Stewards of Society: Preparedness and Perceptions Among the Unsung Heroes of Public Health Service Delivery

Abstract

Front-line public health workers are essential to protecting the health of the public, particularly during widespread public health emergencies. Local public health workers were instrumental in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus pandemic through their efforts to contract trace, disseminate tests and vaccines, and educate the public about the dynamic state of the crisis. Yet, reports indicate that the public health workforce has been shrinking for some time. Recent studies indicate more than one-quarter of those serving in public health roles hope to leave the profession within one year because of factors such as stress and burnout. Few studies examine the perceptions of local health workers or the impacts that multi-level governmental responses have on their ability to do their jobs. Having a strong public health workforce is essential for a thriving society, so addressing this gap and identifying solutions are important steps towards identifying solutions for slowing the exodus of public health workers from the field. Through analysis of original survey data of front-line workers mid-pandemic in two western states, this project examines perceptions regarding factors which contribute to added stress and burnout. Findings indicate that workers felt relatively prepared to address a public health crisis, but institutional factors, such as changing job responsibilities, competing governmental directives, and limited resources, may contribute to ongoing feelings of burnout. To address these concerns, decision makers need to provide more resources and have a clear strategy of communication to mitigate conflicting governmental directives.