Humanization of nursing care: a systematic review.

Advances in healthcare in recent years have resulted in the automation and standardization of healthcare. Consequently, care has become dehumanized. There is a lack of trust from patients toward the health care system, as well as feelings of stress, exhaustion, and fatigue among professionals. The aim of this article is to describe the humanization actions in nursing care, as well as the barriers and facilitating strategies to carry them out. A systematic review of the scientific literature has been carried out following the recommendations of the PRISMA declaration. The search was carried out in the WOS, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The keywords used were "humanization of assistance," "nursing care," and "nurse-patient relations," restricting to original studies in English or Spanish, from 2018 to 2022. One author performed the search, selection, and screening of records. Two authors were involved in data extraction, and a third author decided in case of conflict. The systematic review was guided by ethical conduct that respects authorship and reference sources. Of the 744 articles initially identified, 27 were included in this review. Methodological quality was assessed following the STROBE statement or the CASPe and MMAT tools. The main barriers were found to be the lack of training of nurses and their working conditions, as well as the unwillingness of the institutions. Facilitating strategies consisted of solving implementation problems, promoting communication to strengthen nurse-patient relationships and accompaniment by family members. The main interventions are related to the physical environment and have been studied in obstetrics and pediatrics services. Barriers related to training, work situation and lack of institutional involvement are complemented with facilitating strategies that aim to implement the humanized model at a general level.

A Burnt-Out Health: Stigma towards Mental Health Problems as a Predictor of Burnout in a Sample of Community Social Healthcare Professionals.

Burnout is a primary psychosocial risk factor in the workplace. Mental health stigma, which includes negative cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, also undermines the performance of social healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the levels of burnout in a sample of community social healthcare workers as well as its relationships with variables such as stigma towards mental health problems, professional skills, and job characteristics. An online assessment was conducted with 184 social healthcare professionals (75.5% female, mean age = 40.82 years, SD = 9.9). Medium levels of burnout and stigma and high levels of professional skills were observed. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that stigma towards mental health problems and professional skills predicted emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.153, F(4, 179) = 9.245, p < 0.001), depersonalization (R2 = 0.213, F(3, 180) = 17.540, p < 0.001), and personal accomplishment (R2 = 0.289, F(5, 178) = 15.87, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that social healthcare systems could benefit from taking care of the mental health of their workers by addressing burnout, tackling negative attitudes towards mental health problems, and providing professional skills training. This would help to make social healthcare systems more inclusive and of higher quality, thereby reducing health costs.

Radiological monitoring and assessment of the radiation situation in the Kungur Ice Cave.

This article presents the results of comprehensive radiological studies conducted in 2021 in order to assess the radiation situation in the Kungur Ice Cave (hereinafter referred to as the KIC). Since the cave is a fairly popular sightseeing object, therefore, the safety of both tourists and workers is a key task for scientific study. The radiation safety assessment was carried out taking into account the parameters of the radiation (gamma) background, measurements of radon and thoron concentrations, microclimatic indicators (air temperature, humidity), airflow rate, illumination and calculation of the indicator of a special assessment of working conditions (SAWC). Such comprehensive and detailed studies were conducted in the KIC for the first time, allowing some patterns to be identified and confirmed. For the indicators of gamma-activity and radon concentration, there is a clear dependence on the season of the year, which is directly related to microclimatic indicators, as well as to compliance with the ventilation regulations that have been established in the cave. The applied ventilation modes provide safe values of the radiation background and toron. In the summer months, the average radon content in the cave exceeds the maximum permissible concentrations by a factor of 7, which required calculation of the time of work in the cave. For the first time, special assessment of working conditions has been calculated for Kungur Ice Cave, but only for the winter period. The SAWC is defined for a working group consisting of engineers, workers and guides, taking into account such parameters as temperature, illumination, humidity, severity and intensity of labor and ionizing radiation (radiation background). According to preliminary data, the overall assessment of labor based on all parameters falls under the "harmful" class of conditions.

Organizational resilience and primary care nurses' work conditions and wellbeing: a multilevel empirical study in China.

