Experiences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic amongst Australian Healthcare workers: From stressors to protective factors.

Broom, J; Veazey, LW; Broom, A; Hor, S; Degeling, C; Burns, P; Wyer, M; Gilbert, GL

Experiences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic amongst Australian Healthcare workers: From stressors to protective factors.

Broom, J Veazey, LW Broom, A Hor, S

Degeling, C Burns, P Wyer, M Gilbert, GL

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Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: J Hosp Infect, 2021
Issue Date:: 2021-12-10

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Broom, J
dc.contributor.author	Veazey, LW
dc.contributor.author	Broom, A
dc.contributor.author	Hor, S https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6498-9722
dc.contributor.author	Degeling, C
dc.contributor.author	Burns, P
dc.contributor.author	Wyer, M
dc.contributor.author	Gilbert, GL
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-24T02:31:33Z
dc.date.available	2021-12-03
dc.date.available	2022-01-24T02:31:33Z
dc.date.issued	2021-12-10
dc.identifier.citation	J Hosp Infect, 2021
dc.identifier.issn	0195-6701
dc.identifier.issn	1532-2939
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153490
dc.description.abstract	BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has critically challenged healthcare systems globally. Examining the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) is important for optimising ongoing and future pandemic responses. OBJECTIVES: In-depth exploration of Australian HCWs' experiences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a focus on reported stressors vis-à-vis protective factors. METHODS: Individual interviews were performed with 63 HCWs in Australia. A range of professional streams and operational staff were included. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified stressors centred on paucity of, or changing, evidence, leading to absence of, or mistrust in, guidelines; unprecedented alterations to the autonomy and sense of control of clinicians; and, deficiencies in communication and support. Key protective factors included: the development of clear guidance from respected clinical leaders or recognised clinical bodies, interpersonal support, and strong teamwork, leadership, and a sense of organisational preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into the key organisational sources of emotional stress for HCWs within pandemic responses and describes experiences of protective factors. HCWs experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, fear, and rapid change, rely on clear communication, strong leadership, guidelines endorsed by recognised expert groups or individuals, and have increased reliance on interpersonal support. Structured strategies for leadership and communication at team, service group and organisational levels, provision of psychological support, and consideration of the potential negative effects of centralising control, would assist in ameliorating the extreme pressures of working within a pandemic environment.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	J Hosp Infect
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.jhin.2021.12.002
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.subject	1103 Clinical Sciences, 1117 Public Health and Health Services
dc.subject.classification	Epidemiology
dc.title	Experiences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic amongst Australian Healthcare workers: From stressors to protective factors.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	England
utslib.for	1103 Clinical Sciences
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
utslib.copyright.embargo	2022-12-10T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2022-01-24T02:31:33Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has critically challenged healthcare systems globally. Examining the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) is important for optimising ongoing and future pandemic responses. OBJECTIVES: In-depth exploration of Australian HCWs' experiences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a focus on reported stressors vis-à-vis protective factors. METHODS: Individual interviews were performed with 63 HCWs in Australia. A range of professional streams and operational staff were included. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified stressors centred on paucity of, or changing, evidence, leading to absence of, or mistrust in, guidelines; unprecedented alterations to the autonomy and sense of control of clinicians; and, deficiencies in communication and support. Key protective factors included: the development of clear guidance from respected clinical leaders or recognised clinical bodies, interpersonal support, and strong teamwork, leadership, and a sense of organisational preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into the key organisational sources of emotional stress for HCWs within pandemic responses and describes experiences of protective factors. HCWs experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, fear, and rapid change, rely on clear communication, strong leadership, guidelines endorsed by recognised expert groups or individuals, and have increased reliance on interpersonal support. Structured strategies for leadership and communication at team, service group and organisational levels, provision of psychological support, and consideration of the potential negative effects of centralising control, would assist in ameliorating the extreme pressures of working within a pandemic environment.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153490