Organizational responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative study across four healthcare settings

Abstract

ObjectiveOrganizational responses that support healthcare workers (HCWs) and mitigate health risks are necessary to offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to understand how HCWs and key personnel working in healthcare settings in Melbourne, Australia perceived their employing organizations' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodIn this qualitative study, conducted May-July 2021 as part of the longitudinal Coronavirus in Victorian Healthcare and Aged Care Workers (COVIC-HA) study, we purposively sampled and interviewed HCWs and key personnel from healthcare organizations across hospital, ambulance, aged care and primary care (general practice) settings. We also examined HCWs' free-text responses to a question about organizational resources and/or supports from the COVIC-HA Study's baseline survey. We thematically analyzed data using an iterative process.ResultsWe analyzed data from interviews with 28 HCWs and 21 key personnel and free-text responses from 365 HCWs, yielding three major themes: navigating a changing and uncertain environment, maintaining service delivery during a pandemic, and meeting the safety and psychological needs of staff . HCWs valued organizational efforts to engage openly and honesty with staff, and proactive responses such as strategies to enhance workplace safety (e.g., personal protective equipment spotters). Suggestions for improvement identified in the themes included streamlined information processes, greater involvement of HCWs in decision-making, increased investment in staff wellbeing initiatives and sustainable approaches to strengthen the healthcare workforce.ConclusionsThis study provides in-depth insights into the challenges and successes of organizational responses across four healthcare settings in the uncertain environment of a pandemic. Future efforts to mitigate the impact of acute stressors on HCWs should include a strong focus on bidirectional communication, effective and realistic strategies to strengthen and sustain the healthcare workforce, and greater investment in flexible and meaningful psychological support and wellbeing initiatives for HCWs.

Mental health and wellbeing of health and aged care workers in Australia, May 2021 – June 2022: a longitudinal cohort study

“…Our findings are consistent with previous reports that health care workers experience significant psychological distress during and immediately after outbreaks of new infectious diseases 23‐25 . Together with our qualitative investigation of organisational responses to COVID‐19, 11 they indicate that health and aged care organisations should maintain strong leadership and communication systems in the workplace, provide mental health and wellbeing support for staff, and respond efficiently to evolving pandemic challenges. This may require specific funding and policies that facilitate systemic changes for supporting health care worker wellbeing.…”

“…The survey also included questions about COVID‐19 exposure, alcohol consumption, mental health support seeking, COVID‐19‐related effects on work and personal life, and concerns about contracting, transmitting, and serious consequences of COVID‐19, each based on experiences since the beginning of the pandemic (survey 1) or during the preceding six months (surveys 2 and 3). The analysis of responses to two free response survey questions, not discussed in this article, have been reported elsewhere 9,11 …”

“…The analysis of responses to two free response survey questions, not discussed in this article, have been reported elsewhere. 9,11…”

Workplace leave patterns among Victorian health care workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…This placed a substantial physical and psychological strain on hospital workers, leading to workforce shortages concurrent with epidemiological peaks, and hospitals have been faced with challenges in maintaining service delivery and meeting demands. 3 The Coronavirus in Victorian Healthcare and Aged Care Workers (COVIC-HA) cohort study has investigated longitudinal pandemic impacts on the Victorian health care workforce (approved through the Victorian Streamlined Ethical Review Process (SERP Project 68 086) and registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; ACTRN12621000533897)). 3,4 Previously published findings highlighted a significant cumulative impact of burnout and fatigue within the Victorian health care workforce, with a high proportion of health care workers considering leaving their profession during the pandemic.…”

“…3 The Coronavirus in Victorian Healthcare and Aged Care Workers (COVIC-HA) cohort study has investigated longitudinal pandemic impacts on the Victorian health care workforce (approved through the Victorian Streamlined Ethical Review Process (SERP Project 68 086) and registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; ACTRN12621000533897)). 3,4 Previously published findings highlighted a significant cumulative impact of burnout and fatigue within the Victorian health care workforce, with a high proportion of health care workers considering leaving their profession during the pandemic. 5 The present article aims to elucidate a better understanding of health care worker leave (i.e.…”