Occupational Disruptions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 crisis has caused prolonged and extreme demands on healthcare services. This study investigates the types and prevalence of occupational disruptions, and associated symptoms of mental illness, among Australian frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Frontline healthcare workers were invited to participate via dissemination from major health organisations, professional associations or colleges, universities, government contacts, and national media. Data were collected on demographics, home and work situations, and validated scales of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout. Results: Complete responses were received from 7846 healthcare workers (82.4%). Most respondents were female (80.9%) and resided in the Australian state of Victoria (85.2%). Changes to working conditions were common, with 48.5% reporting altered paid or unpaid hours, and many redeployed (16.8%) or changing work roles (27.3%). Nearly a third (30.8%) had experienced a reduction in household income during the pandemic. Symptoms of mental illness were common, being present in 62.1% of participants. Many respondents felt well supported by their workplaces (68.3%) and believed that workplace communication was timely and useful (74.4%). Participants who felt well supported by their organisation had approximately half the risk of experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, depression, burnout, and PTSD. Half (50.4%) of respondents indicated a need for additional training in using personal protective equipment and/or caring for patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: Occupational disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic occurred commonly in health organisations and were associated with worse mental health outcomes in the Australian health workforce. Feeling well supported was associated with significantly fewer adverse mental health outcomes. Crisis preparedness focusing on the provision of timely and useful communication and support is essential in current and future crises.

Mental Health Symptoms and Workplace Challenges among Australian Paramedics during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The importance of workplace support as a protective factor for mental health and a buffer for workplace stress is now well-recognised [ 24 , 34 ], and emerging evidence has identified this pattern in ambulance personnel [ 35 ]. Evidence from past [ 36 ] and current pandemics [ 2 , 37 , 38 ] suggests organisational and collegial support may serve a protective role for HCW mental health. Efforts to enhance support at work for paramedics warrant further investigation.…”

“…Public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic represent a major threat to the wellbeing of frontline healthcare workers (HCW), including paramedics. Frontline HCWs working in the community are particularly affected by such events, which intensify existing stressors and create additional challenges, such as increased uncertainty in the workplace [ 1 , 2 ]. Paramedics are a vital and fundamental part of this frontline healthcare response to COVID-19 and have faced increased risk and workplace stress during the pandemic [ 3 ].…”

“Covid Just Amplified the Cracks of the System”: Working as a Frontline Health Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Focusing on the workplace challenges experienced by healthcare workers is important, as there is consensus across much of the literature that pandemic preparedness in workplaces can alleviate mental health stress experienced by workers [ 39 , 45 ], as does having a supportive workplace [ 46 ]. Overall, participants in this study argued that health systems were unprepared for the pandemic and that there was limited support provided to frontline health workers.…”

“…(General Practitioner, female, age [41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] Private practitioners also highlighted the increase in the presentation of mental health issues. Mental health services in Australia, as in many other countries, are known to be underfunded with considerable unmet needs [35].…”

Differences in Coping Strategies and Help-Seeking Behaviours among Australian Junior and Senior Doctors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Workplace stressors and mental health problems are recognised issues for hospital doctors [1][2][3][4][5]. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) pandemic and associated public health restrictions have compounded these issues, resulting in significant workplace, social and financial disruption, moral distress, and mental health symptoms for frontline healthcare workers in Australia and internationally [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Adaptation to repeated and sometimes sudden changes in workload, work roles, PPE and visitor guidelines, and to alternative delivery models such as telehealth, have been required, often with inadequate communication or support from the workplace [7].…”