Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.Results: Health workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p<0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure(temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p<0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs.Conclusions: Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

Stress and Resilience Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…COVID-19 played a dramatic role in increasing the already high levels of stress for all healthcare workers on inpatient units and outpatient settings, including rehabilitation nurses ( Stein et al, 2020 ). The elevated stress levels nurses are experiencing can be attributed to disrupted workflows ( Sun et al, 2020 ), heavier workloads ( Shoja et al, 2020 ; Sun et al, 2020 ), time restraints to care for their patents ( Sun et al, 2020 ), additional work hours ( Master et al, 2020 ; Sun et al, 2020 ), fear of contracting the disease and passing it to their loved ones ( Master et al, 2020 ; Shechter et al, 2020 ; Sun et al, 2020 ), and death of coworkers and patients ( Sarafis et al, 2016 ). For rehabilitation nurses particularly, stress also comes from the loss of inpatient rehabilitation units, whether through closure or conversion to COVID-19 acute care ( Stein et al, 2020 ).…”

How the occupational balance of healthcare professionals changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed design study

“…Another important finding of the current study is that the level of the occupational balance of the individuals who took sufficient breaks during the work was found to be higher. This finding is valuable to occupational therapists as long working hours are important to the health, well‐being, and performance of professionals (Shoja et al, 2020 ).…”

Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy With Rosa damascena (Damask Rose) on the State Anxiety and Sleep Quality of Operating Room Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Considering the high level of workload among Iranian OR personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic which can affect their anxiety and sleep quality 36 , this study aimed to compare the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with damask rose essential oil and placebo (paraffin oil) on the state anxiety and sleep quality of OR personnel. State anxiety and sleep quality were considered as the primary outcomes, and occurrence of any adverse events were recorded as the secondary outcome.…”