global labor shortage. Enhancing the appeal and retention requires the development of work and processes through community-level interventions that reduce workload and bolster resources. Further research into such interventions is necessary. This study focuses on a systematic community-based practice development model (Breakthrough Collaboratives) to evaluate the change in alignment with the development intervention’s objectives and the prerequisites for change. The evaluation will utilize the process evaluation model for well-being at work projects and health promotion interventions.

Methods

This qualitative process evaluation employs a multi-case study approach to depict the changes occurring during the development intervention. It assesses the development processes of fifteen workplaces across Finland. The research material includes recorded group discussions from the initial workshop, where professionals establish goals and development targets for their work. The qualitative data are analyzed using content analysis. The analysis is guided by questions such as: What goals and development objectives do participants set for their work? What workplace-specific characteristics inform these objectives?

Results

Preliminary findings indicate that the work units’ development objectives concentrate on updating the unit’s common rules, enhancing the induction process for new employees, improving work behavior, and refining meeting practices. Workplace-specific characteristics differ based on the work unit’s sector, the level of trust among professionals, and their willingness to critically evaluate management. Additionally, competence and professionalism emerge as prominent themes in group discussions.

Conclusions

In a workplace development intervention, professionals aim to enhance common working practices and interaction, with the goal of improving well-being at work.

Key messages

• Enhancing operational practices and promoting positive interpersonal conduct among colleagues constitutes a pivotal goal in advancing social and health care work units.

• The Community based intervention provides workplaces with concrete models to support co-creation and permanent changes in working practices.
An international comparison of Long-term Care Facility outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Loughrey J , Codd M , Wall P , Gormley E , Conyard K , Jalili P , Kumawat J
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had huge repercussions for public health internationally and different countries had different outcomes based on preconceived policy interventions. Lessons influencing future policy have been learned, notably how best to manage vulnerable populations, particularly those living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). In Ireland LTCF residents accounted for 56% of deaths during the first wave of the pandemic and it is imperative to establish the causes of this. International research has highlighted how factors including county incidence rate, facility size, occupancy, LTCF ownership and compliance with health inspection regulations influenced LTCF COVID-19 outcomes. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of these factors in an Irish context and compare to best international standards.

Methods

The main outcome considered was deaths per 100 beds. Data on crude mortality were available for 580 Irish LTCFs up to 28 May 2020. Data regarding occupancy, ownership, facility size and compliance with regulations were obtained for these LTCFs from a novel dataset of 1130 available LTCF regulatory inspection reports between 2018- 2022. Regression analysis was carried out to show how LTCF mortality was predicted by examined variables.

Results

The most significant predictor of deaths from COVID-19 in Irish LTCFs resulting from this research was LTCF occupancy (Odds ratio:1.029, significance <0.001). Regional community incidence, in concordance with international literature was also an important factor. Other stated predictors in this model were either non-significant or only marginally significant. These results are analysed in conversation with international research of the same variables.

Conclusions

To protect LTCF residents for potential future pandemics, attention should be paid to monitoring and suppressing local incidence rates and moves should be implemented towards designing smaller facilities with individual rooms for vulnerable residents.

Key messages

• Irish long-term care pandemic mortality was predicted by high occupancy of facilities and high regional COVID-19 incidence.

• Comparing International COVID-19 outcomes in long-term care facilities can provide guidelines for the future.