Bodil Rasmussen1,2, Dr Sara Holton1,2, Karen Wynter1.2, Julie Considine1,3, Maryann Street1,3, Ana Hutchinson1,4, Damien Khaw1,4, Alison Hutchinson5, 1,3, Cherene Ockerby1,5, Katrina Nankervis6, Shane Crowe7, Suellen Bruce8
1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in The Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 2 Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Western Health Partnership, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.3 Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Eastern Health Partnership, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 4Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Epworth Healthcare Partnership, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.5Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Monash Health Partnership, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 6Nursing and Midwifery, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.7Nursing and Midwifery, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia. 8People, Culture and Communications, Western Health, Footscray, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Aim
To investigate the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital staff working in acute care settings, specifically psychological distress, self-reported concerns, and perceived impact on their work and personal lives.
Study design and methods
Cross-sectional survey design. Nurses and midwives (n=1,611) at four metropolitan tertiary health services in Melbourne, Australia completed an anonymous online survey, which assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21); concerns related to COVID-19; and other effects of COVID-19. Space was provided for free-text comments.
Results
One-fifth of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Fewer years of clinical experience were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. More than half of the respondents were extremely/very concerned about passing COVID-19 on to family members and about their family’s health, and almost half were concerned about caring for a patient with COVID-19. Respondents reported that personal protective equipment (PPE) interfered with their ability to provide optimal patient care. Positive aspects of the pandemic were also reported including a sense of togetherness among staff.
Conclusion
The pandemic has had a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing and work and personal lives of hospital staff working in acute care settings in Melbourne, Australia.