Prevalence of occupational heat stress across the seasons and its management amongst healthcare professionals in the UK.
Appl Ergon
; 118: 104281, 2024 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38581844
ABSTRACT
Occupational heat stress (OHS) is an issue in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in the United Kingdom (UK). The aims of this study were to evaluate perceived levels of OHS during two seasons and its perceived consequences on healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to assess the efficacy of heat stress management (HSM) policies. An anonymous online survey was distributed to HCPs working in HCFs in the UK. The survey returned 1014 responses (87% women). Descriptive statistics and content analysis of survey data identified that OHS in HCFs is frequently experienced throughout the year and concerned most HCPs. Over 90% perceived OHS impairs their performance and 20% reported heat-related absenteeism. Awareness of HSM policies was poor and 73% deemed them not adequate. To help reduce the financial loss and impact on staff performance, health and well-being and patient safety, it is recommended that revisions and widespread dissemination of HSM policies are made.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estações do Ano
/
Pessoal de Saúde
/
Transtornos de Estresse por Calor
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Appl Ergon
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article