“Sometimes You Reach a Point Where You Feel Burnt Out”, Job Satisfaction and Psychosocial Well Being of COVID-19 Frontline Health Workers: a Qualitative Study in Two Ugandan COVID-19 Treatment Centres.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has become a major global health challenge, with Uganda reporting over 25,000 cases. Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) are the most at risk population for mental health disorders yet their well-being is key to combating the pandemic. We explored the psychosocial wellbeing and job satisfaction of COVID-19 Frontline HCWs in Uganda.METHODS: This was a qualitative study done at Entebbe regional Referral hospital (ERRH) and Mulago National Referral hospital (MNRH) in September 2020. Data collection was through 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 5 participants for each FGD. 2 FGDs were at MNRH and 1 at ERRH. Participants included; doctors, nurses, laboratory personnels, hygienists and a security personnel. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically using Nvivo version 12 software.RESULTS: Despite the challenges HCWs faced, they were motivated to work when they saw patients recover and go home safely. Participants felt the Pandemic was unprecedented and as a result no person or government was fully prepared. Big unexpected patient crowds caused limited and/ or inconsistent medical supplies. Additionally, Poor Procurement lines affected sufficiency of medical supplies and equipment such as medical gowns, drugs, PPE, alcohol, beds, and COVID-19 testing kits. There was knowledge gap among the HCWs regarding COVID-19 management. This put the staff in a Panic situation hence practicing “trial and error” treatment. Poor remuneration in terms of low or delayed Salary, lack or delay of risk allowance caused dissatisfaction among staff and were affected mentally given that they were involved in risky work yet their families were suffering economically.CONCLUSION: HCWs were remarkably stressed, exhausted and burnt-out due to the heavy workload and inadequate personal protective Equipment. These findings depict a need of creating a conducive environment for these HCWs. Government and ministry should re-strategize on how well to take care of Covid 19 frontline HCWs to save lives.