Emotional Intelligence among Radiation Therapists

Introduction: Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy or radiation oncology, has become increasingly used for the management of cancer. Administering radiation therapy is a complex procedure and involves the accurate planning, dosimetry and delivery of the prescribed radiation dose to obtain optimal patient outcomes. The prolonged radiation treatment regimes, rapid advancements in technology, changes to the healthcare setting and increased responsibilities relating to patient care held by radiation therapists (RTs) have resulted in increased levels of stress among RTs. Additionally, RTs are required to have empathy and compassion, and to acknowledge the patient’s vulnerability when providing care within this stressful environment. There is limited evidence investigating emotional intelligence (EI) among RTs. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to explore the demographic predictors of emotional intelligence among RTs working in cancer care centres in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered survey was implemented to collect data. The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short version (TEIQue-SF) was used to measure emotional intelligence. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify if age, years of experience as a RT, sex, highest level of education obtained or level of current employment were predictors of EI in the population sample. Results: A total of 205 RTs participated in this study. The mean score for global emotional intelligence was 5.16 (SD = 0.6) and the scores for the emotionality, self-control, wellbeing and sociability dimensions were 5.3 (SD = 0.7), 4.9 (SD = 0.9), 5.7 (SD = 0.8) and 4.7 (SD = 0.8), respectively. The predictors of global EI were age and highest level of current employment. Younger age was a significant predictor of the global dimension and higher levels of employment was a significant predictor of the global and sociability dimension. Sex was a significant predictor of the emotionality dimension and higher levels of education was a significant predictor of the emotionality and sociability dimension. None of the demographic variables were significant predictors of the self-control and wellbeing dimensions. Conclusions: Predictors of EI included being a young RT, female, having higher levels of employment and higher levels of education. As level of education and level of employment are both amendable demographic factors, strategies to enhance these EI predictors and to reduce the effects of emotional struggle experienced by RTs in their work should be implemented. Further research must be undertaken to identify why older RTs have lower levels of lower EI

Demographic predictors of emotional intelligence among radiation therapists

Introduction: Contemporary health care services are more productive and successful when their health professionals have emotional intelligence (EI). The objective of this study was to explore the demographic predictors of EI among radiation therapists working in cancer care centres in NSW, Australia. Methods: Data were collected using a cross-sectional self-administered survey. Emotional intelligence was measured using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short version (TEIQue - SF). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify if age, years of experience, gender, highest level of education obtained or level of current employment were predictors of EI. Results: A total of 205 radiation therapists participated in this study. The mean scores for Global EI, emotionality, self-control, wellbeing and sociability dimensions were 5.16 (SD = 0.6), 5.3 (SD = 0.7), 4.9 (SD = 0.9), 5.7 (SD = 0.8) and 4.7 (SD = 0.8) respectively. Age and level of current employment were identified as predictors of global EI. Gender and level of education were significant predictors of the EI emotionality dimension. Levels of employment along with level of education were both significant predictors of the sociability dimension of EI. Conclusions: Being a young radiation therapist, female, and having higher levels of employment and higher levels of education were predictors of EI. Given that level of education and level of employment are both amendable demographic factors, strategies to address these factors to reduce the effects of emotional struggle experienced by radiation therapists in their work need to be implemented

Anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic umbrella review of the global evidence

Objectives To summarise the evidence relating to the prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design An umbrella review of systematic reviews was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methods. Data sources The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched in March 2021 for reviews published in English. Eligibility criteria Systematic reviews reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two researchers screened each abstract and independently reviewed full text articles. Study quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews, and the degree of overlap in primary studies was calculated. Results Ten systematic reviews (100 unique studies), including 169 157 HCWs from 35 countries were included. The prevalence of anxiety among all HCWs ranged from 22.2% (95% CI 21.3% to 23.1%) to 33.0% (95% CI 31.9% to 34.1%). The prevalence of anxiety among physicians (n=5820) was reported to be between 17% and 19.8% and for nurses (n=14 938) between 22.8% and 27%. The prevalence of depression among all HCWs ranged from 17.9% (95% CI 17.1% to 18.8%) to 36% (95% CI 34.9% to 37.1%). The prevalence of depression among physicians (n=643) and nurses (n=8063) was reported to be 40.4% and 28%, respectively. Conclusions There is wide variation evident in the presence of anxiety and depression among HCWs. In particular, the prevalence of depression among physicians was high. Strategies to reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression are urgently required. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021238960

Treatment of stress fracture of the olecranon in throwing athletes with internal fixation through a small incision

<p>Abstract</p> <p>The present study is a report of retrospective case series of stress fracture of the olecranon. Six patients presented posterior elbow pain in throwing in baseball and softball, but fracture was not diagnosed in radiographs. We detected stress fracture of the olecranon using computed tomographic (CT) scan and treated the patient with internal fixation with a headless cannulated double threaded screw through a small skin incision. All patients returned to competitive level without elbow complaints after the operation.</p> <p>When throwing athletes present with unusual posterior elbow pain and no significant findings on radiographs, a CT scan examination should be performed. We recommend surgical treatment of internal fixation with a screw through a small skin incision, as a good option for stress fracture of the olecranon in order to allow early return to sports activity in competitive athletes.</p