Immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work and personal lives of Australian hospital clinical staff
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Documents
- Fulltext
Final published version, 186 KB, PDF document
Objective. This study investigated the short-term psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital clinical staff, specifically their self-reported concerns and perceived impact on their work and personal lives.
Methods. Nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff at a large metropolitan tertiary health service in Melbourne, Australia, completed an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between 15 May and 10 June 2020. The survey assessed respondents' COVID-19 contact status, concerns related to COVID-19 and other effects of COVID-19. Space was provided for free-text comments.
Results. Respondents were mostly concerned about contracting COVID-19, infecting family members and caring for patients with COVID-19. Concerns about accessing and using personal protective equipment, redeployment and their ability to provide high-quality patient care during the pandemic were also reported. Pregnant staff expressed uncertainty about the possible impact of COVID-19 on their pregnancy. Despite their concerns, few staff had considered resigning, and positive aspects of the pandemic were also described.
Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the work and personal lives of hospital clinical staff. Staff, particularly those who are pregnant, would benefit from targeted well-being and support initiatives that address their concerns and help them manage their work and personal lives.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Australian Health Review |
Volume | 45 |
Pages (from-to) | 656–666 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISSN | 0156-5788 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
- Australia, clinical staff, COVID-19, hospitals, occupational groups, pandemic, psychosocial factors, support initiatives, HEALTH-CARE WORKERS, ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME, PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT, SYNDROME OUTBREAK, MENTAL-HEALTH, SARS, INFLUENZA, NURSES
Research areas
ID: 274864384