Experiences of Health-Care Professionals Who Served the Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore and Its Impact on Morale: A Brief Report

Abstract

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused psychological distress among health-care professionals (HCP) worldwide, suggesting that morale could also be affected. This warrants further investigation as HCPs’ morale directly impacts delivery of quality care and work productivity. This study aims to explore the experiences of HCPs who served migrant workers in a local COVID-19 hotspot in Singapore and the impact on their morale. Methods Eleven volunteer HCPs from a regional hospital in Singapore who served migrant workers in a local COVID-19 hotspot were recruited. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, and recordings were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Morale of HCPs was evaluated based on responses. Results Four main themes emerged: motivators, challenges, support, and leadership. Motivators or factors that drove HCPs to serve include varying personal reasons and a sense of duty to do good. Challenges faced by HCPs include a language barrier, keeping up with rapidly changing workflows, fear of contagion, and coping with emotions. Support and leadership were revealed to have boosted HCPs’ morale. Conclusions Peer and social support and effective leadership have potential protective effects on HCPs’ morale against negative experiences faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.