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Article
Publication date: 21 December 2021

Amnon Michael and Paola Roska

COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the well-being and the psychological resilience of different populations, particularly in the addiction field. This study aims to assess anxiety and…

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the well-being and the psychological resilience of different populations, particularly in the addiction field. This study aims to assess anxiety and its severity among patients and staff from different types of addiction services in Israel during this emergency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted during the period from March–July 2020. Participants included patients and staff (N = 282) from three different types of addiction services, were administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support and demographic variables. In addition, a logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of state anxiety by using statistical package for the social sciences software.

Findings

The results show that therapeutic communities clients reported more social support compared to other subjects. State anxiety has a positive strong correlation with trait anxiety both among patients and staff, and it was found as a crucial predictor of state anxiety in the regression equation. There is no statistically significant correlation between state anxiety and social support, gender or education among clients and staff as one. The state anxiety remains relatively stable and characterizes most people, staff and patients, men and women, medical staff members and other professionals.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has some contributions to the addiction field by understanding the psychological distress of a vulnerable population: substance users in treatment settings. The study population relied on convenient samples and future studies should be planned using a cross-sectional design and should take into account substance use measures. The findings are reinforcing the assumption that state anxiety was likely to increase during the coronavirus pandemic.

Practical implications

Adequate services should be planned to avoid relapse or mental deterioration of people who use drugs during health emergencies.

Originality/value

The research points out the unique and real difficulties of SUD clients, as well as the complexity and risks in their staff members’ works. The authors also saw that staff members need attention and maintenance; they are in the front line.

Details

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-1866

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2004

Heather Sequeira and Simon Halstead

The study examines the experiences of physical restraint procedures reported by nursing staff in a secure mental health service. Interview data were subjected to thematic content…

Abstract

The study examines the experiences of physical restraint procedures reported by nursing staff in a secure mental health service. Interview data were subjected to thematic content analysis in accordance with grounded theory methodology.Nursing staff reported a range of emotional responses to the use of restraint procedures. They included anxiety, anger, boredom, distress and crying. In some cases these responses were confirmed by descriptions from patients.Staff coped with the emotional responses to restraint in a variety of ways. Some staff discussed the ‘stigma’ attached to showing feelings to other staff. They described how laughter was used to reduce stress following an incident and how distressing emotions had to be taken home. Some staff described how they had become ‘hardened’ to the experience of restraint. A substantial proportion of staff suggested that they had ‘no’ emotional reactions and many reported ‘automatic’ responding during a restraint event in which they did not feel any emotion.Possible implications of these responses and clinical practice are discussed.

Details

The British Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6646

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2023

Helen M. Achat, Joanne M. Stubbs, Rakhi Mittal, Suzanne Schindeler and Nicole Gilroy

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. The authors examined the lived experiences and perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managerial…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. The authors examined the lived experiences and perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managerial and senior positions to explore the pandemic's effects on well-being and valued organisational responses.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, the authors conducted 39 semi-structured interviews with senior staff including health service administrators, heads of department and senior clinicians at a designated COVID-19 facility in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 to reflect on experiences during the height of the pandemic in 2020 (mid-March to the end of May 2020).

Findings

Workplace experiences affecting HCWs' well-being included being shunned by others, fear of infecting family, fear of the unknown, concerns about personal protective equipment, lack of direction from above and increased workload. Organisational interventions to protect the health and safety of HCWs and their patients included redeployment, improved communication, effective management committees, education and mental health supports.

Practical implications

Organisations can minimise worker-identified factors threatening their well-being during a health crisis by applying broad-ranging initiatives including inclusive and open communication, promoting flexible work practices, providing up-to-date guidelines and policies and fostering camaraderie between workers.

Originality/value

The voices of senior clinical and managerial staff have been largely unheard during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors addressed this deficit by describing their experiences and insights regarding the pandemic's impact on well-being and the organisation's responses to simultaneously safeguarding its staff and providing quality patient care.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 16 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 December 2021

Rachael Smithson

The health service response to COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity to build our understanding of the leadership styles in use in managing a crisis event. Existing literature…

1796

Abstract

Purpose

The health service response to COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity to build our understanding of the leadership styles in use in managing a crisis event. Existing literature emphasises command and control leadership; however, there has been less emphasis on relational approaches and the behaviours necessary to ensure the agility of the response and minimise the risk of relational disturbances. The purpose of this paper is to understand leadership styles in use, as part of a health service response to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on data from semi-structured interviews with 27 executives and senior leaders from a tertiary health service in Australia. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Notes and examples were coded according to deductively derived criteria around leadership styles and competencies from the literature, while remaining open to emergent themes.

Findings

Health system leaders described examples of both command and control and relational leadership behaviours. This dually provided the discipline (command and control) and agility (relational) required of the crisis response. While some leaders experienced discomfort in enacting these dual behaviours, this discomfort related to discordance with leadership preferences rather than conflict between the styles. Both leadership approaches were considered necessary to effectively manage the health system response.