Resilience is crucial for the health system better preventing and responding to public health threats and providing high-quality services. Despite the growing interest in the concept of resilience in health care, however, there is little empirical evidence of the impact of organizational resilience, especially in primary care settings. As the largest professional group in primary care, primary care nurses are taking more and more responsibilities during their daily practice, which influences both their work conditions and wellbeing. This study aims to examine the association between organizational resilience and primary care nurses' working conditions and wellbeing. Using a convenience sampling approach, we recruited 175 primary care nurses from 38 community health centers (CHCs) in four cities in China. Organizational resilience was operationalized as comprising two domains: adaptive capacity and planning capacity, and measured using a 16-item scale. The primary care nurses' working condition indicators comprised variables of psychological safety, organizational commitment, professional commitment, and self-directed learning; wellbeing indicators included depression and burnout. Hierarchical linear regression models were built for analysis. We found that the sampled CHCs have a relatively high level of organizational resilience. The organizational resilience was positively associated with the four indicators of working conditions: psychological safety (ß=0.04, p<0.01), organizational commitment (ß=0.38,p<0.01), professional commitment (ß=0.39, p<0.01), and self-directed learning (ß=0.28, p<0.01). However, organizational resilience was not significantly associated with the two wellbeing indicators. Furthermore, we found the adaptive capacity has stronger association compared with planning capacity. Therefore, primary care manager should build resilient organizations, especially the adaptive capacity, in order to enhance primary care nurses' psychological safety, commitment and learning behaviors. Further studies should also be conducted to understand the link between organizational resilience and primary care nurses' wellbeing.

What preferences do potential obstetrics-gynecology specialists have regarding their working environment? Results of a questionnaire survey of participants in the Summer School 2023 of the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

AIM: The chronic lack of obstetrics-gynecology (Ob/Gyn) doctors is a serious problem to be tackled in Japan. To address this issue, it is necessary for medical students to be interested in working as an Ob/Gyn doctor and more junior residents need to specialize in Ob/Gyn. This study aims to identify the preferences concerning working conditions among students and discusses what information should be provided and what conditions should be changed. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among participants in the Summer School 2023 of the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The respondents were medical students and junior residents interested in Ob/Gyn. Ob/Gyn specialists contributing to the summer school were also asked the same questions for comparison. The resulting data focused on important working conditions, concerns about future work, and expected future working conditions. RESULTS: Responses from 132 medical students (97.8%, N = 135), 122 residents (99.2%, N = 123), and 76 specialists (95.0%, N = 80) were obtained. There were three main findings. First, large gaps between students/residents and specialists were observed in terms of preferences. Second, differences between male and female students/residents were not negligible, although the difference was relatively small in specialists. Third, students/residents were more concerned about risks related to medical malpractice than specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in preferences and perceptions regarding working conditions between students/residents and specialists should be narrowed through sufficient information provision. Working conditions should become gender-inclusive rather than focus on female persons.

Environmental injustice in the air quality for digital platform delivery workers in Bogotá, Colombia, 2021 / Injusticia ambiental en la calidad del aire para repartidores de plataformas digitales de Bogotá, Colombia, 2021

Introduction: Air quality is a matter of interest for public health due to its rapid deterioration in low- and middle-income countries and the effects of polluted air on the health of populations. Objective: To explore the air quality conditions in which digital platform delivery workers carry out their work, evaluating the localities of Kennedy and Usaquén in Bogotá, 2021. Materials and methods: We developed a mixed parallel convergent study based on four sources of information: 1) Ethnographic observation in five commercial locations of the two localities; 2) Monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 in 56 delivery routes using a low-cost sensor; 3) Daily logs of the routes to support the device data interpretation, and 4) A semi-structured interview applied to the drivers to explore their danger perception during the routes. Results: We identified elements causing environmental injustice among digital platform delivery workers between the two study locations. The routes made by the delivery drivers in the locality of Kennedy registered higher concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5, compared to the values observed in Usaquén. The sources of air pollution identified by the delivery drivers through ethnographic observation and the router logbook showed the worst parameters in Kennedy. Conclusions: We evidenced that air quality, urban equipment, road infrastructure, mobile sources, and geospatial location are elements that mark the presence of environmental injustice for the digital platform delivery drivers in the studied localities. To reduce this inequity, it is necessary for digital delivery platforms and the district government to implement strategies that reduce the exposure and emission of air pollutants to protect the health of digital platform delivery workers.

