Individual and organizational perceptions of hospital workers during COVID-19: the link with burnout

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 crisis poses challenges to healthcare systems and their employees. Medical staff are at the front of the battle against COVID-19. They must cope with a crisis accompanied by personal health and occupational ramifications and ongoing job stressors, which may lead to adverse mental health symptoms and may affect the quality of medical care provided to patients. This study evaluated health workers' perceptions and concerns about the COVID-19 crisis and its management in an Israeli hospital. Methods At the end of the pandemic's first wave in Israel, 547 healthcare workers responded to an online survey, which inquired about COVID-19 concerns at the individual and family level, perceptions at the national and organizational level, perceptions of the way the crisis was managed, self-assessment of coping with the crisis and burnout, and demographics. Results Findings showed that healthcare workers expressed deep concerns for family members and apprehension at a national level. Respondents noted that they were coping well with the crisis while expressing negative perceptions of how the crisis was managed. The regression model showed that concerns for family members, perceptions at the system level, working directly with COVID-19 patients, and having negative perceptions towards the crisis management at the national level, were associated with burnout. Conclusions The findings of this study deepen our understanding of issues that require systemic attention to strengthen mental resilience among hospital staff. Several actions are recommended to improve healthcare systems' ability to continue fighting the virus and confront future health crises: Further examination and monitoring of healthcare workers' concerns and job stressors. Providing psychosocial support plans for frontline workers to ensure their safety and health and prevent burnout. Strengthening supportive organizational culture. Key messages Healthcare workers express deep concerns and perceptions associated with burnout. Health services management needs a good understanding of workers' concerns and develop strategies to address them.