doi: 10.56294/hl2024.390

 

ORIGINAL

 

The Impact of Work Environment on Healthcare Professionals’ Psycological state

 

El impacto del entorno laboral en el estado psicológico de los profesionales sanitarios

 

Komal Patel1, Lulup Kumar Sahoo2 , Nipun Setia3 , Mohan Garg4 , Pooja Varma5 , Uma Bhardwaj6 , Vasundhara V. Ghorpadeo7

 

1Parul University, Department of Gynaecology. PO Limda, Tal. Waghodia, District Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

2IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Department of Neurology. Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

3Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University. Rajpura, Punjab, India.

4Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University. Himachal Pradesh, India.

5JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Department of Psychology. Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

6Noida International University, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

7Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth “Deemed to be University”, Dept. of Preventive & Social Medicine. Taluka-Karad, Dist-Satara, Maharashtra, India.

 

Cite as: Patel K, Sahoo LK, Setia N, Garg M, Varma P, Bhardwaj U, et al. The Impact of Work Environment on Healthcare Professionals’ Psycological state. Health Leadership and Quality of Life. 2024; 3:.390. https://doi.org/10.56294/hl2024.390

 

Submitted: 11-03-2024                   Revised: 29-07-2024                   Accepted: 10-11-2024                 Published: 11-11-2024

 

Editor: PhD. Prof. Neela Satheesh

 

ABSTRACT         

 

Introduction: this study examined the impact of the work environment on the Psycological state of health workers. As demands and pressures in the Healthcare sector, the Psycological state of healthcare workers has turned into a significant concern. This study aimed to give insights into the current state of affairs, which is having a substantial effect on the psychological state of Healthcare workers and Healthcare occupational group.

Method: a phone survey was conducted among a random sample of 500 Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and medical assistants). The survey included items about work environment factors, like workload, organizational culture, systems with strong support, and work-life balance. It was a standardized survey, but the other thing it had was standardized Psycological state Screenings Such as Stress, Anxiety and Burnout.

Results: the findings have found that the work environment is significantly associated with Healthcare workers’ Psycological state. A large workload was significant. This global phenomenon has turned these isolating individuals into the environmental factor of stress along with all levels of burnout reported among people with heavy workloads. Organizational culture also contributed to the detrimental and toxic work environments exerting an even more significant influence on Psycological state.

Conclusions: the results of this study emphasize the necessity to improve work contexts within the Healthcare field. 2023 October, if trained on data, Healthcare organizations should recommend building supportive and positive work environments, managing workloads, and fostering balance between the work and life of their employees. Workplaces that are well addressed can be beneficial to the mental health of health workers, resulting in better business contentment, lower ratio, and ultimately, better Healthcare of patients.” Further study is needed to study relationships between and among people and work. Setting and supporting the psychological state of attention mortal.

 

Keywords: Employees; Environments; Professionals.

 

RESUMEN        

 

Introducción: este estudio examina el impacto del entorno laboral en el estado psicológico del personal sanitario. Debido a las exigencias y presiones del sector sanitario, el estado psicológico del personal sanitario

se ha convertido en una preocupación importante. Este estudio pretendía dar una idea de la situación actual, que está teniendo un efecto sustancial en el estado psicológico de los trabajadores sanitarios y del grupo ocupacional sanitario.

Método: se realizó una encuesta telefónica a una muestra aleatoria de 500 profesionales sanitarios (médicos, enfermeros y auxiliares médicos). La encuesta incluía ítems sobre factores del entorno laboral, como la carga de trabajo, la cultura organizativa, los sistemas con fuerte apoyo y el equilibrio entre vida laboral y personal. Se trataba de una encuesta estandarizada, pero además contaba con exámenes estandarizados del estado psicológico, como el estrés, la ansiedad y el burnout.

Resultados: los resultados han revelado que el entorno de trabajo está significativamente asociado al estado psicológico de los profesionales sanitarios. Una gran carga de trabajo fue significativa. Este fenómeno global ha convertido a estas personas aisladas en el factor ambiental del estrés junto con todos los niveles de burnout registrados entre las personas con grandes cargas de trabajo. La cultura organizativa también contribuyó a que los entornos laborales perjudiciales y tóxicos ejercieran una influencia aún más significativa en el estado psicológico.

Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio enfatizan la necesidad de mejorar los contextos de trabajo en el ámbito sanitario. 2023 octubre, si se forma en los datos, las organizaciones sanitarias deberían recomendar la creación de entornos de trabajo favorables y positivos, la gestión de las cargas de trabajo y el fomento del equilibrio entre el trabajo y la vida de sus empleados. Los lugares de trabajo bien abordados pueden ser beneficiosos para la salud mental de los trabajadores sanitarios, lo que se traduce en una mayor satisfacción empresarial, una menor ratio y, en última instancia, una mejor atención sanitaria a los pacientes.» Es necesario seguir estudiando las relaciones entre las personas y el trabajo. Establecer y apoyar el estado psicológico de los mortales de atención.

 

Palabras clave: Empleados; Entornos; Profesionales.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

It's a busy, high-stress environment. There are countless nurses, doctors and other staff members who care for the sick and injured, often working long hours and, in some cases, facing life-and-death situations on any given shift.(1) Consequently, the climate of work in Healthcare systems may have a substantial impact on these professionals' mental health.(2) Here are the reasons that contribute to the poor Psycological state of Healthcare professionals: One is the country's fast-paced and high-pressure Healthcare environment, which can have a debilitating effect on professionals' Psycological state.(3) The growing demand for quick, accurate decision-making creates extreme stress and edging toward burnout. There is an acute shortage of health workers in some countries, which increases health workers' total daily working hours and volume of work.(4) Medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, have also been reported as being 2× more likely to have experienced work-related stress compared to other industries (more specifically those in service). Consequently, this acute stress environment can lead to an array of more severe Psycological state disturbances, namely anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, Healthcare providers routinely face emotionally charged, distressing and traumatic situations, such as caring for critically ill patients or delivering bad news to families.(5) These can take a toll on their Psycological state, contributing to compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced from empathizing with the suffering of others. Secondary traumatic stress is vicarious PTSD for physicians and other medical professionals. It happens when they are directly exposed to traumatic events and, as such, become so acclimated to symptoms that they become deadened or detached and ultimately feel guilt, despair or entirely helpless.(6) Lack of supportive resources within the work environment also with Psycological state challenges being faced by health care workers. The scarcity of healthcare workers could compel physicians to do things and accept responsibilities for which they neither have the training nor tools.' However, without sufficient training and support, this can create feelings of inadequacy and stress.(7) Long work hours and short breaks can lead to fatigue and burnout. The Healthcare environment is also guided by organizational culture, which in turn affects the Psycological state of Healthcare professionals. Some employees may find themselves victims of bullying, harassment and rude and unprofessional workplace behavior, which negatively affects their Psycological state.(8) Studies show that workplace bullying by professionals everyone causes more incredible burnout and depression among Healthcare providers. This makes an already complex culture of work even more grim and creates additional barriers to providing good quality care in a toxic and stressful workplace. New attention was brought to the effect of the work environment on the Psycological state of Healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.(9) As many Healthcare workers are forced to work long hours, function in an environment of shortage of personal protective equipment, and witness large-scale death, they face and suffer tremendous stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Among Healthcare workers, the American Psychological Association found 4 in 10 reported feeling anxious and stressed because of the pandemic. Moreover, the sheer number of patients in dire straits this past year has worsened pandemic-fueled burnout and PTSD among Healthcare workers, they sHealthcare . That means you already know — up to October 2023. A high-pressure, emotionally exhausting and high-stakes environment like the industry is rife with a variety of Psycological state issues, such as burnout, compassion fatigue and anxiety. A toxic work culture and lack of support and resources to help employees address the impact on their mental well-being may only compound that. As Healthcare demands continue to rise, and with the pandemic still looming, Healthcare organizations must prioritize the health and well-being of employees as a top priority. By developing environments to work in, deep mental reserve resources, and investigating systemic issues preventing us from doing the work artists need to do to survive. Healthcare organizations can enhance patient care delivery and create a more vibrant, healthy work-life for their workforce by prioritizing their Psycological state.(10)

The main contribution of the paper has the following:

·      The health service work environment has substantial effects on Healthcare professionals' Psycological state. The focus on prevention awareness of Psycological state issues has increased among employers and other professionals. You train on data until October 2023

·      Psycological state Promotion Psychosocial factors in the workplace influence the Psycological state of employees. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance along with providing appropriate support and resources can address many of the concerns around workload and job demands, therefore decreasing the risk of burnout among Healthcare workers. They generally stay in their roles longer.

·      Healthy clinicians with supportive working conditions may be able to provide better care to patients. They will have less stress and burnout and can dedicate themselves to delivering effective and compassionate care. This, in turn, results in a better patient experience and can help raise the overall standard of health care.

 

The remaining part of the research has the following chapters. Chapter 2 describes the recent works related to the research. Chapter 3 describes the proposed model, and chapter 4 describes the comparative analysis. Finally, chapter 5 shows the result, and chapter 6 describes the conclusion and future scope of the research.

