Experiences Of Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Experiences of healthcare workers who faced physical workplace violence from patients or their relatives in Nepal: a qualitative study

IntroductionWorkplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs) has become a global concern. Our aim was to investigate the firsthand experience of HCWs who faced physical WPV from patients or their...

Providing sexual health care for international students in Australia: a qualitative study of a general practice team approach.

Background Provision of culturally responsive sexual health care for international students is important, given the large numbers of international students in Australia and known lower levels of health literacy among this cohort. Team-based care in general practice has the potential to provide this care. Methods A qualitative study that developed and evaluated a team-based model of care for female, Mandarin-speaking, international students in a university-based general practice. The model involved patients attending a consultation with a Mandarin-speaking nurse with advanced skills in sexual health who provided education and preventive health advice, followed by a consultation with a GP. Evaluation of the model explored patient and healthcare worker experiences using a survey and a focus group of patients, and interviews with healthcare workers. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach. Results The consultation model was evaluated with 12 patients and seven GPs. Five patients participated in a focus group following the consultation. Survey results showed high levels of patient satisfaction with the model. This was confirmed via the focus group findings. Healthcare workers found the model useful for providing sexual health care for this cohort of patients and were satisfied with the team approach to patient care. Conclusions A team-based approach to providing sexual health care for international students was satisfactory to patients, GPs and the practice nurse. The challenge is providing this type of model in Australian general practice under the current funding model.

Nurses' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines: A qualitative study (PROACTIVE-study).

To explore the attitudes of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 vaccines. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Five focus groups were conducted between October and November 2021, with a total of 30 nurses from different contexts in Northern Italy. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Three main themes were identified: 'favourable', 'unsure' and 'contrary to' COVID-19 vaccines. The favourable position was underpinned by trust in science, research and vaccination; protection for themselves, their families, patients and the population; duty as professionals; necessity to set an example for others. Participants who were unsure had doubts about the composition, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and were sometimes afraid that media provided incomplete information. The main reason why nurses were against was the feeling that being forced to vaccinate perceived as blackmail. Favourable or unsure nurses struggled to deal with those who were against and developed a series of emotions that ranged from respect and attempt to rationalize, to frustration and defeat. Identifying the areas of hesitation is essential to understand what affects the choices of acceptance, delay or refusal of vaccination. The issues that emerged regarding proper communication within the vaccination campaign highlights the key importance of adequate vaccination strategies. Understanding attitudes towards vaccine and related motivations among healthcare workers could help develop more specific and targeted vaccination campaigns that can ensure proper vaccination coverage rates and avoid hesitancy or refusal. Healthcare workers experiences of COVID-19 vaccines, their views and know how they feel during COVID-19 vaccinations. Healthcare workers had three different positions in COVID-19 vaccination. This research will guide and target future vaccination campaigns. The study is reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). No Patient or Public Contribution.

Critical thinking level in nursing degree students according to sociodemographic and academic variables: A correlational study

AimsTo determine the level of critical thinking of undergraduate nursing students during their clinical practice, as well as to identify the relationship between sociodemographic and academic variables. BackgroundNursing degree programs should prioritize the development of critical thinking skills in their curriculum and regularly assess students to ensure the acquisition of core competencies. DesignMulticenter, descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive study. Participants included were students from the Degree in Nursing enrolled during the academic year 2020–2021. Students were selected by convenience from three universities located in Catalonia, Spain. Data were collected from 429 students, with 98 being excluded due to incomplete data. MethodsData were collected by administering the Nursing Critical Thinking in Students Questionnaire and an ad hoc form of sociodemographic and academic characteristics. The STROBE guidelines checklist were followed. The study involves a secondary analysis of data from a previous study that presented psychometric analysis. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in total Critical Thinking scores across various parameters including academic year, current situation, work experience in healthcare, previous academic training, family situation, or recent stressful events. On average, students demonstrated moderate critical thinking scores. However, statistically significant relationships emerged between critical thinking scores and gender (p=0.046), institution attended for undergraduate studies (p=0.019) and having satisfactory social relationships despite experiencing stressful events (p=0.330). ConclusionsThe study delves into the correlation between critical thinking skills and sociodemographic and academic factors, identifying students who may benefit from specific interventions and advocating for adaptable educational methods. It emphasizes the pivotal role of trust in fostering critical thinking in nursing education and suggests a connection between critical thinking and strong social relationships. In conclusion, evaluating critical thinking is crucial for addressing healthcare challenges, validating teaching strategies and promoting continuous improvement in nursing education.

