The Initial Positive and Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Healthcare Providers: Associations With Team Culture and Leadership.

Abstract

This study aimed to use qualitative and quantitative methods to (1) understand the initial positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural healthcare providers; (2) explore associations between team culture and leadership and provider distress and job satisfaction after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) determine whether changes occurred in perceived stress and burnout. Participants included 213 providers working in rural Pennsylvania. The researchers administered an electronic survey to participants 10 days after the organization issued directives to cancel routine care appointments. Descriptive statistics were used to examine sample characteristics. The researchers used thematic analysis to assess open-ended responses. Correlational analyses were used to examine associations among perceived stress, team culture, job satisfaction, COVID-19 engagement, and team leadership. Most providers reported that the pandemic had the greatest effect on them psychologically, followed by professionally (i.e., changes in workload and conflicts with coworkers) and financially. Statistically significant positive associations were observed among leadership, provider distress, and team culture. Identification of the psychological impact highlights the need to support healthcare providers and address their psychological needs. Moreover, understanding ways in which leaders can effectively lead may help personnel better prepare for a public health crisis.