Work environment and mental health in nurse assistants, nurses and health executives: Results from the AMADEUS study

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to explore work environment and mental health in nurse assistants, nurses and health executives in a national large‐scale study. Background We have data for physicians but not for other health care workers categories. Methods A total of 6935 participants were recruited between May and June 2021 by professional mailings and professional networks. Results All professional categories reported high rates of high psychological demand (>90%), low social support (>60%), burnout (50% to 60%), exposure to potentially morally injurious events (>40%) and depression (approximately 30%). Surgery nurses reported the highest exposure to potentially morally injurious events. Major depression was identified in approximately 30% of participants in all categories, but less than 10% reported consuming antidepressants. A total of 31% to 49% of participants reported sleep disorders and 16% to 21% reported consuming regularly hypnotics. Physicians reported high hazardous drinking behaviour and nurse assistant high smoking rates. Conclusions and Implications for Nursing Management Our results suggest that preventing burnout and depression in health care workers is a priority. To reach this goal, nursing managers could develop some interventions to reduce psychological demand and increase personal accomplishment and social support between colleagues, and prevent sustained bullying at the workplace and health risk behaviours. These interventions should be further developed and evaluated.

Examining moral injury in clinical practice: A narrative literature review

“…Strategies to prevent bullying in the workplace and increase healthy lifestyle choices were paramount to the prevention of moral stressors and PMIEs. 55…”

“…54 Healthcare institutions must acknowledge the value of healthcare workers, empower them, and increase their autonomy. Lucas et al 55 suggested nursing managers develop interventions to reduce psychological demand and increase the recognition of individual accomplishments and social support among colleagues. Strategies to prevent bullying in the workplace and increase healthy lifestyle choices were paramount to the prevention of moral stressors and PMIEs.…”

“…Strategies to prevent bullying in the workplace and increase healthy lifestyle choices were paramount to the prevention of moral stressors and PMIEs. 55 Effective broader strategies healthcare management should employ include the representation of front-line healthcare workers in leadership roles to address the practice climate. Engaging those most intimately involved with care provides insight into how organizational culture influences the development of MI.…”

Nurses’ Work Environment and Practice as A Predictor of Burnout

“…Studies on the well-being, including burnout, of nursing staff, were also conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Burnout incidence rates were as high as 60% of study participants 13 . A study of emergency department staff showed higher rates (43%) of burnout in nursing staff compared to other participating healthcare professionals.…”

Situations of anomie and the health workforce crisis: Policy implications of a socially sensitive and inclusive approach to human resources

“…These studies have revealed that heavy workloads, time pressure, contradictory demands, conflicts of value associated with low rewards, and lack of resources influence people's experience and expectations at work. 17 Lack of recognition from superiors and peers is often associated with psychological distress and turnover. 18 Other studies have highlighted the interpenetration of personal life goals and decisions around leaving one's job.…”