Conceptualising wellbeing among health-care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Since 2020 health workers everywhere have been challenged by the ongoing ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. This virus impacted all aspects of life but health-related workplaces particularly, were transformed virtually overnight. Demands were heightened and customary supports came under pressure presenting a huge crisis for health systems. The goal of this study was to explore how this catastrophic pandemic event impacted the wellbeing of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working through this time. Interviews with 57 HCPs from multiple countries and specialty areas were explored utilising inductive content analysis (ICA). Resulting data were then categorised into themes and deductively analysed utilising a method informed by Capability Theory. These were secondary data as the interviews were part of a larger set collected primarily for the purpose of a documentary being made about this experience. This study found that illbeing experiences were prevalent among HCPs. However, significant sources of wellbeing were also evident, and were instrumental in maintaining HCP resilience. Wellbeing was enhanced when HCPs experienced a small number of key capabilities that enabled a broad range of functionings. The capabilities were for (a) participation in positive relationships, (b) a sense of identity, purpose, meaning and value in relation to one’s work and (c) ability to provide an appropriate level of medical treatment, care and other role related support. These c apabilities were central to HCP wellbeing irrespective of the individual’s location and specialty area, however the ability to realise these capabilities in desired functionings was differentially impacted by each individual’s unique circumstances.