Tag: healthcare workers

Virtual reality education on myalgic encephalomyelitis for medical students and healthcare professionals: a pilot study

Abstract:

Introduction: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition which may be characterised by debilitating fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties. ME/CFS has significant negative impact on quality of life for those living with the condition. This may be exacerbated by a lack of knowledge within healthcare regarding the condition. Previous research has found that immersive virtual reality (VR) educational experiences within healthcare education can increase knowledge and empathy.

Methods: The present study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design to investigate the impact of a short immersive VR educational experience on knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy for those living with the condition. The VR experience placed participants into a virtual scene which told real life stories of the experience of people living with ME/CFS and their families. 43 participants completed in this pilot study: 28 medical students and 15 primary care health professionals. Participants completed measures of knowledge of ME/CFS and empathy before and after engagement with the experience.

Results: A statistically significant increase was found for levels of knowledge (p < .001, d = 0.74) and empathy (p < .001, d = 1.56) from pre-VR experience levels to post-VR experience levels with a medium and large effect size, respectively. Further analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between baseline levels of knowledge of ME/CFS between healthcare professionals and medical students.

Discussion: The present study is the first to explore the use of this short immersive VR experience as an education tool within healthcare to increase knowledge of ME/CFS, and empathy for those living with the condition. Findings allude to the previously established lack of knowledge of ME/CFS within healthcare although promisingly the increases in knowledge and empathy found suggest that this immersive VR experience has potential to address this. Such changes found in this small-scale pilot study suggest that future research into the use of VR as an educational tool within this setting may be beneficial. Use of a control group, and larger sample size as well as investigation of retention of these changes may also enhance future research.

Source: Anderson T, Duffy G, Corry D. Virtual reality education on myalgic encephalomyelitis for medical students and healthcare professionals: a pilot study. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Sep 17;24(1):1018. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05990-2. PMID: 39289650; PMCID: PMC11409778. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11409778/ (Full text)

What is the impact of long-term COVID-19 on workers in healthcare settings? A rapid systematic review of current evidence

Abstract:

Background: Long COVID is a devastating, long-term, debilitating illness which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work. There is currently limited evidence specific to healthcare workers about the experience of living with Long COVID, or its prevalence, pattern of recovery or impact on healthcare.

Objective: Our objective was to assess the effects of Long COVID among healthcare workers and its impact on health status, working lives, personal circumstances, and use of health service resources.

Methods: We conducted a systematic rapid review according to current methodological standards and reported it in adherence to the PRISMA 2020 and ENTREQ statements.

Results: We searched relevant electronic databases and identified 3770 articles of which two studies providing qualitative evidence and 28 survey studies providing quantitative evidence were eligible. Thematic analysis of the two qualitative studies identified five themes: uncertainty about symptoms, difficulty accessing services, importance of being listened to and supported, patient versus professional identity and suggestions to improve communication and services for people with Long COVID. Common long-term symptoms in the survey studies included fatigue, headache, loss of taste and/or smell, breathlessness, dyspnoea, difficulty concentrating, depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: Healthcare workers struggled with their dual identity (patient/doctor) and felt dismissed or not taken seriously by their doctors. Our findings are in line with those in the literature showing that there are barriers to healthcare professionals accessing healthcare and highlighting the challenges of receiving care due to their professional role. A more representative approach in Long COVID research is needed to reflect the diverse nature of healthcare staff and their occupations. This rapid review was conducted using robust methods with the codicil that the pace of research into Long COVID may mean relevant evidence was not identified.

Source: Cruickshank M, Brazzelli M, Manson P, Torrance N, Grant A. What is the impact of long-term COVID-19 on workers in healthcare settings? A rapid systematic review of current evidence. PLoS One. 2024 Mar 5;19(3):e0299743. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299743. PMID: 38442116; PMCID: PMC10914278. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10914278/ (Full text)

Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and the Long Haul of Caring for Long COVID

Abstract:

The current landscape of clinician burnout is prompting the need for our health care system to revise its approach toward complex conditions such as long coronavirus disease (COVID), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and other postinfectious fatiguing illnesses (PIFIs). We discuss our efforts here at Family Health Center of San Diego (FHCSD) to help share insight and glean perspective from clinicians who have participated in our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded 3-year continuing professional development initiative.