Introducción: La calidad del aire es un asunto de interés para la salud pública por su rápido deterioro en los países de bajos y medianos ingresos, y los efectos del aire contaminado en la salud de las poblaciones. Objetivo: Explorar las condiciones de la calidad del aire en las que los repartidores de plataformas digitales desarrollaron su trabajo en las localidades de Kennedy y Usaquén de Bogotá durante el 2021. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio mixto, paralelo y convergente, basado en cuatro fuentes de información: 1) observación etnográfica en cinco ubicaciones comerciales de las dos localidades; 2) monitoreo de PM10 y PM2.5 en 56 rutas de reparto, empleando un equipo de bajo costo; 3) bitácoras diarias de los recorridos que apoyaron la interpretación de los datos del equipo, y 4) entrevista semiestructurada con el rutero para explorar sus percepciones frente a los peligros durante los recorridos. Resultados: Se identificaron diferencias en las condiciones de trabajo, las percepciones y las exposiciones a material particulado de los repartidores entre las dos localidades de estudio que constituyeron fuentes de injusticia ambiental. Los recorridos que realizaron los repartidores en la localidad de Kennedy registraron mayores concentraciones de PM10 y PM2.5. Las fuentes de contaminación atmosférica identificadas por los repartidores mostraron los peores parámetros en Kennedy. Conclusiones: Se evidenció que la calidad del aire, el equipamiento urbano, la infraestructura vial, las fuentes móviles y la ubicación geoespacial son elementos que marcan la presencia de injusticia ambiental para los repartidores. Para disminuir esta inequidad, es necesario que las plataformas de reparto digital y el gobierno distrital implementen estrategias que reduzcan la exposición y la emisión de contaminantes del aire con el fin de proteger la salud de los repartidores de plataformas.

Desirable work: Creative autonomy and the everyday turn in game production.

Based on an ethnography of gamemaking in the Toronto game development scene, I introduce the concept of the everyday gamemaker to reveal how the everyday turn of game production work has transformed the identities of gameworkers. Whereas, previous research has documented the extensive self-exploitation and willingness of creative workers to accept difficult and precarious working conditions, I uncover how everyday gamemakers "make-do" with these modes of cultural production by their desires to going it alone as independent gamemakers, establish second careers through employment and craft work, and find professional development opportunities to make games. I argue these desires shape the nuanced work and leisure identities of everyday gamemakers and evoke their widespread struggle to achieve creative autonomy in the circuits of game production.

Unveiling nurses' perspectives on decent work: A qualitative exploration.

AIM: This study explores nurses' perspectives on the concept of "decent work" and the factors influencing their viewpoints. DESIGN: This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach using face-to-face interviews. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 registered nurses at two tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, China, from October to November 2023. FINDINGS: Decent work for nurses refers to their engagement in a profession within a secure, fair, and friendly practice environment where they could receive respect, support, reasonable compensation, social security, and opportunities for career development, all of which could enable nurses to recognize their intrinsic values and achieve a state of professional and personal fulfillment. Key factors that influence decent work for nurses include the work environment, societal perceptions, and individual characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of decent work holds paramount importance for nurses, necessitating collaborative efforts at the individual, family, institutional, and societal levels to promote the professional dignity of nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Policymakers should establish regional minimum wage standards for nurses, promote flexible scheduling, and support professional development through subsidized training programs. Additionally, national media campaigns and comprehensive mental health support can enhance the public image and resilience of nurses, respectively, improving their decent work perception.

From Human Perception of Good Practices to Horse (Equus Caballus) Welfare: Example of Equine-Assisted Activities.

