Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Professionals at a Midwestern Quaternary Academic Urban Health Center

Abstract

Background: Prior pandemic research has focused on physicians and nurses who provide direct patient care. Literature on the experiences of nonnurse/physician clinicians and nonclinical health care professionals is sparse. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted over threetime points to examine the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals ( n = 464). Findings: There were no significant differences in distress across survey waves, except for anger ( p = .046). No significant differences in distress scores were found between job types. Multiple linear regression results varied. Both the threat and interrupted plans scores were significant predictors of distress. Resources available to healthcare providers (HCPs) were underutilized in all three waves. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals’ distress increases with exposure. Integrating self-care resources for staff may mitigate the impact and maintain a healthy work environment. Application to practice: Occupational health providers should incorporate these findings when developing opportunities to address the needs of health care professionals in the workplace.