Work - Volume 70, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213603

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 675-675, 2021

Authors: Jesus, Tiago S. | von Zweck, Claudia | Mani, Karthik | Kamalakannan, Suresh | Bhattacharjya, Sutanuka | Ledgerd, Ritchard | World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human Resources for Health (HRH) research informs the development of evidence-based, population-centered HRH policies and practices. Occupational therapists are key human resources for meeting the health, rehabilitation, and occupational needs of the population worldwide. Yet, the global status of the occupational therapy workforce research remains unchartered. OBJECTIVES: This study protocol depicts the methods to map out and synthesize the occupational therapy workforce research worldwide. METHODS: Six scientific-literature databases and key international institutional websites will be systematically searched, complemented by snowballing searches and recommendations from key global, regional, or national representatives of the World Federation of …Occupational Therapists. Two independent reviewers will screen titles-and-abstracts and then full-texts against the eligibility criteria, e.g., 10 categories of workforce research. Educational research, non-empirical papers, and papers (or their summaries) not available in English, Spanish or Portuguese are excluded. Data extraction (e.g., methods, geographies, aims, key findings) will be conducted by one author and fully verified by another. The extracted data will be computed as well as subject to content analysis to provide quantitative map of the literature and of the contents addressed, e.g., per inclusion category. CONCLUSION: The results of this review can inform wide consultation processes and strategic, concerted local and global developments of the occupational therapy workforce. Show more

Keywords: Health personnel, human resources for health, occupational therapists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210777

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 677-686, 2021

Authors: Antony Leo Asser, P. | Soundararajan, K.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed the entire world population’s physical and mental wellbeing irrespective of the person being infected or not. Flourishing numbers of new research recommends physiotherapy for the management of COVID-19 patients. However, there are cavities in the study in the recommendation of physiotherapy specific to the current pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to synthesize physiotherapy-related articles to COVID-19 and summarize their efficacious highlights. METHODS: For the literature search PubMed, PEDro, DOAJ and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were used. The keywords included “Physiotherapy”, “COVID-19”, and “Coronavirus”. The Boolean search was …applied as required. Selection criteria included studies that included physiotherapy intervention as a tool for recovery of COVID-19. Exclusion criteria included animal studies, non-COVID-19 studies and physiotherapy as an adjunct treatment. The study evaluated evidence of all full-text articles in English from December 2019 to August 2020. RESULTS: Of the retrieved 577 articles, 390 articles were excluded at the title and abstract screening. 167 articles underwent full-text screening and further narrowed to 11 studies matching the expected criteria. 156 studies were excluded for various reasons. CONCLUSION: The current study findings support that physiotherapy interventions facilitate recovery in COVID-19 patients and act as a protective barrier. Further results include a reduced length of stay in intensive care and reduced treatment cost since this outbreak has brought a significant economic burden to many countries. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus, health, physiotherapy, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210450

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 687-694, 2021

Authors: Srinivasan, Vignesh | Vishnuram, Surya | Suganthirababu, Prathap | Kumaresan, A. | Divyalaxmi, P. | Saranya Devi, M. | Alagesan, Jagatheesan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 emerged as a serious pandemic in 2019 and billions of people were infected. Various precautionary methods were taken to contain the spread of virus such as social distancing, public lockdown, sanitation, and closure of schools and colleges. Many colleges started online classes to resume their syllabus and to complete the course curriculum. These evening online sessions resulted in late night sleep, long term mobile/computer exposure, and disturbed sleep pattern. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 online classes on morningness- eveningness personality and to compare it with different age groups, gender, and …body mass index. METHODS: The cluster sampling method was used to collect the subjects from the total of 1153 adult college students, 897 subjects were selected based on the selection criteria and instructed to submit an online survey consists of the Morningness-eveningness Questionnaire and demographic and anthropometric data through mail, social media, or through a researcher by direct interview. RESULTS: The mean score for the 897 participants is 56.7, indicating intermediate morningness-eveningness personality type. On comparing the different groups, the youngest group (18–20 years) scored 4.23%(mean = 46.7), female subjects scored 6.13%(mean = 58.1), the underweight 2.67%(mean = 59.2) and overweight groups scored 2.89%(mean = 59.7) indicating definite eveningness. Among the 897 collected samples of the population 8.13%of the subjects experienced definite eveningness, 14.93%has moderate eveningness, 17.38%are under intermediate category, 22.4%have moderate morningness, and 37.11%have definite morningness. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with eveningness personality have high risk of developing mental illness, thus it’s important to determine the eveningness personality among student population to avoid serious complications in later age. Show more