Equine-assisted intervention (EAI) studies deal with clients, whereas very few studies focused on the effects on animals. EAI equids are also submitted to management, which influences their welfare. Management and working conditions depend on human decisions and perception. We gathered information through a survey about facilities managers' strategies (n = 51) and obtained direct information on management and working practices and their consequences on equids' welfare through an observational study (n = eight facilities, 174 equids). Differences in managers' perceptions of good management practices were related to the facility's involvement in EAI, e.g., increased awareness of equids' needs (housing and feeding), especially when EAI was the main activity. A detailed observational study on eight additional facilities confirmed that. Facility management profiles were paralleled by equids' welfare profiles. Clear correlates were found between management decisions and welfare consequences. One major factor influencing welfare and human-equid interactions appeared to be working modalities, with more EAI facilities practicing groundwork and bitless work. Facilities where equids were the most involved in mixed activities had the most equids with compromised welfare. Given EAI clients' particularities, conventional working modalities are less adapted and at risk of increased discomfort for equids. Overall, survey and observational approaches converged but some discrepancies (choice of equid type) appeared between the reported and observed prevalence.

[Influence of health care crises on the treatment of cancer pain: a presentation using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic from the provider's perspective]. / Einfluss von Versorgungskrisen auf die Behandlung von Tumorschmerzen: eine Darstellung am Beispiel der COVID-19-Pandemie aus Versorgersicht.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significantly restricted access to pain medicine services. Patients with cancer-related pain are considered a vulnerable group in terms of care deficits. A questionnaire among providers providing treatment to this group was used to assess limitations and solutions in this critical situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The online survey, developed by the 'Tumour Pain Working Group' of the German Pain Society using the Delphi method, included questions on site structure, pandemic-related care problems, and burdens experienced by those treating patients. It was distributed several times via the mailing lists of the German Pain Society and the 'Palliative Medicine Working Group' of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine. RESULTS: In all, 175 fully completed questionnaires were analysed. Over 75% of participants reported pandemic-related staff shortages and closures of pain medicine facilities, with 32% of facilities temporarily not treating elective pain patients and 13% not treating any emergencies. Care was hampered by numerous logistical problems such as very frequent pandemic-related cancellations by patients or in the transmission of prescriptions. Alternative forms of consultation by telephone or telemedicine, rarely used before the pandemic, were reported by 79 and 31% of respondents respectively, but deficiencies were noted. In addition, 52.1% of respondents complained of severe and 26.8% of moderate psychological stress due to the pandemic, and 74.1% evaluated working conditions as moderately to severely difficult. Medical training was still possible for 86% through format changes. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed numerous deficits in the care of patients with cancer-related pain, as well as burdens on healthcare providers. The development of new concepts could help to ensure better care in future crisis situations.

Exploring the experiences and challenges of motorcycle ambulance personnel in pre-hospital emergency healthcare services: A qualitative study.

BACKROUND: Motorcycle ambulances are particularly useful in navigating narrow and congested areas during premium hours due to their ability to provide rapid access to patients in pre-hospital emergency healthcare services (PHEHS), possessing suitable and necessary advanced life support accessories, and their speed, flexibility, and ease of maneuverability. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the experiences and challenges encountered by motorcycle ambulance workers in PHEHS. METHODS: This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing a phenomenological approach within the framework of a case study. The research sample consists of 19 paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) working on motorcycle ambulances. Purposeful sampling method, specifically the snowball sampling technique, was employed in selecting the sample. Research data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted using a semi-structured interview form, from August 2022 to February 2023. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using the MAXQDA program. RESULTS: Participants shared their experiences and the problems they encountered while performing their duties across four themes: purpose of motorcycle ambulances, most frequently assigned cases, challenges encountered, and the importance of teamwork. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to ensure personnel safety by forming the motorcycle ambulance team from selected individuals, subjecting the selected personnel to the same standard and comprehensive advanced driving and technical training, regulating working hours, increasing the number of personnel, and fostering teamwork. Further efforts are needed to improve the working conditions of motorcycle ambulance services.

