Workers' health surveillance targeting mental health: evaluation of a training. (22nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Los, F S; van der Molen, H F; de Boer, A G E M; Hulshof, Carel T J; Ketelaar, S M; Nieuwenhuijsen, K
• Is Part Of: Occupational medicine. Volume 72:Part 4(2022)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2021-11-22
• Subjects: Education -- mental health -- occupational health professional -- training -- workers' health surveillance; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Employee health promotion -- Periodicals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-7480

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Mental health complaints occur frequently among healthcare workers. A workers' health surveillance mental health module (WHS-MH) was found to be effective in improving work functioning of nurses, although not implemented regularly. Therefore, training for occupational physicians and nurses to facilitate the implementation of WHS-MH was developed and evaluated. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of training on knowledge, self-efficacy and motivation to implement WHS-MH, and to evaluate participants' satisfaction with the training. Methods: Three-hour training was held among 49 occupational physicians and nurses in the Netherlands. Effect on knowledge, self-efficacy and motivation was assessed using knowledge tests and questionnaires before and immediately after the training. Satisfaction with the training was measured using questionnaires after the training. Results: A mean knowledge test score of 5.3 (SD = 1.6) was found before training, which did not significantly increase after training ( M = 5.6, SD = 1.8). In total, 43% agreed or strongly agreed to have sufficient skills to implement WHS-MH, which significantly increased to 78% after the training. Furthermore, 87% agreed or strongly agreed to be motivated to initiate WHS, which significantly increased to 94% after the training. The majority of participants were satisfied with the training. Conclusions: Training may enhance the implementation of the WHS-MH through increasing self-efficacy and motivation. However, no effect on level of knowledge to implement WHS-MH was found.