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'Covid Just Amplified the Cracks of the System': Working as a Frontline Health Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Source :
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 18, Iss 10178, p 10178 (2021), International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 18, Issue 19
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG, 2021.
-
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<br />Following orders or caring for patients<br />Unpredictability, disruption, and inconsistency at work<br />The right to be safe at work<br />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.
- Subjects :
- extreme work
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Health Personnel
Occupational safety and health
Article
Political science
health professionals
Pandemic
Health care
Humans
Pandemics
Uncategorized
business.industry
SARS-CoV-2
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Australia
COVID-19
Public relations
Coronavirus
Work (electrical)
Preparedness
Workforce
qualitative
frontline health workers
Medicine
Job satisfaction
business
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 16617827 and 16604601
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 10178
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....b1cf227e06a1a58f88120cbeaaa8a737