Implementation of initiatives designed to improve healthcare worker health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic

Comparative case studies from 13 healthcare provider organisations globally

Bibliographic Data

ID19533989
AuthorsNiki O’Brien (0000-0002-8389-1448, Imperial College London, corresponding author), Kelsey Flott (0000-0002-7835-4322, Imperial College London), O Bray, Oscar S Bray (Imperial College London), Alexandra Shaw (0000-0003-2919-5043, Imperial College London), Michael Durkin (0000-0002-6173-939X, Imperial College London)
Year2022
Volume18
Issue1
Pages24-24
Publication date2022-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobalization and Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1744-8603 • E-ISSN: 1744-8603
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/s12992-022-00818-4
PMID35193629
OpenAlexW4212939735
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited22

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are at a disproportionate risk of contracting COVID-19. The physical and mental repercussions of such risk have an impact on the wellbeing of healthcare workers around the world. Healthcare workers are the foundation of all well-functioning health systems capable of responding to the ongoing pandemic; initiatives to address and reduce such risk are critical. Since the onset of the pandemic healthcare organizations have embarked on the implementation of a range of initiatives designed to improve healthcare worker health and wellbeing. METHODS: Through a qualitative collective case study approach where participants responded to a longform survey, the facilitators, and barriers to implementing such initiatives were explored, offering global insights into the challenges faced at the organizational level. 13 healthcare organizations were surveyed across 13 countries. Of these 13 participants, 5 subsequently provided missing information through longform interviews or written clarifications. RESULTS: 13 case studies were received from healthcare provider organizations. Mental health initiatives were the most commonly described health and wellbeing initiatives among respondents. Physical health and health and safety focused initiatives, such as the adaption of workspaces, were also described. Strong institutional level direction, including engaged leadership, and the input, feedback, and engagement of frontline staff were the two main facilitators in implementing initiatives. The most common barrier was HCWs' fear of contracting COVID-19 / fear of passing COVID-19 to family members. In organizations who discussed infection prevention and control initiatives, inadequate personal protective equipment and supply chain disruption were highlighted by respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Common themes emerge globally in exploring the enablers and barriers to implementing initiatives to improve healthcare workers health and wellbeing through the COVID-19 pandemic. Consideration of the themes outlined in the paper by healthcare organizations could help influence the design and deployment of future initiatives ahead of implementation

Business · Disease · Health administration · Health care · Mental health · Pandemic · Political science · Psychiatry · Public health · Public relations · COVID-19 and Mental Health · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · Infection Control and Ventilation · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology