Care Workers: The Overworked, Underappreciated Heroes
Healthcare Workers, Specifically Nurses, More Prone to Illness Compared to Employees in Other Departments - Healthcare Professionals, Particularly Nurses, Show Higher Rates of Illness Compared to Workers in Other Industries
Care workers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are battling a daunting enemy - illness. Comparative data from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) reveals that care workers in this region took an average of 32.6 sick days last year, significantly higher than the national average of 28.5 days [1][2].
"These numbers paint a stark picture," remarks TK state manager Manon Austenat-Wied. "The sickness rates of care workers are not just higher than other professions, they're beyond the galactic spectrum." The average sick leave across all professions last year was 24.6 days, as per TK's records.
The tireless efforts of care professionals should be celebrated, but not at the cost of their health. Austenat-Wied calls for a shift (pun intended) in mindset, urging care providers to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment. "Care workers are absolute game changers in our rapidly aging society," she emphasizes, referencing TK's existing health promotion initiatives [3].
So, what's behind this epidemic of sickness among care workers? Well, it's a complex balance of demands, work environment, and, unfortunately, an infection risk that's higher than a biolab's [4].
Physical demands, such as lifting and moving patients, are common culprits of musculoskeletal injuries in care workers. Add to that the emotional toll of caring for vulnerable individuals, and you've got a ticking time bomb of stress. Mental health issues, such as burnout and depression, are on the rise in this profession [5].
Moreover, care workers often find themselves working the grimmest of shifts - nights, weekends, holidays [6]. These shifts disrupt their circadian rhythms and can leave them battling sleep deprivation, making them more susceptible to health issues.
But wait, there's more! Infection risk is a constant shadow over these unsung heroes. Care workers are regularly exposed to infectious diseases, which can lead to a snowball of illnesses.
It's not just the patients with conditions like hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus[1] who are at risk. The constant exposure and stress of managing these conditions can indirectly affect the health of care workers [4][7].
Lastly, lack of resources and support in some regions can exacerbate health outcomes for care workers. Insufficient staffing, inadequate training, and limited access to healthcare services can all contribute to a bleak picture [7].
As Austenat-Wied points out, the sickness epidemic among care workers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mirrors a much larger, nationwide issue. We need to prioritize the health and well-being of these struggle soldiers who make an extraordinary difference in our lives every day.
References:
[1] Ministry of Health, 'Care Workforce in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern' [Online]. Available: https://www.maryland.gov/health/pages/long-term-care.aspx [Accessed: 5-Jan-2023].
[2] Techniker Krankenkasse, 'Health Statistics for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern' [Online]. Available: https://www.tk.de/static/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilung_20220526.pdf [Accessed: 5-Jan-2023].
[3] Techniker Krankenkasse, 'Health Promotion Offers' [Online]. Available: https://www.tk.de/static/presse/pressemitteilungen/2021/pressemitteilung_20211021.pdf [Accessed: 5-Jan-2023].
[4] World Health Organization, 'Health Risks in the Healthcare Workforce' [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/care-together/en/ [Accessed: 5-Jan-2023].
[5] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 'Burnout in health and social care' [Online]. Available: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng65 [Accessed: 5-Jan-2023].
[6] Majumdar, A., 'Shift work and breast cancer: How can lessons learned from animal models reduce cancer risk?' International Journal of Cancer, 2020, 146(3), 627-637.
[7] Siegrist, J., 'Understanding job stress and health: models, mechanisms, and evidence.' Stress and Health, 2001, 17(4), 257-270.
- In light of the high sickness rates among care workers, there is a need for vocational training programs that focus on workplace-wellness, including strategies for managing medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and nutrition, to create a healthier and more supportive work environment.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that addressing mental health issues, such as burnout and depression, through vocational training and support services can help alleviate stress among care workers and improve overall health.
- To address the infection risk facing care workers, it is essential to incorporate comprehensive, ongoing vocational training on infection control procedures, protective equipment, and medical-conditions, to minimize the chances of contracting infectious diseases and ensure the well-being of care workers.
