[Career concerns among occupational physicians serving on the Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health in Tunisia].
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Merchaoui I
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5554691 | biostudies-other | 2017
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:Accumulating studies in animals have shown that nanoparticles could cause unusual rapid lung injury and extrapulmonary toxicity. Whether exposure of workers to nanoparticles may result in some unexpected damage as seen in animals is still a big concern. We previously reported findings regarding a group of patients exposed to nanoparticles and presenting with an unusual disease. The reported disease was characterized by bilateral chest fluid, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural granuloma, and multiorgan damage and was highly associated with the nanoparticle exposure. To strengthen this association, further information on exposure and the disease was collected and discussed. Our studies show that some kinds of nanomaterials, such as silica nanoparticles and nanosilicates, may be very toxic and even fatal to occupational workers exposed to them without any effective personal protective equipment. More research and collaborative efforts on nanosafety are required in order to prevent and minimize the potential hazards of nanomaterials to humans and the environment.
| S-EPMC3201677 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectivesThis study, developed within the frame of the Partnership for European Research on Occupational Safety and Health joint research activities and based on the frame designed by the 2013 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) study, is the first example of using the points of view of European occupational safety and health (OSH) researchers.The objective is to identify priorities for OSH research that may contribute to the achievement of present and future sustainable growth objectives set by the European strategies.MethodsThe study was carried out using a modified Delphi method with a two-round survey. Each round involved a panel of about 110 researchers representing the network member institutes was selected according to specific criteria, including the ownership of research expertise in at least one of the four macroareas identified by the reference report developed by EU-OSHA in 2013.ResultsThe study identified some innovative research topics (for example, 'Emerging technological devices' and 'OSH consequences of markets integration') and research priorities (ie, crowdsourcing, e-work, zero-hours contracts) that are not reflected in previous studies of this nature.The absence of any reference to violence and harassment at work among the researchers' proposals is a major difference from previous similar studies, while topics related to gender issues and electromagnetic fields show a lower importance.ConclusionsThe innovative design of a research priorities identification process, which takes advantage of a large, representative and qualified panel of European researchers allowed the definition of a number of research priorities able to support the inclusion of innovative OSH research issues in the scope of the next European research agenda.
| S-EPMC5734473 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundTo support occupational physicians (OPs) in the implementation of workers' health surveillance (WHS), a training programme was developed.Aims(i) To evaluate the effects of a WHS training programme for OPs on knowledge, self-efficacy and skills to implement WHS. (ii) To evaluate to what extent a WHS training programme is acceptable and feasible for implementation in practice.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial with waiting-list control group was used. The WHS training programme consisted of an e-learning and a 4.5-h online training session. OPs completed a knowledge test (0-8), self-efficacy questionnaires on knowledge and skills (6-60), and vignette assignments (0-16) to measure skills. OPs completed the questionnaires, either before and after the WHS training programme (intervention group), or before the training programme (control group) while receiving the training programme after the waiting period. All OPs completed questionnaires about the training's acceptability, and feasibility for implementation in practice. ANCOVA and Poisson regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe self-efficacy score (M = 44.1 versus M = 37.2) (P < 0.001) and skills score (M = 9.6 versus M = 8.3) (P < 0.05) of OPs in the training group (N = 16) were higher than the control group (N = 23). No effect was found on knowledge. Evaluation of acceptability and feasibility showed that 21 (58%) OPs were very satisfied with the training part on initiating WHS, and 29 (85%) would recommend the WHS training programme to colleagues.ConclusionsThis WHS training programme has a positive effect on self-efficacy and skills of OPs to implement WHS, and may be acceptable and feasible to implement in practice.