Approaches for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services during coronavirus disease 2019.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a reduction in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services globally, yet this programme is critical for reducing paediatric HIV incidence. To minimise the impact of COVID-19 and prevent disruptions to the PMTCT service provision, innovative strategies had to be developed and implemented. The study aimed to describe the approaches that were developed and utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing PMTCT services in Tshwane primary healthcare facilities. Three primary healthcare facilities that were providing PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic located in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. The study is part of a larger study that focused on the experiences of healthcare workers who were rendering PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was employed to gain insight into the experiences of 16 purposively sampled healthcare workers who were providing PMTCT services during the pandemic in Tshwane district facilities. In-depth individual audio-recorded interviews were conducted with study participants, following a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed using an IPA framework. Three superordinate themes emerged: strategies utilised for providing care, community-based initiatives, and support systems to enhance the PMTCT service access. Strengthening community-based initiatives and support systems is important for the enhancement of the PMTCT programme during and beyond the pandemic. Community-based initiatives are critical in continuity of PMTCT services, reducing HIV incidence, under-five child morbidity and mortality particularly during emergency situations.

A longitudinal qualitative exploration of Victorian healthcare workers’ and organisations’ evolving views and experiences during COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted individuals, society, and healthcare organisations worldwide. Recent international research suggests that concerns, needs, and experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) have evolved throughout the pandemic. This longitudinal qualitative study explored the evolving views and experiences of Victorian healthcare workers (HCWs) and organisational key personnel during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsWe recruited participants from the Coronavirus in Victorian Health and Aged care workers (COVIC-HA) study cohort. We conducted two rounds of semi-structured interviews with HCWs and organisational key personnel from three different healthcare settings (hospital, aged care and primary care) in Victoria, Australia, in May-July 2021 and May-July 2022. Data were analysed thematically using trajectory and recurrent cross-sectional approaches, guided by a temporal change framework.ResultsTwelve HCWs and five key personnel from various professional roles participated in interviews at both timepoints. Expected themes derived from mid-2021 interviews (navigating uncertainty, maintaining service delivery, and addressing staff needs) evolved over time. Concerns shifted from personal health and safety to workforce pressures, contributing to HCW burnout and fatigue and ongoing mental health support needs. New themes emerged from mid-2022 interviews, including managing ongoing COVID-19 impacts and supporting the healthcare workforce into the future. Clear and consistent communication, stable guidelines and forward-looking organisational responses were considered crucial.ConclusionsOur longitudinal qualitative study highlighted the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs’ perceptions, health and wellbeing and uncovered long-term sector vulnerabilities. Analysing HCW experiences and key personnel insights over time and across different pandemic phases provided crucial insights for policymakers to protect the healthcare workforce. Findings emphasise the need for proactive strategies that prioritise HCWs’ wellbeing and workforce sustainability. Policy makers must invest in HCW health and wellbeing initiatives alongside healthcare system improvements to ensure resilience and capacity to meet future challenges.Trial registrationThis study was approved through the Victorian Streamlined Ethical Review Process (SERP: Project Number 68,086) and registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12621000533897) on 6 May 2021.

