Psychological well-being of Australian hospital clinical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1071/ah20203
• Publication Date: 2020-10-09T00:53:45Z
• Authors: Sara Holton; Karen Wynter; Melody Trueman; Suellen Bruce; Susan Sweeney; Shane Crowe; Adrian Dabscheck; Paul Eleftheriou; Sarah Booth; Danielle Hitch; Catherine M. Said; Kimberley J. Haines; Bodil Rasmussen
• Keywords: Pandemic; Depression

Objective This study assessed the psychological well-being of Australian hospital clinical staff during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large metropolitan tertiary health service located Melbourne, Australia. The completed by nurses, midwives, doctors and allied (AH) between 15 May 10 June 2020. Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 items (DASS-21) respondents previous week. Results In all, 668 people responded to (nurses/midwives, n = 391; doctors, 138; AH staff, 139). Of these, 108 (16.2%) had direct contact with diagnosis. Approximately one-quarter reported symptoms distress. Between 11% (AH staff) 29% (nurses/midwives) anxiety scores mild extremely severe ranges. Nurses midwives significantly higher than (P < 0.001) 0.001). Direct diagnosis being nurse or midwife were associated scores. Higher ratings service’s pandemic response support strategies protective against depression 0.001), 0.05) stress Conclusions significant effect on particularly nurses midwives. Staff would benefit from (additional) targeted supportive interventions current future outbreaks infectious diseases. What is known about topic? outbreak having, will have, considerable services. No data are available. does this paper add? Australia healthcare providers have experienced emotional distress pandemic, who study, levels anxiety, general adult population norms, more medical staff. Despite lower number cases death rate other countries, proportion experiencing similar that found countries. implications for practitioners? Targeted required diseases ‘crises’ adverse events.