Work

Response to NIOSH Request for Information on Interventions to Prevent Work-Related Stress and Support Health Worker Mental Health

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The root causes of health care worker strain and depression include excessive job demands, extended work schedules, little decision-making opportunity, assault, bullying, and fear of injury. Potential links between working conditions and opioid overuse have also been discussed, beginning with psychological job strain or with physical pain leading to medication use. Promising solutions have been identified and many would be cost-effective, as enhanced working conditions could improve workers’ mental health, job satisfaction, retention, and patient outcomes. Considering the number of health care workers leaving work during the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent to address preventable root causes. In 2021, the US Congress called for educating health workers and first responders on the primary prevention of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The CDC issued a Request for Information; this submission summarized research from CPH-NEW, a NIOSH Center of Excellence in Total Worker Health®, supplemented by a selective literature review.

Source: NEW SOLUTIONS A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy

DOI: 10.1177/10482911221126271

Author: Laura Punnett

Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Burnout

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health