Keywords: Pandemic, sleep-wake transition disorders, circardian rhythm, student health services, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210528

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 695-700, 2021

Authors: Cléophat, Jude Emmanuel | Simon, Philippe | Chiniara, Gilles | St-Pierre, Liette | Ahossi, Eusèbe | Dogba, Maman Joyce | Chénier, Christophe | Dubuc, Éric | Landry, Caroline | Vonarx, Nicolas | Pilote, Bruno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause significant anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCPs). COVID-19-related psychological impacts on HCPs in Western countries have received relatively little attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety in HCPs working in the province of Quebec (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with changes in anxiety scores. METHODS: An exploratory online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Quebec HCPs from April to July 2020. The Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure state anxiety among HCPs. Descriptive and …multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 426 HCPs completed the survey. Anxiety scores ranged from 20 to 75 points, with 80 being the highest possible value on the STAI scale. Being a female HCP [B  = 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.49–9.3] and declaring having the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19 (B  = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.29–6.22) were associated with increased anxiety scores. Having more years of experience was associated with decreased anxiety scores [B  = –0.2, 95% CI: –0.32–(–0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Organizational strategies aimed at preventing and relieving anxiety should target junior female HCPs who express the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19. Seniority could become an important criterion in selecting frontline HCPs during pandemics. Further studies are needed to comprehensively examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian HCPs and identify evidence-based coping strategies. Show more

Keywords: Canada, anxiety, health personnel, surveys and questionnaires, multivariate analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210525

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 701-712, 2021

Authors: Seluch, Marina | Volchansky, Mikhail | Safronov, Roman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article has been retracted, and the online PDF has been watermarked “RETRACTED”. The retraction notice is available at https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-223650 .

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210428

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 713-721, 2021

Authors: Johns, Hannah | Burrows, Emma L. | Rethnam, Venesha | Kramer, Sharon | Bernhardt, Julie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 the workforce quickly adapted to using existing video-conferencing tools in order to work from home. OBJECTIVE: To explore use and experience of remote video-facilitated work practices in response to COVID-19: termed ‘COVID Response Zoom-style Interactions (CRAZI)’. METHODS: A cross sectional study via a 66-item online survey for health and medical research and education sector workers. The survey included 8 sections: 1) pre-COVID video-conferencing meeting habits, 2) CRAZI meeting habits, 3) socialising, 4) CRAZI fashion, 5) behaviour standards, 6) family life, 7) future work, 8) participant demographics. Main outcomes were pre-COVID to CRAZI differences …in frequency, length and type of video-based meetings, and video-conferencing experience. RESULTS: 202 participants, mostly Australian (median age 36–45, IQR 26–55 years) completed the survey. Women-to-men ratio was 3 : 1, 44.6%had children. COVID-19 changed video-conferencing frequency and maximum meeting size. Most participants found CRAZI meetings tiring and hard. Casual clothes dominated dress code (71.1%), pets were commonly seen. “Can you hear me now” was a commonly heard phrase. Good and bad behaviour were described, with formal codes of CRAZI conduct missing (58.7%) or unknown (21.9%). 76.6%of participants observed a child interrupting a CRAZI meeting, parents were mostly female. Despite challenges, most participants (76.6%) favoured video-conferencing post-pandemic, but preference for continuing to work from home varied. CONCLUSIONS: CRAZI work, while tiring, has fostered different work-practices that may continue beyond the pandemic. Working from home with children adds joy for others, but complexity for workers. Pets may help owners and co-workers cope with the pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Zoom fatigue, video conferencing behaviour, work-from-home