The Long COVID and Fatiguing Illness Recovery Program uses multidisciplinary team-based case consultation and peer-to-peer sharing of emerging best and promising practices (ie, teleECHO [Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes]) to support the management of complex cases associated with long COVID, ME/CFS, and other PIFIs. We believe that this perspective captures a key moment in the trajectory of postpandemic clinician burnout and prompts further reflection and action from the health care system to improve clinician- and patient-level outcomes related to the care of patients with postinfectious fatiguing illnesses.

Source: Ramers CB, Scott JD, Struminger BB. Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and the Long Haul of Caring for Long COVID. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2024 Feb 7;11(3):ofae080. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofae080. PMID: 38449917; PMCID: PMC10917153. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10917153/ (Full text)

Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey

Abstract:

Background: As a consequence of their occupation, doctors and other healthcare workers were at higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more likely to experience severe disease compared to the general population. However, systematic information on post-acute COVID complications in doctors is very limited.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the symptoms, perceived determinants, health and occupational impact, and consequent needs relating to post-acute COVID complications in UK doctors.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to UK doctors self-identifying as having Long COVID or other post-acute COVID complications.

Results: Of 795 responses, 603 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being a UK-based medical doctor experiencing one or more post-acute COVID complications. Twenty-eight per cent reported a lack of adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment at the time of contracting COVID-19. Eighteen per cent of eligible respondents reported that they had been unable to return to work since acquiring COVID.

Conclusions: Post-acute COVID (Long COVID) in UK doctors is a substantial burden for respondents to our questionnaire. The results indicated that insufficient respiratory protection could have contributed to occupational disease, with COVID-19 being contracted in the workplace, and resultant post-COVID complications. Although it may be too late to address the perceived determinants of inadequate protection for those already suffering with Long COVID, more investment is needed in rehabilitation and support of those afflicted.

Source: D Bland, R Evans, A Binesmael, S Wood, S P Qureshi, K Fearnley, A Small, W D Strain, R Agius, Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey, Occupational Medicine, 2023;, kqad120, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqad120 https://academic.oup.com/occmed/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/occmed/kqad120/7468904?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Association between duration of SARS-CoV-2 positivity and long COVID

Abstract:

In an observational study, we analyzed 1,293 healthcare workers previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, of which 34.1% developed long COVID. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we demonstrate that the likelihood of developing long COVID in infected individuals rises with the increasing of duration of infection and that three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine are protective, even during the Omicron wave.

Source:Chiara Pozzi and others, Association between duration of SARS-CoV-2 positivity and long COVID, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2023;, ciad434, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciad434 https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciad434/7227950 (Full text available as PDF file)

Long-Term Headache and Cognitive Complaints Among Health Care Workers Who Acquired SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:

Introduction: Neurological manifestations are frequent after acquiring COVID-19 and may persist long-term as part of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Cognitive impairment, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headache complaints are the most reported neurological features. During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers were particularly vulnerable due to the high workload and levels of stress associated with this period, but acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may also contribute. The authors aimed to evaluate the neurological involvement of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in a population of hospital health care workers and its impact on their personal and professional lives.

Methods: A sample of health care workers who did and did not acquire SARS-CoV-2 matched by age and sociodemographic variables was studied. Through an online questionnaire, data were collected regarding the symptoms in the acute phase of the disease (for those who acquired it) and for all in the last 6 months of the study period. Proportion of neurological complaints were compared between groups, adjusting for age, sex, and professional class (using a rate ratio (RR)).

Results: This study included 326 participants (174 cases and 152 controls). The mean age (standard deviation) was 39.7 (10.2) years, and the female:male ratio was 3:1. Headache and cognitive complaints were the most prevalent neurological complaints in the last 6 months of the study period. The health care workers who acquired SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to report headache and cognitive complaints than the control group (RR = 1.51, 95% confidence interval = 1.17-1.9 and RR = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.53-2.65, respectively).

Conclusion: In a population of health care workers, those who acquired SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to have long-term cognitive complaints and persistent headaches.

Source: Marques AJ, Costa A, Almendra R, Maia L, Magalhães R, Cavaco S, Oliveira V, Correia M, Mendes M, Veiga A. Long-Term Headache and Cognitive Complaints Among Health Care Workers Who Acquired SARS-CoV-2. Perm J. 2023 May 29:1-8. doi: 10.7812/TPP/22.171. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37246366. https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/22.171 (Full text)

Prevalence and Characterization of Long Covid-19 Symptoms in Health Care Professionals- A Need of the Hour

Abstract:

Background: With the global advent of Covid-19, Healthcare workers (HCW) were under a lot of physical and psychological pressure. Information on persistent symptoms post Covid-19 Infection in HCWs is lacking.

