[Lessons regarding work-related competence transgression among acute psychiatric professionals in Hungary in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic].

Abstract

Introduction: In psychiatric care, competence is the basis of patient safety. Consequently, competence transgression can have serious legal and ethical consequences. Objective: Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between competence transgression and role clarity, role conflict, stress, and burnout and determine whether each professional group (i.e., residents, nurses, psychiatrists, and psychologists) showed a correlation with these factors. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among acute psychiatric professionals (n = 105) in Hungary between November 2021 and April 2022. The main data collection instrument was the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II. Our questionnaire was complemented by a question on competence transgression. Results: Competence transgression was moderately correlated with role clarity (r = –0.387, p<0.01), role conflict (r = 0.430, p<0.01), stress (r = 0.308, p<0.01), and burnout (r = 0.336, p<0.01). There was a negative significant correlation of medium strength between residents and role clarity (r = –0.258, p<0.01). Conclusion: Competence transgression should be considered when reorganising psychiatric care after a pandemic. Residents working in acute psychiatric care do not perceive their job role as being clear. The recommendations of professional organisations should therefore be emphasized in professional education and among policy makers. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(12): 469–477.