The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Nurses' and Junior Doctors' Workloads

Abstract

ABSTRACTAimsTo explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses' and junior doctors' workload, changes to direct care and the impact of workload on resource allocation.DesignMixed‐method design was used.MethodsData were collected from direct observation, hospital administrative database and a survey. Nurses and junior doctors were observed on two COVID‐19 wards and one non‐COVID‐19 ward using a semi‐structured observation schedule. Survey data were collected from nurses and junior doctors that had worked on the COVID‐19 ward during the pandemic. Patient data were collected from Web Patient Administration System during the period of March–August 2021 and compared to March–August 2022.ResultsThe results of this study indicated that the workloads of nurses and junior doctors changed on the COVID‐19 wards. Nurses on the COVID‐19 ward spent less time on administration, communication and documentation compared to nurses working on the non‐COVID‐19 ward. For junior doctors, less time was being spent on direct care activities and administrative work compared to the non‐COVID ward. On the COVID‐19 wards, patients were older and had a shorter length of stay compared to the year before. Five themes were identified from the surveys, staffing shortages resulting in higher workloads and the need for overtime, unforeseen time to undertake tasks, lack of support and physical health and patient care compromised.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for systemic changes to staffing shortages and elevated workloads to improve the compromised mental and physical health caused during the pandemic and to retain the workforce for future sustainability.ImplicationsAs we collectively reflect on the lessons learned from this unprecedented period, it is imperative to address the challenges experienced proactively, fostering a healthcare environment that prioritises the well‐being of its front line heroes and, by extension, the quality of patient care.Reporting MethodSTROBE.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.