Recovery and stress of control center dispatchers in the first waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Control center dispatchers (CCDs) are exposed to high levels of work-related mental stress, which are exacerbated by the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the recovery and stress state of CCDs during the first and second waves of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic. A total of 490 CCDs (n = 440, t1 and n = 50, t2) with a mean age of 42.26 ± 8.79 years participated directly at the end of the first wave from June to August 2020 (t1) and during the second wave between January and February 2021 (t2) of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic. The short form (EBF-24/A; test form S2) of the Kallus recovery-stress questionnaire (EBF) was applied. Over the course of the two survey phases, the dimensions strain significantly increased (t1: 2.47 ± 1.08 vs. t2: 3.12 ± 0.93 points, p < 0.001) and recovery significantly decreased (t1: 3.03 ± 0.94 vs. t2: 2.50 ± 0.81 points, p < 0.001). Significant to highly significant differences were present in the EBF dimensions of the two waves in the majority of cases, even when taking the waves into account. For the variable "recovery in the social field", a medium effect was noticeable in the corrected model (η2 = 0.064). The SARS-CoV­2 pandemic illustrates that the stress experience increased from the first to the second waves, and the recovery of CCDs decreased. These data provide a directional trend as the pandemic is ongoing, and stress and strain situations in control centers may continue to worsen. Immediate health promotion and prevention measures are essential.

[Recovery-stress levels in paramedics during the first two waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Erholungs-Beanspruchungs-Zustand im Rettungsdienst während der ersten beiden Wellen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie.

Background: The balance between stress perception and recovery of emergency medical service personnel during service and leisure time is an essential indicator of mental and physical health. It ensures success in emergency medical care and is also a health policy and economic factor for any organization. The aim of the study was to evaluate the recovery stress level of paramedics in the first and second waves of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic. Materials and methods: The quantitative cross-sectional study included 1936 records of responders (334 women and 1602 men, mean age 34.9 ± 10.5 years). The online survey during the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic was performed during the first wave in 2020 and the second wave in 2021. The short form EBF-24/A (test version S2) of the recovery stress questionnaire according to Kallus was analyzed. Results: During the course of the two survey phases, the dimensions stress increased significantly (t1: 2.52 ± 0.98 and t2: 2.88 ± 1.04 points, p < 0.001) and recovery decreased significantly (t1: 2.98 ± 0.90 and t2: 2.64 ± 0.89 points, p < 0.001). Similar results were found for the corresponding subscales with the exception of the subscale "restful sleep" of the dimension recovery (t1: 2.81 ± 1.36 and t2: 2.72 ± 1.36 points). Conclusion: During the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic, which has been ongoing since the beginning of 2020, the stress experienced by emergency responders increased from the first to the second wave, while the perception of recovery for emergency responders decreased. The study presents the current situation of recovery stress in German emergency medical service employees and allows predictions about performance and health in pandemic situations.

Subjective perceptions of workload and stress of emergency service personnel depending on work-related behavior and experience patterns.

Purpose: Stressors due to the workload in the ambulance service are numerous and can be positively counteracted by work-related behaviors and experiences. We analyzed the subjective perceptions of workload and stress as a function of work-related behavior and experience patterns among emergency service personnel (EMP). Methods: A total of 276 EMP (94.6% men) participated (average age: 39.3 ± 8.04 years). Data on the stress situations of ambulance service staff according to the Slesina questionnaire, the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (EBF), and the Questionnaire for Physical, Psychological and Social Symptoms (KOEPS) were obtained. Participants were classified into four patterns (A, B, G, and S) based on the Work-Related Behavior and Experience Patterns (AVEM) questionnaire. Results: Overall, 32% of EMP were classified into AVEM risk patterns A and B. For half of the stress factors examined (23/46), the data were significantly different among the AVEM groups. Individuals with AVEM risk patterns have higher stress and lower recovery scores on the EBF and more physical, psychological, and social-communicative impairments shown using the KOEPS (all variables p < 0.001). Analyses showed moderate correlations among the AVEM dimensions (exceptions included striving for perfection, subjective importance of work, and work-related ambition), and the main scales of the EBF and KOEPS. Conclusion: Work-related patterns of behavior and experience are used to determine how stress is handled, and it is possible to distinguish between patterns that promote health and those that hazardous to it. Individuals with AVEM patterns that are a risk to their health experience high stress, low recovery, and increased physical, psychological, and social-communicative impairments. Health-promoting work-related behaviors can be used to counteract stress. Companies developing preventive health promotion measures should focus on individuals with AVEM patterns that are a risk to their health. Supplementary Information: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10049-022-01076-y) contains further tables and figures. The article and additional material are available at www.springermedizin.de. Please enter the title of the article in the search field. You will find the additional material under "Supplementary Information" at the article.

Stress and strain among veterinarians: a scoping review.

The aim of this review is to systematically review studies on work-related stress that may affect the mental health of veterinarians. Studies have indicated a high prevalence of various risk factors for mental disorders among practicing veterinarians. In addition to a high risk of suicide, there is increasing evidence of burnout and depression. A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubPsych and PSYNDEX databases. Twenty-one studies (plus seven studies with nonstandardized questionnaires) published between 2000 and 2021 were found that presented data on the effect of workload on the mental wellbeing of veterinarians. All of the included studies indicate a high prevalence of psychological stressors in veterinary practice. The risks of burnout, anxiety and depressive disorders are higher in this occupational group than in the general population and other occupational groups. Subjectively, female veterinarians perceive their psychological workload to be higher than that of their male counterparts. Working hours and ethical dilemmas stand out as major sources of stress. There is a need to improve overall psychological wellbeing of veterinarians. Organizational support services and developing personal strategies for coping with work-related stress can prove helpful.