Anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and professional quality of life among the hospital workforce during a global health pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Working in a hospital setting during a global health pandemic can lead to increased levels of anxiety, stress, burnout, and depression. Anecdotal evidence exists, but there is little research utilizing clinically validated tools to measure hospital staff psychological distress. Methods: In Summer 2021, 771 hospital staff in North Dakota responded to an electronic survey collecting demographic data and employing validated behavioral health screening tools to assess anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and work-related quality of life.Findings: Compassion satisfaction was significantly higher for those who worked in rural areas than urban [t(769) = -1.99, P = .0467]. The burnout rating was significantly higher for those who worked in urban areas than rural [t(769) = 2.23, P = .0261)].There was no significant geographic variation in stress, anxiety, or depression. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress were all significantly higher for those who worked directly with COVID-19 patients than those who did not, regardless of hospital location. Conclusions:Hospital staff caring for COVID-19 patients experienced equitable (and high) levels of depression and anxiety. However, data indicate that rural providers experienced greater protective factors, resulting in lower rates of burnout and higher compassion satisfaction. Rural communities, hospitals, and health systems may have characteristics that could be duplicated in urban areas to support hospital staff wellbeing. Support and promotion of mental wellness must also come from the hospital system, and health care and policy leaders. If we do not care for our hospital staff, there will not be hospital staff left to care for the community.

Child welfare workers satisfaction and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of agency staff in Ohio

“…Interviews with school staff preparing for school reopening after initial closures due to COVID-19, revealed concerns with staff stress and anxiety ( Hoke et al, 2022 ). Some research suggests that hospital staff in urban areas experienced higher rates of burnout than those in rural areas ( Kelly et al, 2022 ). Morse and Dell (2021) interviewed behavioral health staff during the pandemic; qualitative results revealed a primary theme that work felt stressful and overwhelming.…”

Prevalence of burnout and mental health problems among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Burnout and mental health problems are associated with personal and patient care consequences, such as quality of life, job performance, turnover intention and patient safety 27–29. A more reliable and comprehensive estimate of burnout and mental health problems of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to provide prevention and interventions.…”

Cognitive function and work resilience of healthcare professionals: A comparative cross-sectional study

“…Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at greater risk of greater mental health issues. [ 1 ] Some factors thought to be challenging working conditions that frequently result in burnout are work overload, shift work, inadequate resources, exposure to stressful emotional situations, risk of exposure to infectious diseases and injuries, financial strain, and so on. Poor mental health has been linked to lower efficiency and productivity of healthcare workers (HCWs).…”