Coping with COVID-19. Work life experiences of nursing, midwifery and paramedic academics: An international interview study

Brown, Janie, Slatyer, Susan, Jakimowicz, Samantha, Maben, Jill, Calleja, Pauline, Donovan, Helen, Cusack, Lynette, Cameron, Dawn, Cope, Vicki, Levett-Jones, Tracy, Williamson, Moira, Klockner, Karen, Walsh, Alison, Arnold-Chamney, Melissa, Hollingdrake, Olivia, Thoms, Debra, and Duggan, Ravani (2022) Coping with COVID-19. Work life experiences of nursing, midwifery and paramedic academics: An international interview study. Nurse Education Today, 119. 105560.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.1055...
 
2
1


Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March 2020. By June 2022, the total deaths worldwide attributed to COVID-19 numbered over 6.3 million. Health professionals have been significantly impacted worldwide primarily those working on the frontline but also those working in other areas including nursing, midwifery, and paramedic higher education. Studies of occupational stress have focused on the clinical health professional roles but scant attention has been drawn to the pressures on university-based academic staff supporting and preparing professionals for frontline health work.

Design and objectives: This qualitative study sought to explore the challenges experienced by health academics (nurses, midwives and paramedics), during COVID-19 and identify strategies enlisted. Setting and participants: Six Australian and two United Kingdom universities collaborated, from which 34 health academics were individually interviewed via video or teleconference, using six broad questions. Ethical approval was obtained from the lead site and each participating University. Data analysis: Thematic analysis of the data was employed collaboratively across institutions, using Braun and Clarke's method.

Results: Data analysis generated four major themes describing academics': Experiences of change; perceptions of organisational responses; professional and personal impacts; and strategies to support wellbeing. Stress, anxiety and uncertainty of working from home and teaching in a different way were reported. Strategies included setting workday routine, establishing physical boundaries for home-working and regular online contact with colleagues.

Conclusions: The ability of nursing, midwifery and, paramedic academic staff to adapt to a sudden increase in workload, change in teaching practices and technology, while being removed from their work environment, and collegial, academic and technological supports is highlighted. It was recognised that these changes will continue post-COVID and that the way academics deliver education is forever altered.

Item ID: 81885
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1532-2793
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Midwife academic, Nurse academic, Occupational stress, Paramedic academic, Professional role, Qualitative, Well-being
Copyright Information: © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Date Deposited: 25 Mar 2024 00:09
FoR Codes: 39 EDUCATION > 3904 Specialist studies in education > 390412 Teacher and student wellbeing @ 100%
SEO Codes: 16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1601 Learner and learning > 160102 Higher education @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page