"Covid Just Amplified the Cracks of the System": Working as a Frontline Health Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(19)2021 Sep 28.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1444180
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing workplace stresses and created new challenges for people working on the healthcare frontline, including rapid workplace changes and increasing uncertainty at work, along with fear of contracting the virus. The purpose of this study is to examine the workplace challenges described by Australian frontline health workers during the pandemic. Drawing on a national online anonymous survey of 9518 healthcare workers, we analysed free-text responses to the question "What did you find to be the main challenges that you faced during the pandemic?" A qualitative content analysis was undertaken. We identified five key themes relating to participant experiences of workplace challenges. These were Work-life imbalance; Following orders or caring for patients; Unpredictability, disruption, and inconsistency at work; The right to be safe at work; and (Un)preparedness in the workplace. We argue that working during the COVID-19 pandemic illuminated existing occupational health and safety issues that have serious implications for job satisfaction, health workforce retention, and ultimately, patient care.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Oceania
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph181910178
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