Professional self-concept of BSN students: A cross-sectional correlational study

BackgroundProfessional self-concept consists of one's judgments, attitudes about oneself professionally, and one's own perception as a professional. A positive professional self-concept can support students and new nurses throughout their nursing careers. ObjectiveTo describe levels of self-concept among pre-licensure undergraduate students. Participants/settingThe participants were nursing students in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the United States. Design/methodsThis is a cross-sectional correlational study with self-report instruments, including demographics and the Professional Self-Concept of Nurses Instrument. Data (N = 103) were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 29.0. Descriptive statistics and professional self-concept scores were examined with independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlations. ResultsMost participants were female (n = 90), with a mean age of 20 years (SD = 1). The mean professional self-concept of nurses score was 78 (SD = 7), ranging from 27 to 108, and professional self-concept was positively correlated with receiving tutoring through the university's program, working as a tutor for nursing students or students in prerequisite classes, transferring into the nursing program, and participating in campus nursing organizations. Professional self-concept was negatively correlated with advancement in semesters of the nursing program, being a first-generation college student, having a family member who is a nurse, GPA, and having clinical-related work experience in healthcare. ConclusionsHigher levels of exposure to nursing may be related to lower professional self-concept. This is important to recognize and it may generalize to other nursing schools and health-related departments. Schools of nursing should enhance students' resilience by promoting self-concept. Our findings also shade light on self-care and the mental health of healthcare professionals.

To study the awareness of needle stick injuries among healthcare workers in an area select of tertiary care hospital

Background: Needle stick injuries, or NSIs, refer to injuries produced by several types of needles, including hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous stylets, and needles used for connecting components of intravenous administration systems. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to study the awareness of NSIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a selected area of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken within the department of obstetrics and gynecology (OBG). The study’s target group was all HCWs of varied experience levels (n=272). This study employed a meticulously crafted questionnaire in the English language. The survey includes 22 items covering a variety of NSI-related topics. Subgroup analysis was conducted using the Pearson Chi-square test. Results: It was found that most of them were in the 20–30 age group (75%), the majority were females (72%), unmarried (61%), and from an urban background (85%). Almost all the participants (96%) were aware that NSIs are preventable. Similarly, 90% of the participants were aware that NSIs may cause the transmission of diseases, and 77% of the participants reported that they have training on biomedical waste management and its disposal. About 74% of the respondents stated that they had been exposed to NSIs. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the awareness levels and experiences of HCWs regarding NSIs in the OBG department. While a high level of awareness was observed, the study identified areas for improvement in the implementation of preventive measures, reporting practices, and post-exposure management.

How Partnering with a Chronic Care Management Partner Improves Patient Communication and Coordination for Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries

The article discusses chronic care management services that are essential for patients with two or more chronic conditions. CMS has designed a care plan that facilitates communication and follow-up according to the chronic care management codes. The main goals of CCM services are to improve patient experience and satisfaction, patient outcomes, and provider and healthcare worker experiences, and to lower the total cost of care. Chronic care management services make it easier for patients to manage their chronic illnesses, improve communication between patients and providers, and ensure that providers understand their patients’ needs.

Investigating the emigration intention of health care workers: A cross-sectional study.

To (1) explore the intramigration experience of HCWs within Nigeria, (2) explore the migration intention of health care workers (HCWs) in Nigeria and (3) identify the predictors of migration intention among HCWs in Nigeria. Cross-sectional study. The online survey was used to collect data from 513 HCWs in Nigeria between May and June 2023. Crude and adjusted logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with emigration intention. Analyses were performed on SPSS version 26 at a 95% confidence interval. The study found that 34.4% had intramigration experience, and the rate of intention to emigrate to work in another country was 80.1%. The United Kingdom was the most preferred destination (109 HCWs), followed by Canada (92 HCWs) and the United States (82 HCWs). At the multivariate level, emigration intention was associated with the experience of burnout and duration of practice as a HCW. Nurses had higher emigration intentions than medical doctors. Many HCWs in Nigeria appear to have emigration intent, and nurses are more likely to be willing to migrate than doctors. The Nigerian government may want to explore strategies to reverse the emigration intent of the HCWs in Nigeria.

