Evaluating the Effect of Supported Systematic Work Environment Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND: The work environment is a complex phenomenon in which many factors interact. Scientific research indicates a relation between the work environment and employee health, staff turnover, patient satisfaction, and patient safety. There is a great need for knowledge on how to conduct work environment interventions and practical work environment management to maximize benefits to the employees. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore how Occupational Health Service (OHS) support will affect the work environment, sick leave, staff turnover, patient satisfaction, and patient safety during and following the COVID-19 pandemic in a medical ward setting. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation of a concurrent work environment quality improvement project at the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics in a local hospital in the south of Sweden will be performed. RESULTS: The mixed methods evaluation of the quality improvement project received funding from Futurum–Academy for Health and Care, Jönköping County Council and Region Jönköping County, and the study protocol was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. The work environment quality improvement project will continue between May 2020 and December 2021. CONCLUSIONS: The study might contribute to increased knowledge of how work environment interventions and practical work environment management can impact the work environment, and employee health, staff turnover, patient satisfaction, and patient safety. There is a need for knowledge in this area for OHS management to provide increased benefits to employees, employers, and society as a whole. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/34152