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Lessons from the frontline: The COVID-19 pandemic emergency care experience from a human resource perspective in the Pacific region.
Brolan, Claire E; Körver, Sarah; Phillips, Georgina; Sharma, Deepak; Herron, Lisa-Maree; O'Reilly, Gerard; Mitchell, Rob; Kendino, Mangu; Poloniati, Penisimani; Kafoa, Berlin; Cox, Megan.
  • Brolan CE; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Körver S; Centre for Policy Futures, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Phillips G; Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Sharma D; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Herron LM; Emergency Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • O'Reilly G; Emergency Department, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, Fiji.
  • Mitchell R; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Kendino M; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Poloniati P; Global Programs, Emergency & Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Australia.
  • Kafoa B; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Cox M; Emergency & Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Australia.
Lancet Reg Health West Pac ; 25: 100514, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1914787
ABSTRACT

Background:

This study explores emergency care (EC) and other frontline healthcare worker (HCW) experiences responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific region. The crisis has reinforced the crucial role well-trained, resourced, and supported EC providers play in supporting vital health systems and services in all global regions not only during 'business as usual' periods, but in times of tremendous stress and surge.

Methods:

Qualitative data were collected from EC providers and relevant stakeholders in three research phases in 2020 and 2021. Data on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Human Resources Building Block, adapted for the Pacific EC context, was thematically analysed. Key findings were further analysed to identify enablers and barriers to effective EC pandemic management.

Findings:

116 participants from across the Pacific region participated in this study. Five themes emerged (1) EC providers performed multiple pandemic roles; (2) Importance of authorities' valuing frontline HCWs; (3) HCW mental health and exhaustion; (4) HCW tension managing stigma, personal/professional expectations, and chronic health needs; and (5) Building health and human resource capacity.

Interpretation:

This study significantly contributes to the limited scientific literature on HCW experiences responding to COVID-19 across the Pacific. Recommendations arising out of this research align with consensus priorities and standards that were identified pre-pandemic by health stakeholders across the Pacific for enhancing EC system development. With limited HCWs available for many Pacific nations, it is imperative the dignity and welfare of local HCWs is genuinely prioritised.

Funding:

Epidemic Ethics/WHO, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office/Wellcome Grant 214711/Z/18/Z. Co-

funding:

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation, International Development Fund Grant.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.lanwpc.2022.100514

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.lanwpc.2022.100514