Objectives: This Study is aimed at assessing the impact of the post Covid-19 syndrome in HCWs.

Materials and Methods: A Questionnaire was prepared as google form and shared with the HCWs through WhatsApp enquiring regarding the health conditions that are still persistent post recovery from Covid-19 infection.

Results: A total of 328 Health Care Professionals participated in the present survey (18-65 yrs). The gender distribution revealed 67.7% were females and 32.3% were males. 60.3% of the participants were infected with COVID-19 before taking the first dose of vaccination which is reduced to 17.5% after vaccination. The post COVID complications observed from the study were hair loss (35.4%), easy fatigability (25%), mood swings (22.9%), anxiety (18.8%), insomnia/sleeplessness (13.9%), depression (12.5%) and joint pains/arthritis (11.8%). The other complications observed were loss of taste (9%), lightheadedness/postural hypotension (8.3%), amnesia/loss of memory and anosmia/loss of smell (7.6%), gastritis (6.3%), palpitations, hypersomnia and pulmonary complications (5.6%) and chest pain (4.9%). Unpaired t-test and One-Way ANNOVA resulted in a significant value (p values of >0.05).

Discussion: Despite the fact that females experienced more post-Covid-19 symptoms (15 out of 17), males experienced more chest pain and anxiety symptoms. According to our findings, 57 of 100 Covid-19 health care workers have post-Covid complications. The participants presented with non-specific symptoms such as easy fatigability, mood swings, light headedness, anxiety but most of the participants quoted more specific symptoms such as depression, pulmonary complications, hair loss, joint pains, gastritis, chest pain, palpitations, loss of taste, amnesia, hyperglycemia, insomnia, hypersomnia and anosmia. However, non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, lightheadedness, and anxiety were also mentioned. The symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome vary greatly. Early detection requires a unified definition of long COVID and characterization of its manifestation. Furthermore, more research should be conducted to identify risk factors and the precise mechanisms that lead to the development of long COVID syndrome. Such knowledge may aid future research aimed at preventing such a complication.

Source: Mote Srinath, Syeda Fakiha Mehreen, Surya Prem Kumar et al. Prevalence and Characterization of Long Covid-19 Symptoms in Health Care Professionals- A Need of the Hour, 05 April 2023, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2764197/v1 (Full text)

Predictors of post-COVID-19 and the impact of persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized patients 12 months after COVID-19, with a focus on work ability

Abstract:

Background: Better knowledge of long-term symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the so-called post-COVID-19, in non-hospitalized patients is needed. The aim of this study was to study persisent symptoms up to 12 months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients and their impact on work ability. We also investigated predictors of persistent symptoms.

Methods: This study encompassed non-hospitalized adult subjects with a COVID-19 infection confirmed via positive nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test during the first wave of the pandemic in Uppsala, Sweden. In total, 566 subjects were sent a survey via e-mail or post with an invitation to participate in the survey 12 months post-diagnosis. The majority of subjects were healthcare workers, as this group was prioritized for testing.

Results: A total of 366 subjects responded, with 47% reporting persistent symptoms 12 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. The most commonly reported symptoms at this time were impaired sense of smell and/or taste and fatigue. Among the predictors of persistent symptoms were being born abroad, lower physical fitness compared with peers before COVID-19, body mass index >25 kg/m2, cooccurrence of hypertension and chronic pain, and having more than seven of the general COVID-19 symptoms at the onset. Respondents with symptoms after 12 months self-reported negatively about their general health and work ability.

Conclusions: This study indicated that many people who had mild COVID-19 might have a variety of long-term symptoms. It highlights the importance of considering work ability after mild COVID-19.

Source: Kisiel MA, Janols H, Nordqvist T, Bergquist J, Hagfeldt S, Malinovschi A, Svartengren M. Predictors of post-COVID-19 and the impact of persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized patients 12 months after COVID-19, with a focus on work ability. Ups J Med Sci. 2022 Aug 9;127. doi: 10.48101/ujms.v127.8794. PMID: 35991464; PMCID: PMC9383047. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9383047/ (Full text)

Symptoms compatible with long-COVID in healthcare workers with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection – results of a prospective multicenter cohort

Abstract:

Background: The burden of long-term symptoms (i.e. long-COVID) in patients after mild COVID-19 is debated. Within a cohort of healthcare workers (HCW), frequency and risk factors for symptoms compatible with long-COVID are assessed.

