Stress, psychological distress and support in a health care organization during Covid-19: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this study was to understand what health and wellbeing initiatives are helpful for health care workers' stress and psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic. Background: Health care workers are at increased risk of poor mental health during health emergencies; understanding support required for health care workers is of paramount importance. Methods: Participants were health care workers at a health and social care organization (N = 159). The study included an online questionnaire including an evaluation of health and wellbeing initiatives and measures of perceived stress and psychological distress. Results: The highest rated resources were counselling, personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 testing. Those who accessed yoga reported significantly less stress and psychological distress than those who did not access yoga. Conclusions: Health care workers with higher stress and psychological distress felt less supported by their organization, less listened to and less involved in organizational decisions. Implications for nursing management: Practical implications are discussed such as forward planning for health emergencies (e.g., PPE supply), accessible Covid-19 testing as well as budgeting for counselling services and exercise classes. In addition, targeted support for those diagnosed with Covid-19 is recommended, alongside involvement of staff members in organizational decisions.