gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: Health care workers (HCWs) are key to health systems resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been under considerable stress due to a high workload, increased risk of infection, and concomitant negative consequences on health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has thus put the spotlight on the generally problematic work conditions of HCWs – many of which are women –, including shift work, poor pay, and lack of recognition. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on health care workers, multiple organisations are advocating for better support to the health workforce both during pandemics and in routine health care.

Research question and objective: Our aim is to analyse the experiences of HCWs in Germany and Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to identify their challenges, support needs, and coping mechanisms and to better prepare them and the German health system for future health crises.

Method or hypothesis: The study focuses on two target groups: HCWs and decision makers with responsibility for policies and management related to HCWs. Data will be presented from interviews, focus group discussions and a survey with HCWs from three German federal states reflecting different burden of COVID-19 as well as from semi-structured expert interviews.

Results: Stressors related to work and private life that were experienced by HCWs as well as sources of stress, support needs, and the impact of these factors on health and well-being will be presented. Particular emphasis will be placed on analysing the role of individual coping strategies and various sources of support, including peer, community, institutional, and governmental support, in successfully dealing with stressors.

Discussion: Crucial protective factors and sources of support that can help HCWs to cope with stressors during pandemics will be discussed. Conclusions are drawn about policies and interventions that could potentially support HCWs and thereby both strengthen health systems resilience and improve the general work situation of HCWs.

Practical implications: On the basis of the evidence generated by the study, specific recommendations for how to better support HCWs can be derived.

Appeal for practice (science and/or care) in one sentence: Decision makers have to tackle the structural weaknesses in health services that have become apparent during the pandemic by improving the situation of the health workforce in order to build a resilient health system which can function in times of crisis.

Funding: Einzelförderung (BMG, DRV, BMBF, DFG, etc)