GLORIA

GEOMAR Library Ocean Research Information Access

X

Your email was sent successfully. Check your inbox.

An error occurred while sending the email. Please try again.

Proceed reservation?

Export
  • 1
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Working Conditions and Well-Being across the COVID Pandemic in UK Social (Care) Workers
    Oxford University Press (OUP) ; 2023
    In:  The British Journal of Social Work Vol. 53, No. 2 ( 2023-03-17), p. 1225-1242
    Details
    In: The British Journal of Social Work, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 53, No. 2 ( 2023-03-17), p. 1225-1242
    Abstract: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, social work and social care practitioners had some the worst working conditions of any sector in the UK. During the pandemic, data revealed that social care occupations had higher COVID infection and mortality rates than the general population. The article reports the changing working conditions (measured via the Work-Related Quality of Life scale) and well-being (measured via the Short Warwich–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) of UK social care and social workers across three timepoints between May 2020 and July 2021 through an online cross-sectional survey of working conditions and well-being. Analysis of variance demonstrated that both well-being and working conditions were significantly poorer in July 2021 (phase 3 [n = 1,606]) than the previous two phases (n = 2,523 and n = 2,424, respectively), suggesting that both working conditions and well-being worsened within the social care and social work workforce across the pandemic. Furthermore, each of career satisfaction, working conditions, control, general well-being and home–work interface predicted poorer well-being at Time 3. Whilst chronically poor working conditions can lead to poorer individual psychological and physiological health outcomes, our findings highlight continually poor conditions in this sector, with potential further impacts on organisations and the service users that social care workers support. It is therefore important that individuals, organisations and government develop mechanisms to support these critical workers during and following the pandemic.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0045-3102 , 1468-263X
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcac214
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2012767-4
    SSG: 3,4
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 2
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Wellbeing and coping of UK nurses, midwives and allied health professionals during COVID-19-a cross-sectional study
    Public Library of Science (PLoS) ; 2022
    In:  PLOS ONE Vol. 17, No. 9 ( 2022-9-21), p. e0274036-
    Details
    In: PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 17, No. 9 ( 2022-9-21), p. e0274036-
    Abstract: Nurse, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), along with other health and social care colleagues are the backbone of healthcare services. They have played a key role in responding to the increased demands on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper compares cross-sectional data on quality of working life, wellbeing, coping and burnout of nurses, midwives and AHPs in the United Kingdom (UK) at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two timepoints, Phase 1 (7 th May 2020-3 rd July 2020); Phase 2 (17 th November 2020-1 st February 2021). The survey consisted of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (Phase 2 only) to measure wellbeing, quality of working life and burnout. The Brief COPE scale and Strategies for Coping with Work and Family Stressors scale assessed coping strategies. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions examined the effects of coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on wellbeing and quality of working life. A total of 1839 nurses, midwives and AHPs responded to the first or second survey, with a final sample of 1410 respondents -586 from Phase 1; 824 from Phase 2, (422 nurses, 192 midwives and 796 AHPs). Wellbeing and quality of working life scores were significantly lower in the Phase 2 sample compared to respondents in Phase 1 (p 〈 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on psychological wellbeing and quality of working life which decreased while the use of negative coping and burnout of these healthcare professionals increased. Health services are now trying to respond to the needs of patients with COVID-19 variants while rebuilding services and tackling the backlog of normal care provision. This workforce would benefit from additional support/services to prevent further deterioration in mental health and wellbeing and optimise workforce retention.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1932-6203
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.g001
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t001
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t002
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t003
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t004
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t005
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.t006
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.s001
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.s002
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r001
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r002
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r003
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r004
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r005
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274036.r006
    Language: English
    Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2267670-3
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 3
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Self-Reported Experiences of Midwives Working in the UK across Three Phases during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, No. 20 ( 2022-10-11), p. 13000-
    Details
    In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI AG, Vol. 19, No. 20 ( 2022-10-11), p. 13000-