Originality/value

Crisis management literature has typically focused on defining and measuring the effectiveness of behaviours reflective of a command and control leadership response. Very few studies have considered the relational aspects of crisis management, nor the dual approaches of command and control, and relational leadership.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2009

Rachael Davenhill

Psychodynamic observation and emotional mapping (POEM) is a professional development (CPD), supervisory and research process, which works from the ‘inside out’. It aims to ensure…

Abstract

Psychodynamic observation and emotional mapping (POEM) is a professional development (CPD), supervisory and research process, which works from the ‘inside out’. It aims to ensure that staff experience is placed at the heart of understanding meaningful, relationship‐centred care in the workplace. Central to this process is the assumption that feelings occurring ‘under the surface’ in both staff and patients are important channels of communication impacting on staff, care practice and the service setting. In terms of good psychological health for staff and patient, the POEM approach facilitates the digestion and understanding of both conscious and unconscious processes in the workplace. It also contributes towards a healthier, more open workplace in which staff teams are supported in their capacity to think and respond effectively and honestly to everyday clinical and organisational pressures.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1983

David Knights and John Roberts

The central concern of this monograph is to generate an understanding of the processes of control in industrial relations. Traditionally, the literature has tended to merely…

1697

Abstract

The central concern of this monograph is to generate an understanding of the processes of control in industrial relations. Traditionally, the literature has tended to merely reflect the instrumental interests of management and has thus been preoccupied with the problem of improving the techniques, rather than penetrating the social processes of control. The authors contend that this preoccupation has resulted in a neglect of examining the conditions and consequences of control for production.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1999

Mick McKeown, Martin Hinks, Mark Stowell‐Smith, Dave Mercer and Joe Forster

The results of a Q methodological study of professional understandings of the notion of risk in mental health services within the UK are discussed in relation to the relevance for…

1879

Abstract

The results of a Q methodological study of professional understandings of the notion of risk in mental health services within the UK are discussed in relation to the relevance for staff training and quality assurance. The study attempted to access the diversity of understandings of risk issues amongst a multi‐professional group of staff (n = 60) attending inter‐agency risk training workshops in 1998. Q methodology is presented as both an appropriate means for such inquiry and as a novel experiential technique for training purposes. A tentative argument is advanced that the qualitative accounts generated by Q research could assist in systematic reviews of quality, complementing the singularly quantitative approaches typically represented in the audit process.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2007

Mei‐Yu Wang

This case study was conducted with the purpose of discovering the possible barriers when a customer relationship management (CRM) implementing plan was initiated in the library…

6034

Abstract

Purpose

This case study was conducted with the purpose of discovering the possible barriers when a customer relationship management (CRM) implementing plan was initiated in the library context, and exploring its efficiency and effectiveness after implementation. The study aims to develop initial hunches or insights and to obtain concrete suggestions for a template to use in future developing and implementing efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the dynamics present within single, real‐life settings during the implementation process, the case study method was adopted.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance to overcome libraries' inexperience in terms of CRM implementation management, and demonstrate that the biggest challenge facing a library is to raise internal awareness of the CRM functions and capabilities that are now provided, and to educate library staff on how these functions and features operate.

Research limitations/implications

The biggest problem of implementing a CRM system in academic libraries is to raise internal awareness of the functions and capabilities that are now provided, to educate library staff on how these functions and features operate, and to clarify the different roles played by the automation system, online reference service and the CRM system.

Practical implications

The initiation into CRM needs not only to address cultural issues, but deal with the fears and anxieties that library staff may have in relation to the adopting the CRM system.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information for those wanting to implement a CRM system in a library context.

Details

Library Management, vol. 28 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Helen Goulding and Sharon A. Riordan

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived needs of junior nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting who display violence and aggression;…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived needs of junior nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting who display violence and aggression; and to contribute to this specialised area of research and to identify potential areas for further post registration education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative design using thematic analysis. Initial questionnaires were distributed and the results analysed in order to form initial themes. These initial themes were then used to carry out a one-off focus group and this was transcribed verbatim and then analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis to develop final themes.

Findings

The findings identified a need for staff to be able to access effective immediate support following incidents of violence and aggression and support be offered within a clear structured environment. Staff indicated that peer supervision be made available and that they also receive adequate education relating to gender specific issues and the use of seclusion.

Research limitations/implications

The research had several limitations. These included a small sample size which was also largely self-selected. Bias may have to be acknowledged in respect of completion of questionnaires depending on their view of participation and what they might be contributing to. Despite this the results do raise further questions such as staff decision making around the use of seclusion.

Practical implications

Implications centred around the organisation’s delivery of education to staff in relation to the clinical decision-making skills they require in order to effectively support women with learning disabilities who display violent and/or aggressive behaviour. The study also has implications for potential supervision structures currently offered within these services.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to explore services for women with a learning disability further and how services can be shaped using current perspective and up to date research in line with recent policy, e.g. Corston Report (Home Office, 2007).

Details

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8824

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1997

Morag McLean and Christopher M. Moore

Examines UK retailers’ attitudes towards employee welfare in general, and the development and implementation of policies in respect of staff with HIV/AIDS in particular. From the…

843

Abstract

Examines UK retailers’ attitudes towards employee welfare in general, and the development and implementation of policies in respect of staff with HIV/AIDS in particular. From the research results, provides a valuable insight into retailer motivation in respect of staff welfare provision and the methods adopted by retailers in the development of welfare policy; identifies the need to ensure that a credible support strategy exists in order that welfare policies, such as those related to HIV/AIDS, can be implemented effectively. Indicates that the management of HIV/AIDS within the retail sector is complicated further by the threat of criminal attack on retail staff and the potential for negative consumer reaction to policy decisions, and concludes by suggesting that the development of a considered response to HIV/AIDS is one which UK retailers cannot afford to ignore.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

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