Frontline health workers’ experiences of providing care for people living with non-communicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted frontline health workers. However, a neglected dimension of this discourse was the extent to which the pandemic impacted frontline healthcare workers providing non-communicable diseases...

Increased Perceived Confidence in Professional Role Skills among Undergraduate Dietetic Students Following Simulation-Based Learning Experiences

Simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) are effective for teaching healthcare students clinical and communication skills. The current study assessed self-perceived clinical and communication confidence among dietetics students completing a series of four SBLEs (3 group, 1 individual) across nine months. Dietetics students were recruited in February 2023 prior to their first SBLE. Simultaneously through the academic year, students completed clinical and communication courses. Students were invited to complete an online, anonymous self-reported survey regarding confidence with nutrition care and communication prior to their first SBLE (Time 1), prior to their third SBLE (Time 2), and following their final SBLE (Time 3). The survey measured healthcare work experience and self-perceived confidence. Student confidence increased among 30 of the 38 indicators (p < 0.05). At Time 2 (following two group SBLEs), those with healthcare experience had higher confidence among 12 of the 39 items (p < 0.05). At Time 3 (following four simulation experiences) those with healthcare experience had higher confidence among just four of the 39 total items (p < 0.05). Cohort increases in confidence suggest that SBLEs, along with dietetics coursework, were critical in increasing confidence and students’ perceived ability to carry-out entry-level tasks of a dietitian. While student confidence increased across the cohort, SBLEs were particularly beneficial in leveling confidence between those with prior clinical experience and those without.

Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19

BackgroundWorkplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic.MethodsData was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics.ResultsStress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness.ConclusionsGiven the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.

IJCM_310A: Active Case Finding for Tuberculosis in outreach centres of a medical college in Puducherry, India: A Mixed Methods Study on Outcomes and Implementation Challenges

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from a curable infectious disease and is responsible for 9.9 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths. Over 95% of TB deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. The WHO TB statistics for India for 2021 give an estimated incidence figure of 2,590,000 million cases. In Puducherry, 4500 cases were notified in the same year, with a TB notification rate of 226 per lakh population. ACF has potential benefits but also challenges, which need to be carefully assessed when developing and implementing ACF policies. Objectives: 1) To understand the experiences of healthcare workers during the implementation of Active Case Finding (ACF) activities 2) To assess the implementation of ACF using the feasibility indicators. Methodology: Qualitative interviews (IDI & FGD) were conducted among healthcare workers (Nodal Officers, Medical Officers, and Medical Interns) involved in the ACF to enumerate their experiences during the survey and the implementation challenges they faced. Additionally, a set of feasibility indicators from the literature (Hemant et al.2023) was identified to assess the implementation of ACF in outreach centres of a medical college in Puducherry. Results: Three overarching themes emerged through qualitative interviews: awareness of ACF and TB, implementation challenges, and mechanisms to overcome the challenges. Feasibility indicators will be elicited upon completion of data curation and analysis. Conclusion: The intricate details involved in the implementation of ACF would be understood through the experiences of Health Care Workers as well as quantitative estimation of ACF implementation.

Exploring healthcare workers’ experiences of a simple intervention to reduce their intrusive memories of psychological trauma: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Many healthcare workers (HCWs) endured psychologically traumatic events at work during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For some, these events are re-experienced as unwanted, recurrent, and distressing intrusive memories. Simple psychological support measures are needed to reduce such symptoms of post-traumatic stress in this population. A novel intervention to target intrusive memories, called an imagery-competing task intervention (ICTI), has been developed from the laboratory. The intervention includes a brief memory reminder cue, then a visuospatial task (Tetris® gameplay using mental rotation instructions for approximately 20 min) thought to interfere with the traumatic memory image and reduce its intrusiveness. The intervention has been adapted and evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with Swedish HCWs (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04460014). Objective: We aimed to explore how HCWs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced the use of a brief intervention to reduce their intrusive memories of work-related trauma. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of HCWs who used the intervention. Seven participants from the RCT were interviewed by an independent researcher without prior knowledge of the intervention. Interviews were conducted via telephone and transcribed verbatim. Results: Four general themes were generated: ‘Triggers and troublesome images’, ‘Five Ws regarding support – what, when, why, by/with who, for whom’, ‘Receiving it, believing it, and doing it’ and ‘The intervention – a different kind of help’; the last two included two subthemes each. The results reflect participants’ similarities and differences in their lived experiences of intrusive memories, support measures, and intervention impressions and effects. Conclusion: HCWs’ experiences of the novel ICTI reflect a promising appraisal of the intervention as a potential help measure for reducing intrusive memories after trauma, and gives us a detailed understanding of HCWs’ needs, with suggestions for its adaption for future implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04460014.

