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Immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work and personal lives of Australian hospital clinical staff
journal contribution
posted on 29.09.2021, 06:52 authored by Sara Holton, Karen Wynter, Melody TruemanMelody Trueman, Suellen Bruce, Susan Sweeney, Shane Crowe, Adrian Dabscheck, Paul Eleftheriou, Sarah Booth, Danielle Hitch, Catherine M Said, Kimberley J Haines, Bodil RasmussenAbstract:
Objective. This study investigated the short-term psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital
clinical staff, specifically their self-reported concerns and perceived impact on their work and personal lives.
Methods. Nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health staff at a large metropolitan tertiary health service in
Melbourne, Australia, completed an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between 15 May and 10 June 2020. The
survey assessed respondents’ COVID-19 contact status, concerns related to COVID-19 and other effects of COVID-19.
Space was provided for free-text comments.
Results. Respondents were mostly concerned about contracting COVID-19, infecting family members and caring for
patients with COVID-19. Concerns about accessing and using personal protective equipment, redeployment and their
ability to provide high-quality patient care during the pandemic were also reported. Pregnant staff expressed uncertainty
about the possible impact of COVID-19 on their pregnancy. Despite their concerns, few staff had considered resigning, and
positive aspects of the pandemic were also described.
Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the work and personal lives of hospital
clinical staff. Staff, particularly those who are pregnant, would benefit from targeted well-being and support initiatives that
address their concerns and help them manage their work and personal lives.
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