Methods: Participants answered baseline (August/September 2020) and weekly questionnaires on SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) results and acute disease symptoms. In January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 serology was performed; in March, symptoms compatible with long-COVID (including psychometric scores) were asked and compared between HCW with positive NPS, seropositive HCW without positive NPS (presumable a-/pauci-symptomatic infections), and negative controls. Also, the effect of time since diagnosis and quantitative anti-S was evaluated. Poisson regression was used to identify risk factors for symptom occurrence.

Results: Of 3’334 HCW (median 41 years; 80% female), 556 (17%) had a positive NPS and 228 (7%) were only seropositive. HCW with positive NPS more frequently reported ≥1 symptom compared to controls (73%vs.52%, p<0.001); seropositive HCW without positive NPS did not score higher than controls (58%vs.52%, p=0.13), although impaired taste/olfaction (16%vs.6%, p<0.001) and hair loss (17%vs.10%, p=0.004) were more common. Exhaustion/burnout was reported by 24% of negative controls. Many symptoms remained elevated in those diagnosed >6 months ago; anti-S titers correlated with high symptom scores. Acute viral symptoms in weekly questionnaires best predicted long-COVID symptoms. Physical activity at baseline was negatively associated with neurocognitive impairment and fatigue scores.

Conclusions: Seropositive HCW without positive NPS are only mildly affected by long-COVID. Exhaustion/burnout is common, even in non-infected HCW. Physical activity might be protective against neurocognitive impairment/fatigue symptoms after COVID-19.

Source: Strahm C, Seneghini M, Güsewell S, Egger T, Leal O, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Meier Kleeb D, Möller JC, Rieder P, Ruetti M, Rutz R, Schmid HR, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Friedl A, Schlegel M, Schmid D, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Symptoms compatible with long-COVID in healthcare workers with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection – results of a prospective multicenter cohort. Clin Infect Dis. 2022 Jan 28:ciac054. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac054. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35090015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35090015/  (Full text available as PDF file)

Associations of occupational stress, workplace violence and organizational support on chronic fatigue symptoms among nurses

Abstract:

AIMS: Chronic fatigue syndrome is an agnogenic disease worldwide. Nurses are at a high risk of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, no research has been done to examine the associations of workplace violence, organizational support and occupational stress with chronic fatigue syndrome among Chinese nurses. This study aimed to examine effects of these factors on chronic fatigue syndrome in this occupational group.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional. All participants voluntarily completed a questionnaire survey.

METHODS: The study was conducted in Liaoning province from December 2017 to January 2018. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 1200 nurses, including Effort-Reward-Imbalance, Workplace Violence Scale, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, together with age, gender, marital status, education levels, physical activities, job rank, monthly income and weekly working hours. Complete responses were obtained from 1080 (90%) participants. Chronic fatigue syndrome was diagnosed by doctors according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine these independent risk factors.

RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome was 6.76%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that nurses who experienced serious higher levels of overcommitment, workplace violence and less organizational support were more likely to be classified as chronic fatigue syndrome.

CONCLUSION: There was a high prevelence of chronic fatigue syndrome. Lower workplace violence, more organizational support and lower overcommitment could be effective resources for reducing chronic fatigue syndrome.

IMPACT: Workplace violence, organizational support and occupational stress were related to chronic fatigue syndrome, which helped to explain why Chinese nurses suffered higher prevelance of chronic fatigue syndrome. Overcommitment explained chronic fatigue syndrome better than Effort/Reward Ratio, so intrinsic stress played a more critical role than extrinsic stress in chronic fatigue syndrome. Chinese nurses suffered serious sleep disorders and impairment of concentration and memory. These symptoms might also atributed to serious occupational stress, unsafe and unsupportive working environment. Creating a safe and supportive working emvironment, releiving intrinsic occupational stress should be considered as an institutional strategy to early prevent chronic fatigue syndrome.

Source: Li M, Shu Q, Huang H, Bo W, Wang L, Wu H. Associations of occupational stress, workplace violence and organizational support on chronic fatigue symptoms among nurses. J Adv Nurs. 2020 Feb 3. doi: 10.1111/jan.14312. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32011012