Understanding health systems challenges in providing Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) care in a hub and spoke model: a qualitative analysis to improve AHD care program in Malawi

BackgroundDespite tremendous progress in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and access to ART, many patients have advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD). Patients on AHD, whether initiating ART or providing care after disengagement, have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) launched an enhanced care package using a hub-and-spoke model to optimize AHD care in Malawi. This model improves supply availability and appropriate linkage to care. We utilized a hub-and-spoke model to share health facility challenges and recommendations on the AHD package for screening and diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment, and adherence support.MethodsThis qualitative study assessed the facility-level experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) and lay cadres (LCs) providing AHD services to patients through an intervention package. The study population included HCWs and LCs supporting HIV care at four intervention sites. Eligible study participants were recruited by trained Research Assistants with support from the health facility nurse to identify those most involved in supporting patients with AHD. A total of 32 in-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic content analysis identified recurrent themes and patterns across participants’ responses.ResultsWhile HCWs and LCs stated that most medications are often available at both hub and spoke sites, they reported that there are sometimes limited supplies and equipment to run samples and tests necessary to provide AHD care. More than half of the HCWs stated that AHD training sufficiently prepared them to handle AHD patients at both the hub and spoke levels. HCWs and LCs reported weaknesses in the patient referral system within the hub-and-spoke model in providing a linkage of care to facilities, specifically improper referral documentation, incorrect labeling of samples, and inconsistent availability of transportation. While HCWs felt that AHD registers were time-consuming, they remained motivated as they thought they provided better patient services.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of offering comprehensive AHD services. The enhanced AHD program addressed weaknesses in service delivery through decentralization and provided services through a hub-and-spoke model, improved supply availability, and strengthened linkage to care. Additionally, addressing the recommendations of service providers and patients is essential to improve the health and survival of patients with AHD.

Thematic Analysis to Understand the Perspectives and the Level of Support Offered to Healthcare Workers During the Pandemic in Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed exceptional demands on the healthcare workforce around the world (Vindrola-Padros et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to undertake an exploration of the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) who worked during the pandemic and their views about the support they were offered during the pandemic in Dublin, Ireland. Understanding the experiences of HCWs can help identify gaps in healthcare systems and inform efforts to strengthen them. This primary qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with six healthcare professionals. Participants were recruited via snowballing sampling technique and included nurses and healthcare assistants. The interview discussion guide consisted of questions on COVID-19-related challenges such as the demands at the workplace, the level of stress and uncertainty to HCWs, availability and quality of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the support as well as coping strategies they received, from the management to handle the pandemic. Braun and Clarke’s (2021) reflexive thematic analysis generated two themes with eight sub-themes. The two major themes were emotional exhaustion and inconsistent guidelines. The findings from the study indicated that healthcare workers were practising and carrying out duties outside their usual roles and reported very high levels of stress and anxiety. The second theme discusses the lack of consistency, which leads to a number of challenges for HCWs while implementing standardised practices. Understanding the perspectives of healthcare workers would facilitate the hospital administrations as well as managements in Ireland to proactively support healthcare providers during future pandemics by ensuring access to mental health programs, standardising communication and developing plans that will address equipment and supply availability. In addition to this, HCWs are key stakeholders in public health responses to pandemics, and their experiences can inform policies and guidelines related to infection prevention and control, vaccination and other public health interventions, as well as contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to address pandemics.