| S-EPMC10132203 | biostudies-literature
Project description:COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 12, 2020. Italy has been the most affected country in the world, right after China. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the hardest hit by this event from both a working and psychological point of view. The aim of this web-based cross-sectional study is to assess the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian Occupational Physicians' well-being and psychological distress, in relation to demographic and occupational characteristic, lifestyle and habits during the lockdown period. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey questionnaire from April 1 to April 21st, 2020. To evaluate the level of psychological distress and the level of well-being, the general Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index were utilized. Since the statistical assumptions were respected, we proceeded with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain the differences between the averages of the scores of the GHQ-12. Doctors who live in the most affected regions have a prevalence of psychological distress higher than their colleagues from the rest of Italy. ANOVA shows significant differences relating to the female gender, and to the life changes provoked by the lockdown for example not feeling sheltered at home or suffering from loneliness. This study showed a high prevalence of psychological distress in occupational physicians. To prevent the occurrence of mental disorders among Occupational Physicians, it is urgent to put in place policies of psychological support and well-being preservation.
| S-EPMC7857620 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThis article aims to assess whether caring for COVID-19 patients impacted junior doctors' COVID-19-related anxieties, general anxiety and depression, and the relative impact of depression, general anxiety and specific COVID-19 anxiety on work and social functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.MethodsRecruitment occurred between June and August 2020 in New South Wales, Australia. Demographic information, symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), generalised anxiety (GAD-7), and COVID-19-related anxieties around infections, help-seeking behaviours, and work and social functioning (WSAS) were collected.ResultsAbout one third (n=73, 33%) had cared for a patient with overt or covert COVID-19 in the previous month. However, the extent of COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms was largely unrelated to caring for COVID-19 patients. Instead, the presence of other COVID-19 concerns and gender predicted variations in COVID-19 concerns for one's own safety and the safety of loved ones.ConclusionCOVID-19 anxiety symptoms were largely unrelated to caring for COVID-19 patients, while COVID-19-related anxiety around the safety of family and friends added to impaired functioning in addition to the established impact of depression and general anxiety.Implications for public healthProvided the replicability of these findings, this research highlights the importance of addressing pandemic-related anxieties in junior doctor populations.
| S-EPMC9968570 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND: Global health is an expansive field, and global health careers are as diverse as the practice of medicine, with new paths being forged every year. Interest in global health among medical students, residents, and fellows has never been higher. As a result, a greater number of these physicians-in-training are participating in global health electives during their training. However, there is a gap between the level of trainee interest and the breadth and depth of educational opportunities that prepare them for a career in global health. OBJECTIVE: Global health experiences can complement and enhance each step of traditional physician training, from medical school through residency and fellowship. Global health experiences can expose trainees to patients with diverse pathologies, improve physical exam skills by decreasing reliance on laboratory tests and imaging, enhance awareness of costs and resource allocation in resource-poor settings, and foster cultural sensitivity. The aim of this article is to describe issues faced by physicians-in-training and the faculty who mentor them as trainees pursue careers in global health. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review that addresses opportunities and challenges, competing demands on learners' educational schedules, and the need for professional development for faculty mentors. CONCLUSIONS: A widening gap between trainee interest and the available educational opportunities in global health may result in many medical students and residents participating in global health experiences without adequate preparation and mentorship. Without this essential support, global health training experiences may have detrimental consequences on both trainees and the communities hosting them. We discuss considerations at each training level, options for additional training, current career models in global health, and challenges and potential solutions during training and early career development.
| S-EPMC3444181 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectivesTo describe recent investigations of potential workplace cancer clusters.MethodsWe identified Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) of cancer concerns during 2001-2020. We described information about industry, requestors, cancer characteristics, investigative procedures, and determinations about the presence of a cluster (ie, presence of excess cases, unusual case distribution or exposure).ResultsOf 5754 HHEs, 174 included cancer concerns, comprising 1%-5% of HHEs per year. In 123 HHEs, the cancer cluster concerns involved different cancer primary sites. Investigation procedures varied but included record review (n=63, 36%) and site visits (n=22, 13%). Of 158 HHEs with a cluster determination by investigator(s), 151 (96%) were not considered cancer clusters. In seven HHEs, investigators found evidence of a cluster, but occupational exposure to a carcinogen was not identified.ConclusionsThe proportion of HHEs on workplace cancer cluster concerns remained steady over time; most did not meet the definition of a cluster or uncover an occupational cause. Public health practitioners can use this information to provide updated context when addressing workplace cancer cluster concerns and as motivation to refine investigative approaches. More broadly, this review highlights an opportunity to identify best practices on how to apply community cluster investigation methods to the workplace.
