Risk communication about work-related stress disorders in healthcare workers: a scoping review

Abstract

Purposes Healthcare workers are at risk of stress-related disorders. Risk communication can be an effective preventive health measure for some health risks, but is not yet common in the prevention of stress-related disorders in an occupational healthcare setting. The overall aim is to examine whether risk communication was part of interventions aimed at the prevention of stress-related disorders in healthcare workers. Method We performed a scoping review using the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. We searched in Medline, Web of Science and PsychInfo for studies reporting on preventive interventions of stress-related disorders in healthcare workers between 2005 and December 2020. Studies were included when the intervention reported on at least one element of risk communication and one goal. We predefined four elements of risk communication: risk perception, communication of early stress symptoms, risk factors and prevention; and three goals: inform, stimulate informed decision-making and motivate action. Results We included 23 studies that described 17 interventions. None of the included interventions were primarily developed as risk communication interventions, but all addressed the goals. Two interventions used all four elements of risk communication. The prominent mode of delivery was face to face, mostly delivered by researchers. Early stress symptoms and risk factors were measured by surveys. Conclusions Risk communication on risk factors and early signs of stress-related disorders is not that well studied and evaluated in an occupational healthcare setting. Overall, the content of the communication was not based on the risk perception of the healthcare workers, which limited the likelihood of them taking action.

Exploring the potential of stratum corneum biomarkers for assessing psychological distress in health care workers: An observational pilot study

“…Preventing PD among HCWs is of utmost importance, given the far‐reaching adverse effects it can have on their health, the organization, and society as a whole 1,4 . While preventive interventions often rely on questionnaires to detect HCWs at risk, the incorporation of objective measurements in the assessment of PD holds promise, overcoming some of the limitations associated with questionnaires 6 . In line with the objective of this study, we identified 14 out of 24 candidate PD biomarkers in the SC.…”

“…Oftentimes, questionnaires are utilized for the assessment of PD. However, commonly used questionnaires that screen for PD do not appear to have adequate measurement properties and diagnostic accuracy 6 . This limitation of questionnaires negatively influences the diagnostic accuracy, leading to over‐estimation or under‐estimation of PD in HCW 6 .…”

“…However, commonly used questionnaires that screen for PD do not appear to have adequate measurement properties and diagnostic accuracy 6 . This limitation of questionnaires negatively influences the diagnostic accuracy, leading to over‐estimation or under‐estimation of PD in HCW 6 . Therefore, exploring approaches for an objective assessment of PD, holds promise.…”

Work-related stress and stress management practice among Chinese hospital staff working night shifts: A mixed-methods study.

“…Consequently, HCWs have been classified as one of the occupational populations that are more vulnerable to stress-related disorders (Emal et al, 2022).…”

“…Additionally, for individuals with already stressful occupations, rotating shift schedules may increase stress and the risk of developing mental health disorders (Brown et al, 2020). Consequently, HCWs have been classified as one of the occupational populations that are more vulnerable to stress-related disorders (Emal et al, 2022).…”