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Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments
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Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Occupational Safety and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 December 2023) | Viewed by 18826

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Irene Carrillo Murcia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Psicología de la Salud, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03002 Elche, Spain
Interests: patient safety; quality assurance; second victim; health services evaluation; occupational health; qualitative research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mercedes Guilabert Mora

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Psychology Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Comunidad Valenciana, 03202 Elche, Spain
Interests: chronic disease; quality assurance; caregivers; health services evaluation; qualitative research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

High reliability organizations (HROs) are organizations that “operate in a physical, psychological, social or political complex environment that has the potential for large-scale risk and harm, but which manage to balance effectiveness, efficiency, and safety”. The work sectors that usually fall under this conceptual framework are energy, aviation and transport, military and space, fires and disasters, healthcare, and education [1]. In turn, rapid response teams (RRTs)—commonly defined in the healthcare setting but also existing in other fields—are interdisciplinary teams of trained individuals prepared for rapid mobilization and deployment in critical situations or emergencies [2].

The professionals who make up the HROs or RRTs are relatively frequently exposed to critical situations that sometimes impact their physical or psychological health. The distress derived from these experiences and the proximity to trauma inevitably impacts the performance and responsiveness of professionals and may affect the quality of the service provided to the public [3,4].

Caring for the well-being of professionals, especially in the framework of HROs and RRTs, is crucial to ensure the resilience of organizations and the provision of a service in conditions of quality and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized this need. The development of training and support programs (such as psychological first aid or peer support programs) specifically designed to restore the well-being of professionals and reinforce their resilience is fundamental in addressing this issue [5,6].

Papers adding relevant and valuable knowledge regarding the need to reinforce the resilience and well-being of professionals working in complex environments are welcome in this Special Issue.

  1. About the Health Foundation. Available online: https://www.thehealthfoundation.org.za/about-the-foundation/ (accessed on 1 January 2011).
  2. Greiner, Bet al Clinical trial registry searches are under-utilized in systematic reviews from critical care journals: A bibliometric analysis. J. Crit. Care. 2020, 63, 175–178.
  3. Huo, Xiqian et al. Comment on Kim et al. The Effect of a Smartphone-Based, Patient-Centered Diabetes Care System in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled Trial for 24 Weeks. Diabetes Care 2019, 42, 3–9. doi:10.2337/dc19-0535.
  4. Schwappach, David L, and Till a Boluarte. The emotional impact of medical error involvement on physicians: a call for leadership and organisational accountability. Swiss Medical Weekly 2009, 139, 1–2. doi:10.4414/smw.2009.12417.
  5. Katherine de Bienassis & Luke Slawomirski & Nicolaas S. Klazinga, The economics of patient safety Part IV: Safety in the workplace: Occupational safety as the bedrock of resilient health systems. OECD Health Working Papers 130, OECD Publishing. 2021.
  6. Wu, Albert W et al. COVID-19: Peer Support and Crisis Communication Strategies to Promote Institutional Resilience". Annals of Internal Medicine Vol. 2020, 172, 822–823. doi:10.7326/M20-1236.

Prof. Dr. Irene Carrillo Murcia
Prof. Dr. Mercedes Guilabert Mora
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • high reliability organizations
  • rapid response team
  • emergency responders
  • second victim
  • psychological first aid
  • crisis intervention
  • peer support
  • disaster
  • catastrophe
  • critical incident
  • adverse event
  • resilience
  • well-being
  • risk management
  • occupational health
  • occupational safety

