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"The usual challenges of work are all magnified": Australian paediatric health professionals' experiences during the
Farah Akram1,2, Madeleine Pidcock1,2, Diane Oake1,2
1Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant psychological stress for paediatric cardiac care professionals, with many reporting anxiety and depressive symptoms. Targeted support is crucial to address these mental health needs and mitigate pandemic-related stressors.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic heightened stress and strain on healthcare workers globally.
- Paediatric cardiac care professionals faced unique challenges during the pandemic.
- Understanding their concerns and psychological impact is vital for targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore health professionals' concerns regarding COVID-19.
- To assess the perceived impact of the pandemic on paediatric cardiac care.
- To investigate the prevalence of psychological stress among these professionals.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to paediatric health professionals at a quaternary hospital in Australia (June 2020 - Feb 2021).
- Data collected included demographics, clinical roles, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
- Qualitative data explored experiences and perceived pandemic effects on care delivery.
Main Results:
- Over half (52.2%) reported moderate to extreme worry about COVID-19.
- 38% perceived significant adverse impact on healthcare services.
- 18% experienced anxiety and 11% reported depressive symptoms requiring intervention.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals experienced substantial psychological distress during the pandemic.
- Findings highlight the need for immediate and tailored mental health support.
- Policies and interventions are essential to address ongoing stressors and protect workforce well-being.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased stress and strain on health professionals. With a focus on paediatric cardiac care, this study explored health professionals' concerns about COVID-19, perceptions of the impact of pandemic on healthcare, and experiences of psychological stress.
Methods:
Paediatric health professionals working at a large quaternary hospital in Australia were invited to complete a survey between June 2020 and February 2021. Demographic factors, clinical role characteristics, and anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed. Qualitative data on experiences and perceived effects of the pandemic on paediatric cardiac care were also collected.
Results:
228 health professionals (152 nurses, 37 medical doctors, 22 allied and mental health professionals, 17 medical research and administrative staff) participated in the survey (54.4% response rate, 85% women). Half the sample (52.2%) endorsed 'moderate' to 'extreme' worry about COVID-19 and 38% of participants perceived healthcare services as adversely impacted by the pandemic to a 'great' or 'very great' extent. Almost one in five health professionals reported anxiety (18%) and 11% reported depressive symptoms indicative of a need for clinical intervention. Six themes were identified in the qualitative data: (1) Concern about the consequences of visitor restrictions and disrupted patient services, (2) Intensified strain on healthcare workers, (3) Feelings of fear and loss, (4) Social isolation and disconnection, (5) Adapting to change, and (6) Gratitude.
Conclusion:
Timely, tailored policies, supports, and interventions are needed to address health professionals' mental health needs during and beyond the pandemic, to minimize the far-reaching impact of situational stressors.
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