“The usual challenges of work are all magnified”: Australian paediatric health professionals’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

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.