Caring for Caregivers: Italian Health Care Workers’ Needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Diego De Leo, Maria Maddalena Martucci, Antonello Grossi, Francesca Siviero, Silvia Vicentini, Carolina Romascu, Arianna Mercurio, Martina Battaglia and Noemi Tribbia
Additional contact information
Diego De Leo: Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia
Maria Maddalena Martucci: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Antonello Grossi: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Francesca Siviero: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Silvia Vicentini: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Carolina Romascu: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Arianna Mercurio: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Martina Battaglia: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy
Noemi Tribbia: Department of Mental Health, Local Health Unit 5, 45100 Rovigo, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: Aim: An online survey was proposed to the health workers of a public hospital of an Italian northern city. This was done with the aim of assessing the unmet needs of a special population under strain (the health carers) due to the fight against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Results: By answering the survey, five hundred and nine people provided their observations, complaints and suggestions. This qualitative material was organised into three main areas: (1) relationship with the health organization management; (2) needs of the health workers; and (3) perceived consequences of the pandemic. Discussion: Overall, respondents expressed dissatisfaction for the unpreparedness of their health units and the confusion created by frequent changes in operational guidelines. Many participants felt abandoned, unheard and unprotected by the health organization, whilst the psychological support service formally set up by the hospital for its health workers was grossly under-utilised. Instead, support from colleagues and family constituted the main protective factor to counteract negative emotions. Restrictions in social contacts and recreational opportunities were frequently mentioned. Several respondents reported a sense of pride for their work and commitment; many others saw in the pandemic an opportunity for personal growth and better focus on important life values, like family and solidarity.

Keywords: COVID-19; online survey; health workers; unmet needs; qualitative analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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