Australian health care workers experience of PPE related side-effects. A cross-sectional survey.

Protection of health care workers (HCWs) is a fundamental aspect of an effective pandemic response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, frequency, and duration of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use increased. The experience of PPE-related side-effects has potential to contribute to decreased compliance resulting in breaches in infection prevention and increasing risk of HCW exposure. This study aims were to measure the frequency of PPE-related side-effects amongst HCW in Australia, and to establish if an increased frequency of adverse reactions was related to the significant increase in use and extended duration of time spent in PPE. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. Of the 559 respondents the majority were female (83.7%), aged 31-45 years old (33.6%). A pre-existing skin condition was reported by 266 (47.6%). Frequency of PPE related side-effects were: pressure-related 401 (71.7%), skin 321 (57.4%) and respiratory 20 (3.6%). Surgical mask use was significantly associated with pre-exiting skin conditions (β = 1.494 (SE 0.186), df (1), p < 0.001). Side effects to N95 respirator use was more commonly reported by staff working in COVID-19 high-risk areas (β = 0.572 (SE 0.211), df (1), p = 0.007) independent of work duration (β = -0.056 (SE 0.075), df (1), p = 0.456), and pre-existing skin conditions (β = 1.272, (SE.198), df (1), p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in the use of PPE. While the preventative benefits of PPE are significant, adverse events related to PPE use are frequently reported by HCW. Findings in this study highlight the need for innovation in PPE design to maximize protection while decreasing adverse effects and maintaining adhere to use.

Perceived stress, burnout, and resilience among healthcare workers in a multiple disaster-impacted setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current literature on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research presents gaps and opportunities to investigate the psychological experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) serving in mass trauma situations. We aimed to measure perceived stress, burnout, and resilience in Kashmiri HCWs and explore the relationship of burnout with sociodemographic, work-related, and pandemic-related factors. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected by circulating a web-based questionnaire among HCWs across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels in Kashmir, India. The questionnaire consisted of sections on personal, work-related, and pandemic-related variables as well as validated instruments to measure perceived stress, burnout, and resilience. A total of 514 valid responses were received. More than 80 percent of HCWs had moderate to high perceived stress. The prevalence of personal, work-related, and client-related burnouts was 68, 48.6, and 46 percent, respectively. Resilience was negatively correlated with stress and burnout. Younger (18-28 years), unmarried HCWs, especially junior residents and nurses, had higher burnout levels. Redeployment to deliver COVID-19 duties, unpredictability in work schedule, tested positive for COVID-19, and spending time in isolation/quarantine were also found to be significant risk factors for developing burnout. Nearly half of the HCWs suffered from burnout, and more than half had moderate to high perceived stress. In addition to pre-existing risk factors of burnout, the pandemic seems to have introduced more occupational risk factors in this disaster-affected area. Lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic may help guide need-based intervention strategies designed for specific target population rather than a one size fits all approach.

On the Frontline During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Inequality and Experiences of Healthcare Workers in Pakistan

This mixed methods study investigates the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) along gender lines during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lahore, the second most populous city in Pakistan. In-person semi-structured interviews ( n = 62) and researcher-administered surveys ( n = 631) were conducted with doctors and nurses in five private and public hospitals. The findings reveal that male and female HCWs shared experiences related to increased working hours, psychological burdens, and adverse financial impacts. However, female HCWs struggled more than male HCWs, as their responsibilities at home and in the workplace increased. Additionally, more female HCWs than their male peers reported experiencing occupational stress due to transportation issues, working during pregnancy, and discriminatory attitudes of the patients toward them. Building on the results from our study, we propose several technological and policy initiatives that can be adopted by governments and organizations, especially in countries like Pakistan, where women account for most of the healthcare workforce but continue to bear a heavier burden when balancing work and family.