Professional Quality of Life in Greek Health Professionals Working with Refugees and Migrants

Abstract

Background: Expatriation and relocation into a new cultural context constitute a psychological journey marked by exposure to potentially traumatic events, the abandonment of the homeland and the effort of seeking safety and a new beginning at all levels. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the Professional Quality of Life in Greek health professionals working with refugees and migrants. Methods: The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL V) and a demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire were distributed to 90 health professionals working with migrants and refugees. Results: 25.6% of participants reported high CF risk while 75.7% expressed high to moderate potential for CS. Awareness of the factors associated with CF may help health professionals to prevent or offset the development of this condition. Conclusion: A compassionate organizational culture, clinical supervision and on-going education may protect health professionals working with migrants and refugees from absorbing or internalizing unmanageable emotions which may lead to compassion fatigue and also help them to gain a deeper understanding of their communication and interactions during the emotionally laden moments of trauma care.

Quality of work life and associated factors among health professionals working at private and government health institutions in Awi zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2022: a comparative cross-sectional study

“…The overall QWL of HPs was in line with the study conducted in Arab countries after the COVID-19 pandemic ( 12 ). Moreover, it was higher than the study conducted in Greece ( 13 ). This might be due to this study being conducted among HPs working with refugees and migrants.…”

Psychological adaptation among health care workers who work with trauma‐exposed refugees in Greece

“…Our study findings highlight the need to understand the level of training, supervision, and mental health support necessary for HCWs to remain psychologically healthy. Supervision and mutual support opportunities are vital components in care work (Mavratza et al, 2021) and can enable the development of best practices or prevent burnout in challenging work settings. An approach to support HCWs that includes risk assessment, monitoring, and intervention for occupational stress, VT, STS, burnout, or other mental health concerns, as needed, is important.…”

Resilience, Coping Self-Efficacy, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Healthcare Workers Who Work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Greece

“…These include strategies such as relaxation techniques, using e-mental health services, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, supportive relationships, activities and hobbies, and mindfulness meditation [ 45 ]. Supervision, mutual support opportunities, and self-care are vital components of care work [ 46 ] and can enable the development of good practice or prevent mental health difficulties in such challenging work settings.…”