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210279

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 723-732, 2021

Authors: Chu, Xinxin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The exponential increase in the rate of individuals’ affliction by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has put extreme strains on health care systems worldwide and has sparked fears of an impending economic recession and mental turmoil. OBJECTIVE: The review discusses the impact of COVID-19 on medical crises in two sections, focusing on the evidence presented from both neuropathological and epidemiological perspectives. First, this paper outlines how countries have implemented containment and appraises its effect on the microeconomy. Second, it highlights how government support for the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 depends on the size of a country’s economy. Third, it …attempts to explain how COVID-19 has affected business by explicitly evaluating each industry divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Finally, we assert an extended discussion on the challenges and post-pandemic outlook. METHODS: Peer-reviewed studies from inception until 2021 were searched in the Google scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases. RESULTS: Through the imposition of restrictions and lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic spread, besides arising a broad array of mental health concerns, a drastic drop in liquidity and significant spillover effect across almost all the global economic system has ensued. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 implication on socioeconomic issues and mental wellbeing, as the most devastating sequelae of the current pandemic, is of great importance to curb the infection and deprive post-pandemic sequelae, demanding prompt actions. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, mental health, psychosocial distress, economic crisis, socioeconomic impact, coronavirus, economic sectors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210191

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 733-749, 2021

Authors: Shabila, Nazar P. | Alkhateeb, Nazdar Ezzaddin | Dauod, Ali Shakir | Al-Dabbagh, Ali

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of e-learning has become mandatory during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are many barriers to applying e-learning in medical education. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore medical students’ perspectives on the application of e-learning in medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This Q-methodology explorative study was conducted in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A sample of 37 medical students was purposively selected to represent different characteristics. The students distributed 37 statements representing different aspects of e-learning in medical education into a nine-point scoring grid from “least agree” to “most agree.” RESULTS: …Data analysis revealed three distinct viewpoints. The first viewpoint, complete dependence on e-learning, emphasized a preference for e-learning to continue medical education and complete the study year with a minimal return to study halls or practical/clinical sessions. The second viewpoint, opponents of applying e-learning in medical education, included a generally negative view about e-learning and its role in medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third viewpoint, e-learning as a supplement to medical education, emphasized a generally positive view about e-learning and considered it a supplement to the theoretical parts of medical education during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The three diverse viewpoints are primarily distinguished by the availability of e-learning experience and skills, availability of technology, risk perception of COVID-19, and the need for in-hospital clinical teaching. Provision of necessary facilities and training is required to strengthen the role of e-learning in medical education. A safe environment is needed for on-campus or hospital clinical teaching. Show more

Keywords: Supportive, opponents, supplement, technology, skills

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205339

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 751-762, 2021

Authors: Parent-Lamarche, Annick | Boulet, Maude

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all aspects of society, including mental health. Many employees have had to pivot suddenly to teleworking to prevent the virus from spreading. While teleworking may have some negative consequences, it may also represent a human resources practice that may improve employee well-being. OBJECTIVE: The study main objective was to determine if teleworking played a moderating role in the relation between potential stressors and employee well-being during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic when working from home. This was based on the theory of conservation of resources. …METHODS: Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with Stata 13 software to determine the contribution of potential stressors on employee well-being, as well as the moderating role of teleworking on a sample of 480 Canadian employees. Data were collected once for white and blue collar from both public (67.08%) and private (32.92%) business sectors. RESULTS: Results indicated that work-life imbalances, workload, and marital tension were associated with lower levels of well-being. On the other hand, teleworking and household income were associated with higher levels of well-being. Teleworking also moderated the differences in well-being between the public and private sectors. Teleworking in the public sector seems to increase employee well-being. Conversely, working on-site in the public sector seems to decrease well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Employers need to proactively address work-life imbalances, workloads, and teleworking to maintain employee well-being. Specific recommendations are offered to ensure that teleworking remains positive for employee well-being both during a pandemic and afterward. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, teleworkers, well-being, conservation of resources theory, business sector

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205311

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 763-775, 2021