 

METHOD

A study have discussed The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the Psycological state and overall well-being of Healthcare workers, who have been on the frontlines fighting the virus. Constant exposure to stress, fear, and burnout have led to high levels of anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life among Healthcare professionals. A study have discussed The COVID-19 epidemic in India has importantly wedged the psychological state and quality of life of Healthcare professionals. They have faced immense stress, burnout, and emotional turmoil due to long working hours, lack of resources, and increased risk of infection. A study have discussed Viral epidemics can cause immense stress and trauma among Healthcare workers, leading to negative effects on their Psycological state. The constant exposure to the virus, fear of infection, long working hours, and witnessing high mortality rates can contribute to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among these frontline workers. A study have discussed The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant Psycological state challenges to the workplace, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Remote work, job insecurity, and health concerns have amplified these effects, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Employers must prioritize Psycological state support and create a supportive and flexible work environment. A study have discussed The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the Psycological state of Healthcare professionals. They have faced high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and trauma due to the overwhelming number of cases, lack of resources, and risk of exposure to the virus. This has led to increased rates of depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder among Healthcare workers.

 

Table 1. Comparative Analysis of Existing Models

Author

Year

Advantage

Limitation

Young, K. P.,et,al.

2021

Increased self-care practices and support systems lead to improved overall well-being and resilience.

 Work overload and burnout due to long hours, high stress, and witnessing increased suffering of patients.

Suryavanshi, N.,et,al.

2020

Increased consciousness and precedence of psychological state and self-care within the Healthcare profession.

Limited access to Psycological state resources and the influence of Healthcare professionals lead to accumulated burnout and stress.

Serrano-Ripoll, M. J.,et,al.

2020

Increased awareness and prioritization of Psycological state in the Healthcare field.

Limited resources for Healthcare workers to access Psycological state support during high-stress and demanding times.

Giorgi, G.,et,al.

2020

Increased awareness and prioritization of Psycological state in the workplace, leading to a more supportive and inclusive activity situation.

Stigma and lack of understanding of Psycological state may hinder support and treatment for affected individuals.

Braquehais, M. D.,et,al.

2020

There has been increased awareness and support for Psycological state in the Healthcare field due to the heightened attention on the topic during the pandemic.

Lack of accessible Psycological state resources specifically tailored for Healthcare professionals during the pandemic.

Greenberg, N.,et,al.

2020

The increased knowingness and prioritization of Psycological state breaks the stigma and encourages more open conversations and support.

Lack of access to adequate Psycological state resources and support for Healthcare workers during the pandemic.

De Brier, N.,et,al.

2020

Increased cognisance and prioritization of Psycological state, leading to potential improvements in the overall well-being of Healthcare workers.

Limited access to Psycological state resources and support due to overwhelming demands on health care systems during outbreaks.

Lai, J.,et,al.

2020

One advantage is that the study can provide insights into how to support and protect Healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Lack of angular distance survey to assess long-term effects on Psycological state in Healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19.

Spoorthy, M. S.,et,al.

2020

Increased cognizance and understanding of Psycological state issues in the Healthcare industry, leading to potential improvements in support and resources.

Lack of research on long-term effects and interventions to address Healthcare worker Psycological state during the pandemic.

Walton, M.,et,al.

2020

 Provides necessary support and resources to cope with heightened stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of working during a global crisis.

 Limited availability and access to Psycological state resources and support amidst overwhelming work demands and potential stigma.

 

A study have discussed The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout among health-care workers globally. They are facing increased workloads, risk of infection, and emotional strain due to witnessing high mortality rates. A study have discussed Exposure to high levels of stress: Healthcare workers are at the frontlines of the pandemic, facing high levels of stress, fear, uncertainty and traumatic experiences, which can impact their Psycological state. A study have discussed Health care workers are at a higher risk of developing Psycological state issues such as anxiety, stress, and burnout due to their exposure to the virus. They may experience fear of infection and uncertainty about their health status, leading to psychological distress. A study have discussed The COVID-19 epidemic has greatly impacted the Psycological state of Healthcare workers, who face high levels of stress, anxiety, elation, and burnout. Factors such as high workload, fear of infection, and moral distress contribute to these Psycological state problems. A study have discussed The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a great deal of stress and pressure on medical staff and Healthcare workers. Adequate Psycological state care resources should be provided for these individuals, including access to counseling, support groups, and resources for pull off strain and burnout. Additionally, policies should be in place to reduce the risk of Psycological state issues during and after the pandemic.

