Implementing Longitudinal Wellbeing Interventions and Evaluation Among Midwestern Healthcare Workers During COVID-19
Robin M Lally1, Rachael Schmidt2, Kevin Kupzyk1
1College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Mental health symptoms in Midwestern healthcare workers worsened during COVID-19 surges, with non-patient-facing staff experiencing similar or greater severity. Exercise was a common coping strategy, and stress levels declined by May 2021.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global healthcare worker mental health.
- Previous studies were often cross-sectional and overlooked the Midwestern U.S. healthcare workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess psychological well-being and coping strategies among a Midwestern academic health system's workforce.
- To inform the implementation of targeted wellness activities during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online survey was distributed to approximately 9000 employees across four time points (April 2020 - May 2021).
- Assessed anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, self-efficacy, and self-care activities.
- Wellness education was integrated with survey deployment and findings informed subsequent interventions.
Main Results:
- Response rates varied from 731 to 172 participants.
- Moderate to severe stress was reported by 29.5% (T1) and 34.0% (T2).
- Psychological symptoms, including stress (48.5%), significantly increased during a COVID-19 surge (T3) but declined by T4 (p < .001). Exercise was the most common coping strategy.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare worker mental health symptoms in the Midwest correlated with COVID-19 hospitalization surges.
- Individuals in non-patient-facing roles reported psychological distress levels comparable to or exceeding those in patient-facing roles.
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