    Abstract: Maternity services cannot be postponed due to the nature of this service, however, the pandemic resulted in wide-ranging and significant changes to working practices and services. This paper aims to describe UK midwives’ experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study forms part of a larger multiple phase research project using a cross-sectional design based on an online survey. The online survey used validated psychometric tools to measure work-related quality of life, wellbeing, coping, and burnout as well as open-ended questions to further understand the experiences of staff working during the pandemic. This paper reports the qualitative data collected from the open-ended questions. The qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis and the four main themes that emerged were ‘relentless stress/pressure’, ‘reconfiguration of services’, ‘protection of self and others’, and ‘workforce challenges’. The key conclusions were that midwives experienced a reduction in quality of working life and significant stress throughout the pandemic due to a range of factors including staffing shortages, restrictions placed on women’s partners, changes to services and management support, all of which compounded workforce pressures that existed prior to the pandemic. This research recommends consultation of front-line midwives in relation to possible changes in practice and workforce planning in preparation for crises such as a pandemic and to ensure equitable and supportive management with access to practical and psychological support.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1660-4601
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013000
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2175195-X
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 4
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Decreasing Wellbeing and Increasing Use of Negative Coping Strategies: The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the UK Health and Social Care Workforce
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Epidemiologia Vol. 3, No. 1 ( 2022-01-18), p. 26-39
    Details
    In: Epidemiologia, MDPI AG, Vol. 3, No. 1 ( 2022-01-18), p. 26-39
    Abstract: Many health and social care (HSC) professionals have faced overwhelming pressures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As the current situation is constantly changing, and some restrictions across the UK countries such as social distancing and mask wearing in this period (May–July 2021) began to ease, it is important to examine how this workforce has been affected and how employers can help rebuild their services. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from the HSC workforce in the UK at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020), Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021) and Phase 3 (May–July 2021). Respondents surveyed across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers. Wellbeing and work-related quality of life significantly declined from Phase 1 to 3 (p 〈 0.001); however, no significant difference occurred between Phases 2 and 3 (p 〉 0.05). Respondents increasingly used negative coping strategies between Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 3 (May–July 2021), suggesting that the HSC workforce has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. These results have the potential to inform HSC employers’ policies, practices, and interventions as the workforce continues to respond to the COVID-19 virus and its legacy.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2673-3986
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3010003
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 3041663-2
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 5
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Mental Wellbeing, Coping and Quality of Working Life in Health and Social Care Workers in the UK at Two Time Points of the COVID-19 Pandemic
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Epidemiologia Vol. 2, No. 3 ( 2021-06-22), p. 227-242
    Details
    In: Epidemiologia, MDPI AG, Vol. 2, No. 3 ( 2021-06-22), p. 227-242
    Abstract: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world, it is important to examine its effect on societies and individuals, including health and social care (HSC) professionals. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from HSC staff in the UK at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021). The HSC staff surveyed consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers from across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Multiple regressions were used to examine the effects of different coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on participants’ wellbeing and quality of working life to see how and if the predictors changed over time. An additional multiple regression was used to directly examine the effects of time (Phase 1 vs. Phase 2) on the outcome variables. Findings suggested that both wellbeing and quality of working life deteriorated from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The results have the potential to inform interventions for HSC staff during future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, other infectious outbreaks or even other circumstances putting long-term pressures on HSC systems.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2673-3986
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia2030017
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 3041663-2
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 6
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Comparing Psychological Wellbeing and Work-Related Quality of Life between Professional Groups within Health and Social Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Merits Vol. 2, No. 4 ( 2022-11-02), p. 374-386
    Details
    In: Merits, MDPI AG, Vol. 2, No. 4 ( 2022-11-02), p. 374-386