Working conditions during pregnancy: a survey of 3590 European anaesthesiologists and intensivists.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy adds challenges for healthcare professionals, regardless of gender. We investigated experiences during pregnancy, attitudes towards pregnant colleagues, family planning decisions, and awareness of regulations among European anaesthesiologists and intensivists. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 3590 anaesthesiologists and intensivists from 47 European countries. The survey, available for 12 weeks, collected data on demographics, working conditions, safety perceptions, and the impact of clinical practice and training demands on family planning. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Only 41.4% (n=678) of women were satisfied with their working conditions during pregnancy, and only 38.5% (n=602) considered their working environment safe. The proportion of women who changed their clinical practice during pregnancy and who took sick leave to avoid potentially harmful working conditions increased over time (P<0.001 for both). Men had children more often during residency than women (P<0.001). Pregnant colleagues' safety concerns influenced clinical practice, with women and men who had experience with their own and partner's pregnancy being more likely to modify their practices. Work and training demands discouraged plans to have children, particularly among women, leading to consideration of leaving training. Awareness of national regulations was limited, and respondents highlighted a need for better support and flexible working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Improved support and working environments for pregnant colleagues and ability to express preferred clinical areas for work are needed. Department heads should commit to safety and family friendliness, and men transitioning to parenthood should not be neglected.

[Sustainable job retention for people diagnosed with a cancer in a changing world of work]. / Maintien durable au travail des personnes diagnostiquées d'un cancer dans un monde du travail en mutation.

INTRODUCTION: The growing number of people diagnosed with a cancer of working age prompts us to explore the sustainability of their working conditions and avenues of intervention in their work situations to promote sustainable job retention in a context of work intensification. METHODS: Narrative review of the literature on people diagnosed with a cancer, their work situation, participation in the labour market, return to work (RTW) and sustainable employment. RESULTS: Transformations in the world of work are increasing the unpredictability and variability of work situations, making strategies for managing functional deficiencies after diagnosis of the disease more complex. Reinforcing socio-technical and organizational leeways (STOL), i.e. self-regulation capacities to cope with the demands of the work situation by deploying effective and healthy work strategies, implies optimizing the (external) resources available at the level of the work situation through ergonomic actions and/or improving individual (internal) resources through supportive care or rehabilitation and/or vocational training. DISCUSSION: Interventions to help people diagnosed with a cancer to stay at work in the long term must give primacy to the accommodation of the work situation and identify the ergonomic levers for improving their STOL.

Voz, monotonia e autonomia no ambiente de trabalho de professores / Voice, monotony, and autonomy in teachers' work setting / Voz, monotonía y autonomía en el entorno laboral docente

Introdução: a relação entre voz e trabalho é objeto de estudo constante. Ainda não há investigação sobre a relação de monotonia e autonomia com queixas vocais. Objetivo: investigar a relação entre a monotonia e a autonomia no ambiente de trabalho com o surgimento de queixas vocais entre professores. Método: estudo exploratório, qualitativo e descritivo, realizado a partir de grupo focal considerando o ineditismo da temática do estudo. Dez professores triados em estudo anterior com suspeita de distúrbio de voz pelo Índice de Triagem de Distúrbio de Voz, que indicaram percepção de monotonia e falta de autonomia no ambiente de trabalho por meio do instrumento Condições de Produção Vocal de Professores foram convidados a participar. Sete professores aceitaram e foram conduzidos dois grupos focais. Perguntas disparadoras sobre monotonia e autonomia no ambiente de trabalho foram feitas. Após análise de conteúdo, foram criadas quatro categorias principais e subcategorias de análise. Resultados: os participantes debateram questões relacionadas à quebra de expectativas sobre o trabalho, frustrações, rotina e desafios diários. Considerações sobre a voz estavam relacionadas ao uso repetitivo e por longos períodos e ambiente com acústica desfavorável. Queixas como rouquidão e baixa projeção vocal foram citadas. Conclusão: monotonia no ambiente de trabalho foi percebida como algo repetitivo e as relações com o surgimento de queixas vocais podem estar relacionadas a situações de uso da voz de forma intensa e constante. A falta de autonomia parece ocasionar a monotonia e, consequentemente, desmotivação, frustração com a carreira e adoecimento, dentre eles, o distúrbio de voz. (AU)

