CURRENT PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR

Abstract

The increased demands of modern work practices on workers in all sectors of employment caused the emerging of various psychosocial risk factors, which can be dangerous for their health and work ability. Furthermore, while industrial working conditions are usually sector-specific, psychosocial risk factors are present in every establishment, especially in the services and healthcare. Healthcare workers are some of the most heavily exposed to various psychosocial risks such as mental and physical workload, dealing with demanding patients, high responsibility, shift work, poor work-rest balance, among others. Unacceptable behaviors in healthcare, insider and third-party violence and harassment in particular, are occurring ever so often. These adverse factors take their toll on the physical and mental health of healthcare workers in the form of increased cases of psychosomatic disorders, anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicide attempts. Novel challenges in recent times, e.g. the 2020 coronavirus epidemic, further deteriorate the work environment and strain the coping capabilities of workers. An additional issue in Bulgaria is the shortage and ageing of healthcare professionals, which leads to overworking and higher vulnerability to the negative effects of psychosocial hazards. This report aims to identify the most prevalent psychosocial factors in healthcare settings, as well as their impact on the health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Furthermore, some helpful tips and preventive strategies are proposed for increasing job quality in healthcare through social support and better work-life balance.