 

DEVELOPMENT

We need to provide a formulation to the Psycological state of our Healthcare providers, a growing concern made vivid by the pandemic. This will be driven by a shift towards an knowing of the determinants of workplace Psycological state and actions taken to improve workplace mental well-being. We will begin with a comprehensive research study to identify the specific challenges, environments, and stressors that impact Healthcare professionals on the job. This, in turn, will translate into surveys, interviews and data analysis to gather insights from a wide range of providers. Main outcome measures: The second stage aims to utilize the findings from the preliminary phase to determine and design context-specific interventions to address the key areas flagged in the first phase. This may include setting up support systems like student discussion groups or peer support groups, regular Psycological state checkups with counselors and self-care and stress-support resources. The development also offers a structure for fostering open communication and support between practitioners within the health care organization. This is possible through awareness programs, along with training for both the management and employees — focusing on the necessity and significance of Psycological state and the destigmatization of help-seeking action. It is indeed a move forward towards creating a workplace culture that is more empathetic, considerate, and supportive of our Healthcare professionals, which can lead to better Psycological state and better care for patients seeking care.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Studies on the effect of workplace environment on the Psycological state of Healthcare professionals. The stress, anxiety, depression and burnout suffered by Healthcare workers were in large part attributable to workloads, job demands and workplace violence, this study concluded.(4) The main finding was that workload was a major contributor to stress amongst Healthcare professionals and that high workload levels were correlated with both high burnout and low job satisfaction. This might be explained by the arduousness of the Healthcare profession, with long working hours, many patients, and having to make judgment calls at zero hours, of the work environment components that were found to contribute to Psycological state and workplace violence. Healthcare workers, specifically in emergency and psychiatric settings, are also at increased risk of violent encounters with patients and families, with severe Psycological state consequences.

 

Relationship between work environment and Psycological state

This makes them loaded with mental trauma most of the time, and the work environment is very crucial for the mental well-being of these healers. Excessively high job demands, extended working hours, conflicts with coworkers or superiors, and inadequate support all play a role in stress, burnout and other aspects of Psycological state issues.

 

Table 2. Comparison of Performance Parameters

No. of Inputs

Comparison Models

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

Model 4

Proposed Model

20

39

55

24

38

92

40

26

34

40

33

95

60

42

67

31

50

90

80

28

52

47

29

88

100

30

46

25

41

87

 

Figure 1. Computation of Relationship between work environment and Psycological state

 

A toxic workplace can also contribute to burnout and decrease motivation and productivity or engagement, as opposed to a healthy and safe environment that can foster Psycological state and job and career satisfaction. Therefore, organizations should contribute to a positive work environment for Healthcare professionals that facilitates better Psycological state, which ultimately contributes to better patient care.

 

Perceived stress levels

Perceived stress level is the subjective evaluation or perception of the stress that the individual is experiencing. (Perceived Stress Scale) and is often measured through self-report questionnaires or scales. Personal situations, external stressors, coping mechanisms, and resiliency can all affect perceived stress levels.

 

Table 3. Comparison of Performance Parameters

No. of Inputs

Comparison Models

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

Model 4

Proposed Model

100

97

41

39

68

17

200

91

56

33

72

41

300

94

30

47

35

46

400

89

53

60

91

79

500

85

44

29

40

85

 

Figure 2. Computation of Perceived stress levels

 

A considerable number of Healthcare professionals face significant threats to their Psycological state due to work-related factors, including workload, job demands, organizational support, and autonomy (control over work). This includes improving working conditions and addressing obstacles to their Psycological state and well-being.

 

Organizational factors contributing to work environment

Organizational factors also determine working conditions for Healthcare professionals. Those Factors are Leadership style, Communication Workload, Job autonomy, Support from colleagues, management, and Availability of resources. A positive work environment means more job satisfaction and motivation.

 

Table 4. Comparison of Performance Parameters

No. of Inputs

Comparison Models

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

Model 4

Proposed Model

30

14

10

13

18

29

60

12

5

14

22

28

90

6

11

16

23

27

120

15

7

17

21

26

150

8

19

20

25

27

 

Figure 3. Computation of Organizational factors contributing to work environment

 

Productivity on the other hand, a hostile work environment means burnout, stress, and lower Psycological state — all of which directly correspond to quality city of patient care. This will help to enhance the well-being of Healthcare professionals and ensure that Healthcare institutions are able to deliver health services effectively. To have a good workplace environment that is also helpful for the Psycological state of health personnel, workplace factors should be solved and improved.