Introduction: the relationship between voice and work is the subject of constant study. There is still no investigation into the relationship between monotony and autonomy and vocal complaints. Objective:to investigate the relationship between monotony and autonomy in the workplace with the emergence of vocal complaints among teachers. Method: exploratory, qualitative and descriptive study, carried out through a focus group considering the novelty of the study theme. Ten teachers screened in a previous study with suspected voice disorders using the Voice Disorder Screening Index, who indicated a perception of monotony and lack of autonomy in the work environment using the Teacher Vocal Production Conditions instrument were invited to participate. Seven teachers accepted and two focus groups were conducted. Triggering questions about monotony and autonomy in the workplace were asked. After content analysis, four main categories and subcategories of analysis were created. Results: participants discussed issues related to broken expectations about work, frustrations, routine and daily challenges. Considerations about the voice were related to repetitive use for long periods and an environment with unfavorable acoustics. Complaints such as hoarseness and low vocal projection were cited. Conclusion: monotony in the work environment was perceived as something repetitive and the relationship with the emergence of vocal complaints may be related to situations of intense and constant use of the voice. The lack of autonomy seems to cause monotony and, consequently, demotivation, frustration with one's career and illness, including voice disorders. (AU)

Introducción: la relación entre voz y trabajo es objeto de constante estudio. Todavía no se ha investigado la relación entre monotonía, autonomía y quejas vocales. Objetivo: investigar la relación entre monotonía y autonomía en el lugar de trabajo con la aparición de quejas vocales entre docentes. Método: estudio exploratorio, cualitativo y descriptivo, realizado a través de un grupo focal considerando la novedad del tema de estudio. Se invitó a participar a diez docentes evaluados en un estudio previo con sospecha de trastornos de la voz mediante el Voice Disorder Screening Index, que indicaron una percepción de monotonía y falta de autonomía en el ambiente de trabajo utilizando el instrumento Teacher Vocal Production Conditions. Siete profesores aceptaron y se realizaron dos grupos focales. Se formularon preguntas desencadenantes sobre la monotonía y la autonomía en el lugar de trabajo. Luego del análisis de contenido, se crearon cuatro categorías y subcategorías principales de análisis. Resultados:los participantes discutieron cuestiones relacionadas con expectativas rotas sobre el trabajo, frustraciones, rutina y desafíos diarios. Las consideraciones sobre la voz estuvieron relacionadas con el uso repetitivo por períodos prolongados y un ambiente con acústica desfavorable. Se citaron quejas como ronquera y baja proyección vocal. Conclusión: la monotonía en el ambiente laboral fue percibida como algo repetitivo y la relación con la aparición de quejas vocales puede estar relacionada con situaciones de uso intenso y constante de la voz. La falta de autonomía parece provocar monotonía y, en consecuencia, desmotivación, frustración con la propia carrera y enfermedades, incluidos trastornos de la voz. (AU)

Resident physician depression: systemic challenges and possible solutions.

Resident physicians face intense stressors that significantly heighten their depression risk. This article discusses research findings on critical factors contributing to depression among resident physicians. Understanding these factors is essential to developing targeted interventions, fostering healthy work environments, and ultimately improving physician wellbeing and patient care.

Workload disparities and their role in the health of migrants and natives in Germany.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the health status differences between migrants and native Germans, focusing on potential disparities in their workloads. Physical and mental workloads can negatively impact individual health. Since various occupations come with distinct health-related patterns, occupational selection may contribute to systematic health disparities among socio-economic groups. Given the generally poorer health of migrants, they might experience systematic workload differences overall. METHODS: We suggest a conceptual framework for the empirical analysis based on the theory of health as a durable good with health consumption and health investment as key parameters. We quantify the role of work tasks, job requirements and working conditions on individual health based on detailed information from the BIBB/BAuA labour force survey 2012 and 2018. RESULTS: The empirical results reveal that migrants, i.e. foreigners and German citizens with a migration background, have a higher perception of workload and related health afflictions within the same occupation. Native Germans, on the other hand, experience a higher burden by high job requirements, both physically and mentally. The findings imply heterogeneous health impacts of work for migrants and native Germans due to differences in health consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis shows that migrants report worse health than natives, with stronger negative effects of work-related conditions on their health, both physically and mentally. Women, in general, report poorer health conditions than men. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting human capital to reduce economic and health disparities, though caution is advised regarding affirmative actions for migrants; further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and address these issues effectively.

