1
|
Smallwood N, Harrex W, Rees M, Willis K, Bennett CM. COVID-19 infection and the broader impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers. Respirology 2022; 27:411-426. [PMID: 35048469 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease or COVID-19 pandemic is associated with more than 230 million cases and has challenged healthcare systems globally. Many healthcare workers (HCWs) have acquired the infection, often through their workplace, with a significant number dying. The epidemiology of COVID-19 infection in HCWs continues to be explored, with manifold exposure risks identified, leading to COVID-19 being recognised as an occupational disease for HCWs. The physical illness due to COVID-19 in HCWs is similar to the general population, with some HCWs experiencing a long-term illness, which may impact their ability to return to work. HCWs have also been affected by the immense workplace and psychosocial disruption caused by the pandemic. The impacts on the psychological well-being of HCWs globally have been profound, with high prevalence estimates for mental health symptoms, including emotional exhaustion. Globally, governments, healthcare organisations and employers have key responsibilities, including: to be better prepared for crises with comprehensive disaster response management plans, and to protect and preserve the health workforce from the physical and psychological impacts of the pandemic. While prioritising HCWs in vaccine rollouts globally has been critical, managing exposures and outbreaks occurring in healthcare settings remains challenging and continues to lead to substantial disruption to the health workforce. Safeguarding healthcare workforces during crises is critical as we move forward on the new path of 'COVID normal'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warren Harrex
- Consultant Occupational & Environmental Physician, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Megan Rees
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Disorders Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, RMH, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Willis
- Public Health, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Division of Critical Care and Investigative Services, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine M Bennett
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|