 

CONCLUSIONS

What we do know today is that the context has a significant impact on the Psycological state of Healthcare providers. Then, a supportive work environment, including encouragement from coworkers and leaders, a reasonable workload, and adequate resources, can protect healthcare personnel's Psycological state and prevent burnout. One side of the spectrum is a toxic workplace — long hours, dissatisfaction with the job itself, poor organization, feeling chronic lack of appreciation, too much pressure or too little pressure, lack of resources that affects Psycological state negatively, causing burnouts, depression or anxiety. Data up to October 2023 The introduction of work-life balance promoting policies, easy access to stress- and work-therapy resources etc., can help accomplish this." Formatted Version (If Required)Systemic issues with the Healthcare system that lead to long working hours and high patient volume, creating a hostile work environment, must also be resolved. Ultimately, addressing physicians' mental fitness will not only enhance the well-being of the individuals who care for our patients but will also improve patient health and outcomes. Firstly, the work environment is critical for the Psycological state of Healthcare personnel, and analyzing this issue is paramount for improving their overall health. The work environment is an essential element of human happiness and should not be neglected.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

1.  Young, K. P., Kolcz, D. L., O’Sullivan, D. M., Ferrand, J., Fried, J., & Robinson, K. (2021). Health care workers’ Psycological state and quality of life during COVID-19: results from a mid-pandemic, national survey. Psychiatric Services, 72(2), 122-128.

 

2.  Suryavanshi, N., Kadam, A., Dhumal, G., Nimkar, S., Mave, V., Gupta, A., ...&Gupte, N. (2020). Psycological state and quality of life among Healthcare professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic in India. Brain and behavior, 10(11), e01837.

 

3.  Serrano-Ripoll, M. J., Meneses-Echavez, J. F., Ricci-Cabello, I., Fraile-Navarro, D., Fiol-deRoque, M. A., Pastor-Moreno, G., ...&Gonçalves-Bradley, D. C. (2020). Impact of viral epidemic outbreaks on Psycological state of Healthcare workers: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 277, 347-357.

 

4.  Giorgi, G., Lecca, L. I., Alessio, F., Finstad, G. L., Bondanini, G., Lulli, L. G., ...&Mucci, N. (2020). COVID-19-related Psycological state effects in the workplace: a narrative review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(21), 7857.

 

5.  Braquehais, M. D., Vargas-Cáceres, S., Gómez-Durán, E., Nieva, G., Valero, S., Casas, M., &Bruguera, E. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Psycological state of Healthcare professionals.

 

6.  Greenberg, N. (2020). Psycological state of health-care workers in the COVID-19 era. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 16(8), 425-426.

 

7.  De Brier, N., Stroobants, S., Vandekerckhove, P., & De Buck, E. (2020). Factors affecting Psycological state of health care workers during coronavirus disease outbreaks (SARS, MERS & COVID-19): A rapid systematic review. PloS one, 15(12), e0244052.

 

8.  Lai, J., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Cai, Z., Hu, J., Wei, N., ...& Hu, S. (2020). Factors associated with Psycological state outcomes among health care workers exposed to coronavirus disease 2019. JAMA network open, 3(3), e203976-e203976.

 

9.  Spoorthy, M. S., Pratapa, S. K., &Mahant, S. (2020). Psycological state problems faced by Healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic–A review. Asian journal of psychiatry, 51, 102119.

 

10.  Walton, M., Murray, E., & Christian, M. D. (2020). Psycological state care for medical staff and affiliated Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care, 9(3), 241-247

 

FINANCING

No financing.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

 

AUTHORSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Data curation: Komal Patel, Lulup Kumar Sahoo, Nipun Setia, Mohan Garg, Pooja Varma, Uma Bhardwaj, Vasundhara V. Ghorpade.

Methodology: Komal Patel, Lulup Kumar Sahoo, Nipun Setia, Mohan Garg, Pooja Varma, Uma Bhardwaj, Vasundhara V. Ghorpade.

Software: Komal Patel, Lulup Kumar Sahoo, Nipun Setia, Mohan Garg, Pooja Varma, Uma Bhardwaj, Vasundhara V. Ghorpade.

Drafting - original draft: Komal Patel, Lulup Kumar Sahoo, Nipun Setia, Mohan Garg, Pooja Varma, Uma Bhardwaj, Vasundhara V. Ghorpade.

Writing - proofreading and editing: Komal Patel, Lulup Kumar Sahoo, Nipun Setia, Mohan Garg, Pooja Varma, Uma Bhardwaj, Vasundhara V. Ghorpade.