bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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&lt; .05). Utilisation crafting and relational crafting were significant positive predictors of general health (β=.53, p&lt; .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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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 &lt;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.
Antimicrobial stewardship program in one primary care hospital, a snapshot analysis
Authors: Cirillo P , Schiattarella A , Grande D , Annunziata V , Navarra M , Dyrda B , Mininni I , Dolce M , Benedetti P , Nasi G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Antimicrobic resistance (AMR) continues to rise, whereas development of new agents to counter it has slowed. A heightened need to maintain the effectiveness of currently available agents exists. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant cause of poor treatment outcomes and elevated healthcare and societal costs worldwide. At the beginning of 2024, we started a prospective, interventional, interrupted time-series study, based on Prospective Audit and Feedback in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in the internal medicine ward of our hospital. The primary outcomes will be the difference in the antibiotic consumption, and the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. The secondary outcomes will include the hospital mortality rate, the mean length of stay and the antibiotic expense. We conducted a snapshot analysis of the first three months to assess the efficacy our program. In the first three months we registered a global reduction in antibiotic expense (almost by half in comparison of 2023 first quarter) and consumption, particularly in the use of carbapenems: (change in level, CL: -51,26 DDD/1000 PD,) and third- generation cephalosporins (CL: -6 DDD/1000 PD). We registered a reduction in the use of hydroalcoholic gel, probably due to the reducted perception after the waning of risk perception towards Covid-19, although no big difference was observed in BSI incidence due to MDR Gram-negative organisms (CL: +1,2 events/1000 PD). Albeit partial, once again these findings demonstrated that implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program, no matter the level of healthcare, is critical for fighting the AMR and to lessen the burden on Public Health; in particular our program induced a significant reduction in antibiotic consumption that lead to more funds at disposal to improve our clinical practice.

Key messages
• Once again our findings demonstrated that implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship, no matter the level of healthcare, is critical for fighting the AMR.
• Our program induced a significant reduction in antibiotic consumption.
COVID-19 premature mortality in Serbia: Does the place of death matter?
Authors: Stevanović A , Šantrić-Milićević M , Todorović J , Rajović N , Rosić N , Bjelobrk G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare services provision in Serbia and globally. Many people did not seek or reach healthcare due to various reasons, and a significant number of COVID-19 deaths were not confirmed by laboratory testing. Within the project of the Laboratory for Strengthening Capacity and Performance of Health System and Workforce for Health Equity, we assessed the differences in years of life lost (YLL) of COVID-19 death cases according to the place of death.

Methods
The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia provided average life expectancy and anonymous individual mortality data of the Serbian population in 2020, 2021, and 2022, where COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death (ICD-X codes: laboratory confirmed - U07.1 and clinically diagnosed - U07.2), also disaggregated by the place of death (at home or in a hospital). Analytical statistics and nonparametric tests were used to assess the differences in premature mortality by place of death with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05.

Results
In all observed years, a total of 45,632 death cases due to COVID-19 occurred (94.3% in hospital and 5.7% at home). Most COVID-19 deaths were coded as U07.1 (93.8% in hospital, 91.3% at home). An average of 12.12±7.50 YLLs was estimated per death, with a median of 11.50. There was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) in the median number of YLLs between those who died in the hospital (11.50) and those who died at home (6.78). Furthermore, deaths occurring at home had fewer YLLs but were more frequently coded as U07.2 (p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
The place of death is relevant when assessing the impact of COVID-19 on premature mortality in Serbia. On average, persons who died at home due to COVID-19 had a lower number of YLLs compared to those who died in a hospital. More research is necessary on the other factors contributing to premature mortality and inequalities in the COVID-19 burden in Serbia.

Key messages
• During the first three years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia, 5.7% of COVID-19 deaths occurred at home, resulting in an average of 9.89 years of life lost.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need to investigate deaths that occur at home and improve pandemic preparedness.