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To examine studies involving the impact of telerehabilitation (TLR), tele-training and tele-support on the dyad stroke survivor and caregiver in relation to psychological, physical, social and health dimensions.
A systematic review was conducted.
The following electronic databases were consulted until September 2023: PsycInfo, CINAHL, Eric, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central and Web of Science.
It was conducted and reported following the checklists for Reviews of PRISMA 2020 Checklist. Critical evaluation of the quality of the studies included in the review was performed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklists.
A total of 2290 records were identified after removing duplicates, 501 articles were selected by title and abstract and only 21 met the inclusion criteria. It included 4 quasi-experimental studies, 7 RCTs, 1 cohort study and 9 qualitative studies. The total number of participants between caregivers and stroke survivors was 1697, including 858 stroke survivors and 839 caregivers recruited from 2002 to 2022. For a total of 884 participants who carried out TLR activities in the experimental groups,11 impact domains were identified: cognitive/functional, psychological, caregiver burden, social, general health and self-efficacy, family function, quality of life, healthcare utilization, preparedness, quality of care and relationship with technology.
The results support the application of telehealth in the discharge phase of hospitals and rehabilitation centres for stroke survivors and caregivers. TLR could be considered a substitute for traditional rehabilitation only if it is supported by a tele-learning programme for the caregiver and ongoing technical, computer and health support to satisfy the dyad's needs.
Designing a comprehensive telemedicine programme upon the return home of the dyad involved in the stroke improves the quality of life, functional, psychological, social, family status, self-efficacy, use of health systems and the dyad's preparation for managing the stroke.
No patient or public contribution.
To evaluate midwives' level of stress and burnout during the COVID-19 Omicron phase in Italy. Secondary aims were to explore the impact of the pandemic on midwives' personal dimensions and professional activities and potential supporting strategies.
A mixed-methods study was undertaken from July to December 2022.
Data were collected using a national online observational survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to evaluate stress, burnout and the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional dimensions. A deductive qualitative approach was used to analyse open-ended responses, that were merged with quantitative data following a convergent mixed-methods approach.
A total of 1944 midwives participated in the survey. The stress summary score mean was 10.34, and 562 midwives (28.91%) experienced burnout. The intention to reduce working hours was reported by 202 midwives (10.39%), with 60.40% (n = 122) of them experiencing burnout. The intention to leave clinical practice within the following 2 years was reported by 239 (12.29%), with 68.20% (n = 163) of them experiencing burnout. All the personal dimensions and professional activities considered were defined by more than half of midwives as being impacted ‘Moderately’ or ‘To a great extent’ by pandemic. Stress and burnout frequencies increased when the midwives' perception of the pandemic effects was higher. Potential supporting strategies described by midwives as the most important in increasing their ability to cope with the pandemic were ‘Women's awareness of the midwives' role’ (n = 1072; 55.14%) and ‘Family and friends' emotional support’ (n = 746; 38.38%).
Our findings suggested strategies to support a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency, with potential transferability to similar contexts when human resources are lacking. It is recommended that maternity services provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout.
Studies conducted during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave showed an increased level of stress, anxiety, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced by healthcare professionals; moreover, midwives experienced drastic changes in care pathways and policies with struggles identified when providing high-quality woman-centred care following pandemic restrictions. Although it is recommended, there is lack of knowledge about long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 for midwives. Our study highlights that during the Omicron wave midwives experienced a high level of stress and burnout with an impact on individual dimensions and professional activities. Their stress and burnout were influenced by several factors, including restrictions in place, lack of organizational acknowledgement, work overload and need for extra childcare cover. Maternity services should provide the necessary resources for a safe and supportive working environment to prevent high stress levels and chronic burnout. Recommendations on how to facilitate this are suggested.
During the writing process, we referred to ‘The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology Statement’, the guidelines for reporting observational studies from the Equator network.
No patient or public contribution.
Work overload conditions negatively impacted on the quality of maternity services. Improving organizational aspects, reducing working hours, promoting family and friends' emotional support and improving women's awareness of midwife's role were the main strategies reported by midwives. These suggestions for ensuring a positive and safe working environment for midwives during a pandemic emergency could potentially be applied to similar situations where human resources are lacking.
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