AI4Work Project: Human-Centric Digital Twin Approaches to Trustworthy AI and Robotics for Improved Working Conditions in Healthcare and Education Sectors.

AI and robotics aim to transform workplace landscapes in a several sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, construction, agriculture, and education. Central to this evolution is the innovative use of Digital Twin technology, which creates real-time updated virtual replicas of physical systems and entities. This technology is especially transformative in healthcare and education, promising customized and efficient experiences for all involved. This paper outlines the AI4Work project's approach to leveraging Digital Twin Technology to improve work environments in these sectors. The goal of AI4Work is to formulate a workplace where AI and robots seamlessly collaborate with humans, while explores how to best share tasks between humans and machines in six different domains. For healthcare, AI4Work will explore how Digital Twin technology can assist occupational doctors and psychologists in monitoring the physical and mental health of hospital personnel in order to predict burnout symptoms and to create a sustainable working environment. In education, AI4Work will investigate how to uphold the mental health of both educators and students while fostering a more supportive and enduring educational setting.

Correlations between well-being of nurses and psychosocial working conditions - a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Work in health care is classified as a difficult profession and nurses are considered among the professional group that is exposed to the permanent impact of occupational stress. Psychosocial working conditions and related hazards are defined as those aspects that have the potential to cause harm to an employee's mental or physical health. Lack of psycho-physical health well-being reduces job satisfaction and thus job commitment. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the overall well-being of nurses and examine the correlation between nurses' well-being and their assessment of psychosocial working conditions in conjunction with occupational and demographic factors. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 526 nurses employed in a selected public clinical hospital in Poland. All nurses provided labor during the survey. A diagnostic survey method using the standardized Psychosocial Working Conditions questionnaire based on the demands-control-support stress model was used for measurement. Results: The examined nurses rated highly job demands (mean 3.46) as well as the scale of desired changes (mean 3.44). The ability to control their work (mean 3.19) and the level of social support (mean 3.21) were rated at a slightly lower level. The scale of well-being was rated highest by respondents (mean 3.68). Several statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) can be observed between the well-being scale and the other scales of psychosocial working conditions across age categories. The least correlated are the well-being and demands scales, although as age increases with higher levels of well-being, the demands scale scores decrease. Conclusion: The well-being of the examined nurses was closely related to sociodemographic data and the individual scales of the Psychosocial Working Conditions questionnaire. Chronic diseases are associated with greater demands at work and reduced well-being. Respondents who receive higher levels of support at work experience higher levels of well-being.

[Adaptations of the work environment facilitating the professional activity of seniors]. / Adaptacje srodowiska pracy ulatwiajace aktywnosc zawodowa seniorów.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of demographic trends indicates that there is an increasing proportion of people who can be described as elderly. In Poland, the population aged >60 years is expected to increase to 10.8 million in 2030 and to 13.7 million in 2050, i.e., around 40% of total population. In line with the general trend, the issue of the aging of the professionally active population is becoming more relevant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The average age of the world's working population is steadily increasing. In the European Union, workers aged 55-64 years accounted for 50% of the total workforce in 2013, and already 59% in 2018. In Poland, in 2018, people aged 55-64 years accounted for 49% of the employed population. The low percentage of people working at this age is due, among other things, to employers' attitudes towards employing older people, perceiving them as employees who are more difficult to manage and have health problems. Moreover, working conditions of seniors are not adapted to their age capabilities. RESULTS: It is necessary to reduce the burden of physical work, especially in awkward positions, carrying loads, monotonous work and piecework. It is important to create work organization in which it is possible to refer to the experience of older people, who should have freedom of action, without time pressure and the need to perform many tasks at the same time. The ever-increasing social dependence on information technology tools creates new problems for seniors. Taking into account age-related difficulties in acquiring new knowledge, it is important to provide them with simplified tools that are easier to use. CONCLUSIONS: The scope of necessary actions to enable the aging population to work is very wide, ranging from legislative, technological and organizational changes, ending with education addressed both to people responsible for employee safety (including occupational health services) and to current and potential employees. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).