"You have to be careful about every detail" How the COVID-19 Pandemic Shaped the Experiences of Canadian Personal Support Workers Working in Home Care.

Abstract

Personal support workers (PSWs) are an essential but vulnerable workforce supporting the home care sector in Canada. Given the impact COVID-19 has had on healthcare workers globally, understanding how PSWs have been impacted is vital. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to understand the working experiences of PSWs over the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, and analysis was guided by the collaborative DEPICT framework. PSWs are motivated by an intrinsic duty to work and their longstanding client relationships despite feeling vulnerable to transmission and infection. They experienced co-occurring occupational stressors and worsening work conditions which impacted their overall wellbeing. Pandemic conditions have contributed to increased occupational stress among PSWs. Employers must implement proactive strategies that promote and protect the wellbeing of their workforce while advocating for sector improvements.