| S-EPMC10897873 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo examine the association between a number of negative COVID-19 occupational experiences and probable anxiety, depression, and PTSD among physicians.MethodsCross-sectional examination of longitudinal registry data consisting of physician personal and occupational well-being. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between negative COVID-19 experiences and outcomes.ResultsOf the 620 eligible physicians, approximately half were female (49%), and 71% white with a mean age of 46.51 (SD = 13.28). A one-point increase in negative experience score was associated with a 23% increase in probable anxiety (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14-1.34), a 23% increase in probable depression (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.33), and a 41% increase in probable PTSD (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.30-1.52).ConclusionsNegative pandemic experiences were strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes while greater resilience was protective.
| S-EPMC8808755 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveA recent Institute of Medicine report called for attention to safety issues related to electronic health records (EHRs). We analyzed EHR-related safety concerns reported within a large, integrated healthcare system.MethodsThe Informatics Patient Safety Office of the Veterans Health Administration (VA) maintains a non-punitive, voluntary reporting system to collect and investigate EHR-related safety concerns (ie, adverse events, potential events, and near misses). We analyzed completed investigations using an eight-dimension sociotechnical conceptual model that accounted for both technical and non-technical dimensions of safety. Using the framework analysis approach to qualitative data, we identified emergent and recurring safety concerns common to multiple reports.ResultsWe extracted 100 consecutive, unique, closed investigations between August 2009 and May 2013 from 344 reported incidents. Seventy-four involved unsafe technology and 25 involved unsafe use of technology. A majority (70%) involved two or more model dimensions. Most often, non-technical dimensions such as workflow, policies, and personnel interacted in a complex fashion with technical dimensions such as software/hardware, content, and user interface to produce safety concerns. Most (94%) safety concerns related to either unmet data-display needs in the EHR (ie, displayed information available to the end user failed to reduce uncertainty or led to increased potential for patient harm), software upgrades or modifications, data transmission between components of the EHR, or 'hidden dependencies' within the EHR.DiscussionEHR-related safety concerns involving both unsafe technology and unsafe use of technology persist long after 'go-live' and despite the sophisticated EHR infrastructure represented in our data source. Currently, few healthcare institutions have reporting and analysis capabilities similar to the VA.ConclusionsBecause EHR-related safety concerns have complex sociotechnical origins, institutions with long-standing as well as recent EHR implementations should build a robust infrastructure to monitor and learn from them.
| S-EPMC4215044 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational and personal stressors, mental health indicators, perceived discrimination and help-seeking behaviors among healthcare workers and providers (HCWPs) serving socially vulnerable groups such as immigrants, refugees, farmworkers, homeless individuals, people living in poverty, and other disadvantaged populations in the United States (U.S.) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional descriptive approach, we gathered information between July and September 2020, from a sample of 407 affiliates of two national organizations of clinic-based HCWPs who worked at federally funded and community safety-net clinics. Informed consent was obtained from all participants who completed a self-administered online survey available in English and Spanish. Our results indicated that the HCWPs serving vulnerable groups in the midst of the pandemic experienced high levels of occupational and personal stressors as well as anxiety and depressive symptomology. Major occupational stressors were excessive workload, long working-hours, and institutional barriers to refer and follow-up on their clients' access to needed social services. High-rated personal stressors included sleep disorders, lack of and child-care, partner's loosing job, and other family related situations. Our findings suggest that HCWPs working with vulnerable populations need specialized interventions that bolster their mental health and well-being as the pandemic continues to unfold. We recommend implementing initiatives that encourage HCWPs' to be actively involved in clinic decisions regarding employee safety and protection as well as in management decisions to improve work place infrastructure and capacity to respond to the social needs of their clients. Lessons learned from the pandemic are useful tools in designing protocols for addressing the mental-health needs of HCWPs in health-care organizations that attend to socially underprivileged populations.
| S-EPMC8695753 | biostudies-literature