Abstract

ROFINO, Rui; FIGUEIREDO, Daniela  and  RIBEIRO, Óscar. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hemodyalisis healthcare workers. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.1, pp.97-109.  Epub Apr 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230110.

The COVID-19 and the resultant implemented measures lead to an even more intricate management of healthcare services. This management is of particular complexity in hemodialysis centers, which might impact in the healthcare workers (HCW) at those settings. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in HCW who work at hemodialysis centers, as well as their levels of burnout. A mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) was used, based on a semi-structured interview and on the application of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The HCW were recruited from a hemodialysis center in the northern region of Portugal and the interviews were conducted through videocall. The sample was comprised of 19 nurses, 4 physicians, and 2 pharmacists (N = 25). Three main themes have emerged from the interviews’ qualitative analysis: (1) Impacts of working during the pandemic; (2) Strategies to cope with adversities; and (3) Future perspectives about working in hemodialysis care. Regarding burnout, the results showed that 32% of the participants presented Emotional Exhaustion, 4% Depersonalization, and 12% diminished Personal Accomplishment. Overall, the HCW interviewed faced several challenges during the pandemic (increased workload, etc.) which they overcame by using effective coping mechanisms, specifically peer support. The fact that one third of the sample have experienced emotional exhaustion shows the importance of monitoring HCW’s mental health.

Keywords : COVID-19; Healthcare workers; Hemodialysis; Occupational health; Mental health; Burnout.

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