    Abstract: This paper shared the compared results on the psychological wellbeing and work-related quality of life amongst health and social care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Health and social care professionals within nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, social care and social work occupations working in the United Kingdom (UK) during the pandemic were recruited. Repeated cross-sectional online surveys were conducted during two time periods of the pandemic (May–July 2020 and May−July 2021). A total of 4803 respondents completed the survey. The findings revealed that over the pandemic, psychological wellbeing (SWEWBS measure) and work-related quality of life (WRQoL scale) scores significantly decreased in all five occupations (p 〈 0.001) with midwives having the lowest scores on both scales at all time points. Respondents were found to significantly (p 〈 0.001) use of negative coping strategies such as behavioural disengagement and substance usage. Analysis of variance revealed a statistical difference between occupations and wellbeing across 2020 and 2021, while work-related quality of life was only statistically significantly different in 2021. The findings revealed that due to this decrease, there is a distinct need for more support services and flexible working conditions within health and social care services, to improve wellbeing and work-related quality of life.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2673-8104
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/merits2040026
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 7
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    MO006CHANGES IN THE KYNURENINE PATHWAY LEAD TO ALTERATIONS IN NAD BALANCE AND BIOENERGETICS PARAMETERS IN GLOMERULAR CELLS  IN VITRO  AND CONTRIBUTE TO PROTEINURIA IN A ZEBRAFISH  MODEL*
    Oxford University Press (OUP) ; 2021
    In:  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation Vol. 36, No. Supplement_1 ( 2021-05-29)
    Details
    In: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 36, No. Supplement_1 ( 2021-05-29)
    Abstract: Tryptophan catabolism is carried out by the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway leading to the de novo synthesis of NAD and the production of a series of bioactive metabolites. Kynurenine 3-Monooxigenase (KMO) is a key component of this pathway and it is one of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of kynurenine. The kynurenine metabolites participate in various cellular processes, so systemic dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism, marked by increased kynurenine in the circulation, has been linked to the onset and severity of a wide range of pathologies, such as chronic kidney disease and associated co-morbidities. Since the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway are expressed in the kidney and the metabolites are cleared in the urine, we aim to describe the effects of changes in tryptophan catabolism on glomerular cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Method Modulation of KMO expression or enzymatic function was performed in a transgenic zebrafish line that allows for the monitoring of a fluorescently labelled protein in the circulation as an indicator for proteinuria. Morpholinos targeting three enzymes of the kynurenine pathway were injected into fish embryos, leading to a knockdown of Afmid, Kmo and Kynu. Additionally, dechorionated larvae were treated with a Kmo inhibitor administered via the embryo rearing media, starting at 48hpf. In all cases at 96hpf, circulating fluorescent protein levels were determined, larval phenotype was scored based on the severity of the edema, and samples were collected for metabolite analysis or fixed and prepared for imaging. Since the kynurenine pathway results in the de novo production of NAD, and the enzyme KMO is located in the outer mitochondrial membrane, cultured murine parietal epithelial cells as well as immortalized human and mouse podocytes were incubated with a KMO inhibitor. Changes in NAD+ and NADH, as well as alterations in the mitochondrial membrane polarization were assessed. Additionally, the oxygen consumption rate was measured in order to determine if KMO inhibition leads to changes in the bioenergetics parameters of glomerular cells in vitro. Results The modification of Afmid, Kmo and Kynu expression levels by morpholino mediated knockdown or inhibition of Kmo lead to the accumulation of upstream kynurenine metabolites in the treated larvae, as was confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Following our previous results, alteration of the kynurenine pathway led to the development of yolk sac edema, pericardial effusion and loss of protein from the circulation, accompanied by an enlargement of the Bowman’s space and changes in nephrin expression in the glomerulus of the treated larvae. Under cell culture conditions, KMO inhibition in immortalized podocytes led to a reduction in cell size and focal adhesion proteins (podocalyxin). The NAD+/NADH ratio as well as mitochondrial membrane polarity were also altered. Additionally, changes in spare respiratory capacity, coupling efficiency and proton leak suggest that alterations in the kynurenine pathway might impair the cell’s ability to adapt its bioenergetic profile in response to stress. Conclusion Taken together these results suggest that the modulation of tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway may contribute to maintaining the structural integrity of glomerular cytoskeleton as well a flexible energy metabolism in podocytes. Moreover, the results from our in vivo model also suggest that imbalances in kynurenine metabolites might ultimately impact the function of the glomerular filtration barrier.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0931-0509 , 1460-2385
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab079.002
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1465709-0
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 8
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Mental well-being and quality of working life in UK social workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A propensity score matching study
    Oxford University Press (OUP) ; 2022
    In:  The British Journal of Social Work Vol. 52, No. 5 ( 2022-07-22), p. 2814-2833
    Details
    In: The British Journal of Social Work, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 52, No. 5 ( 2022-07-22), p. 2814-2833
    Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic interest into its potential impact on mental well-being has intensified. Within the social care sector, the pandemic has increased job demands and prolonged stress taking a disproportionate toll on the workforce, particularly social workers. This article compares the mental well-being and quality of working life of social workers in the United Kingdom (UK) before and during the pandemic. Data were collected in 2018 (N = 1,195) and 2020 (N = 1,024) using two cross-sectional surveys. To account for the differences between the datasets, propensity score matching was employed prior to effect estimation, utilising demographic and work-related variables common to both datasets. The differences between the two time-points were estimated using multiple regressions. Both mental well-being and quality of working life were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2018. This suggests that during the highpoint of the pandemic in the UK, increased support, and changes to working practices, such as reprioritisation of work and other initiatives, may be responsible for increased mental well-being and quality of working life. While acknowledging the known pressures on UK social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic this evidence suggests a mixed picture of the pandemic with lessons for managers and employers.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0045-3102 , 1468-263X
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcab198
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2012767-4
    SSG: 3,4
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 9
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Working conditions and well-being in UK social care and social work during COVID-19
    SAGE Publications ; 2023
    In:  Journal of Social Work Vol. 23, No. 2 ( 2023-03), p. 165-188
    Details
    In: Journal of Social Work, SAGE Publications, Vol. 23, No. 2 ( 2023-03), p. 165-188
    Abstract: Stress and mental health are among the biggest causes of sickness absence in the UK, with the Social Work and Social Care sectors having among the highest levels of stress and mental health sickness absence of all professions in the UK. Chronically poor working conditions are known to impact employees' psychological and physiological health. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both the mode and method of work in Social Care and Social Work. Through a series of cross-sectional online surveys, completed by a total of 4,950 UK Social Care and Social Workers, this study reports the changing working conditions and well-being of UK Social Care and Social Workers at two time points (phases) during the COVID-19 pandemic. All working conditions and well-being measures were found to be significantly worse during Phase 2 (November–January 2021) than Phase 1 (May–July 2020), with worse psychological well-being than the UK average in Phase 2. Furthermore, our findings indicate that in January 2021, feelings about general well-being, control at work, and working conditions predicted worsened psychological well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of the pandemic on the Social Care and Social Work workforce, thus highlighting that individuals, organizations, and governments need to develop mechanisms to support these employees during and beyond the pandemic.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1468-0173 , 1741-296X
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1177/14680173221109483
    Language: English
    Publisher: SAGE Publications
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2101236-2
    SSG: 3,4
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 10
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Endothelial cells are not productively infected by SARS‐CoV‐2
    Wiley ; 2021
    In:  Clinical & Translational Immunology Vol. 10, No. 10 ( 2021-01)
    Details
    In: Clinical & Translational Immunology, Wiley, Vol. 10, No. 10 ( 2021-01)
    Abstract: Thrombotic and microvascular complications are frequently seen in deceased COVID‐19 patients. However, whether this is caused by direct viral infection of the endothelium or inflammation‐induced endothelial activation remains highly contentious. Methods Here, we use patient autopsy samples, primary human endothelial cells and an in vitro model of the pulmonary epithelial–endothelial cell barrier. Results We show that primary human endothelial cells express very low levels of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 and the protease TMPRSS2, which blocks their capacity for productive viral infection, and limits their capacity to produce infectious virus. Accordingly, endothelial cells can only be infected when they overexpress ACE2, or are exposed to very high concentrations of SARS‐CoV‐2. We also show that SARS‐CoV‐2 does not infect endothelial cells in 3D vessels under flow conditions. We further demonstrate that in a co‐culture model endothelial cells are not infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Endothelial cells do however sense and respond to infection in the adjacent epithelial cells, increasing ICAM‐1 expression and releasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions Taken together, these data suggest that in vivo, endothelial cells are unlikely to be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and that infection may only occur if the adjacent pulmonary epithelium is denuded (basolateral infection) or a high viral load is present in the blood (apical infection). In such a scenario, whilst SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of the endothelium can occur, it does not contribute to viral amplification. However, endothelial cells may still play a key role in SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis by sensing adjacent infection and mounting a pro‐inflammatory response to SARS‐CoV‐2.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2050-0068 , 2050-0068
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1002/cti2.v10.10
    DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1350
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2694482-0
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
Close ⊗
This website uses cookies and the analysis tool Matomo. More information can be found here...