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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17 pages, 1148 KiB  
Article
How Do We Keep our Heads above Water? An Embedded Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Implementation of a Workplace Reintegration Program for Nurses Affected by Operational Stress Injury
by Chelsea Jones, Elly O’Greysik, Brenda Juby, Shaylee Spencer, Michelle Vincent, Lorraine Smith-MacDonald, Colleen Mooney and Suzette Brémault-Phillips
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 6037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20116037 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Background: Nurses are exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events which can lead to operational stress injuries (OSI). Workplace reintegration after an OSI can be challenging, especially with repeated exposure to potentially traumatic scenarios and workplace demands. A workplace reintegration program (RP) originally developed [...] Read more.
Background: Nurses are exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events which can lead to operational stress injuries (OSI). Workplace reintegration after an OSI can be challenging, especially with repeated exposure to potentially traumatic scenarios and workplace demands. A workplace reintegration program (RP) originally developed for police officers may be of benefit for nurses returning to work after an OSI. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived need for an RP for nurses, and its potential contextualization and implementation in the nursing context using an implementation science approach. Methods: This mixed-methods study collected data via questionnaires and focus groups from acute care nurses in Canada (N = 19). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and an organizational readiness assessment. Results: Study participants indicated that formalized processes were rarely used to support nurses returning to work after time off due to mental health challenges. Themes included (1) “The Perfect Storm”: the current state of return-to-work, (2) Integral Needs, and (3) A Break in the Clouds: hope for health. Conclusions: Exploration of innovative programs such as the RP may provide additional support to nurses affected by OSIs. Further research is needed regarding workplace reintegration for nurses, and contextualization and evaluation of the RP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments)
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19 pages, 719 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Analysis of the Mental Health Training and Educational Needs of Firefighters, Paramedics, and Public Safety Communicators in Canada
by Liana Lentz, Lorraine Smith-MacDonald, David C. Malloy, Gregory S. Anderson, Shadi Beshai, Rosemary Ricciardelli, Suzette Bremault-Phillips and R. Nicholas Carleton
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 6972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19126972 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5572
Abstract
Background—Public safety personnel (PSP) are at heightened risk of developing mental health challenges due to exposures to diverse stressors including potentially psychologically traumatic experiences. An increased focus on protecting PSP mental health has prompted demand for interventions designed to enhance resilience. While hundreds [...] Read more.
Background—Public safety personnel (PSP) are at heightened risk of developing mental health challenges due to exposures to diverse stressors including potentially psychologically traumatic experiences. An increased focus on protecting PSP mental health has prompted demand for interventions designed to enhance resilience. While hundreds of available interventions are aimed to improve resilience and protect PSPs’ mental health, research evidence regarding intervention effectiveness remains sparse. Methods—Focus groups with PSP elicited a discussion of psychoeducational program content, preferred modes of program delivery, when such training should occur, and to whom it ought to be targeted. Results—The results of thematic analyses suggest that PSP participants feel that contemporary approaches to improving mental health and resilience are lacking. While welcomed, the provision of sporadic one-off mental health and resilience programs by organizations was seen as insufficient, and the available organizational mental health supports were perceived as being questionable. The available programs also left participants feeling insufficiently prepared to deal with personal mental health problems and in discussing mental health concerns with co-workers. Conclusions—Participants reported needing more engaging methods for delivering information, career-long mental health knowledge acquisition, and a systems approach to improve the workplace culture, particularly regarding mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments)
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13 pages, 758 KiB  
Article
Return to Work of Healthcare Workers after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Determinants of Physical and Mental Health
by Maddalena Grazzini, Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli, Nicola Mucci, Diana Paolini, Antonio Baldassarre, Veronica Gallinoro, Annarita Chiarelli, Fabrizio Niccolini and Giulio Arcangeli
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116811 - 2 Jun 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2870
Abstract
Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has involved healthcare workers (HCWs) both as caregivers and as patients. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the HCWs working in a third-level hospital in Central Italy who were infected with COVID-19 from March 2020 to April [...] Read more.
Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has involved healthcare workers (HCWs) both as caregivers and as patients. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the HCWs working in a third-level hospital in Central Italy who were infected with COVID-19 from March 2020 to April 2021. This research aims at identifying the physical and mental health outcomes of HCWs infected with COVID-19 who returned to work after the infection, the determinants of those outcomes, such as age and sex, and the identification of possible vulnerable professional groups. Methods. A questionnaire about the acute illness, the experience of returning to work, and health perceptions after the disease was administered to 427 healthcare workers 3 months after recovering from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results. The majority interviewed (84.5%) reported symptoms at the time of the positive test, with no significant differences regarding age or sex, while a significant difference in the mean age was found regarding hospitalization (p < 0.001). At 3 months after the infection, females (p = 0.001), older workers (p < 0.001), and healthcare assistants (p < 0.001) were more likely to report persistent symptoms. Sex (p = 0.02) and age (p = 0.006) influenced the quality of sleep after the infection. At work, the nurses group reported increase in workload (p = 0.03) and worse relationships (p = 0.028). At 3 months after the infection, female workers perceived worse physical (p = 0.002) and mental (p < 0.001) health status according to the SF-12. A negative correlation was found between age and PCS score (p < 0.001) but not MCS score (p = 0.86). A significant difference in PCS score was found between nurses and physicians (p = 0.04) and between residents and all other groups (p < 0.001). Finally, the group of workers reporting sleep alterations showed lower PCS and MCS scores (p < 0.001) and working relationships had an impact on MCS scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Age, sex, and type of job had an impact on physical and mental outcomes. Organizing specific interventions, also tailored to professional sub-groups, should be a target for healthcare systems to protect and boost the physical and mental health of their workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments)
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17 pages, 2153 KiB  
Article
Strategies for the Psychological Support of the Healthcare Workforce during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The ERNST Study
by Adriana López-Pineda, Irene Carrillo, Aurora Mula, Sofia Guerra-Paiva, Reinhard Strametz, Susanna Tella, Kris Vanhaecht, Massimiliano Panella, Bojana Knezevic, Marius-Ionut Ungureanu, Einav Srulovici, Sandra C. Buttigieg, Ivana Skoumalová, Paulo Sousa, Jose Mira and on behalf of the ERNST Consortium Collaborators
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095529 - 2 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3785
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of interventions to provide emotional and psychological support to healthcare workers in many countries. This ecological study aims to describe the strategies implemented in different countries to support healthcare professionals during the outbreak. Data were collected [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of interventions to provide emotional and psychological support to healthcare workers in many countries. This ecological study aims to describe the strategies implemented in different countries to support healthcare professionals during the outbreak. Data were collected through an online survey about the measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers. Healthcare professionals, researchers, and academics were invited to respond to the survey. Fifty-six professionals from 35 countries contributed data to this study. Ten countries (28.6%) reported that they did not launch any national interventions. Both developed and developing countries launched similar initiatives. There was no relationship between the existence of any type of initiative in a country with the incidence, lethality, and mortality rates of the country due to COVID-19, and per capita income in 2020. The 24 h hotline for psychological support was the most frequent intervention. Tools for self-rescue by using apps or websites were extensively used, too. Other common interventions were the development of action protocols, availability of regular and updated information, implantation of distance learning systems, early detection of infection programs for professionals, economic reinforcements, hiring of staff reinforcement, and modification of leave and vacation dates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments)
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13 pages, 1202 KiB  
Hypothesis
Investigating Strategies of Emotion Regulation As Mediators of Occupational Stressors and Mental Health Outcomes in First Responders
by Sowmya Kshtriya, Jacqueline Lawrence, Holly M. Kobezak, Paula J. Popok and Sarah Lowe
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127009 - 8 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3082
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether two emotion regulation strategies, expressive suppression or cognitive reappraisal, mediated the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in first responders (FR) who experienced occupational stressors, using [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether two emotion regulation strategies, expressive suppression or cognitive reappraisal, mediated the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in first responders (FR) who experienced occupational stressors, using cross-sectional data. An aggregate of 895 first responders (M = 37.32, SD = 12.09, 59.2% male, 91.3% Caucasian) who were recruited through professional organizations and social media sites across North and South American states participated in an online Qualtrics survey. Bivariate correlation analyses demonstrated that occupational stressors were positively correlated with expressive suppression and each mental health outcome but were not significantly correlated with cognitive reappraisal. Mediation analyses demonstrated expressive suppression as a significant mediator between occupational stressors and PTSD, MD, and GAD symptoms, but not cognitive reappraisal. Even though these findings are in purview of a cross-sectional research design, they suggest the importance of practices that bolster first responders’ ability to use more effective and adaptive emotion regulation strategies such as emotion expression, effective communication, and cognitive reappraisal that might help enhance psychological resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Well-Being of Professionals Working in Complex Environments)
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