Abstract
Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) had a greater occupational risk of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reported higher rates of long COVID (LC). This has implications for the provision of health care in already stretched health services.
Aims
This study explored the impact of LC on a range of UK National Health Service (NHS) HCWs, their health and well-being, the effect on work patterns, and occupational support received.
Methods
Mixed-methods study, online survey and qualitative interviews. Participants self-reporting LC symptoms were recruited through social media and NHS channels. Interviews used maximum variation sampling of 50 HCWs including healthcare professionals, ancillary and administration staff. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.
Results
A total of 471 HCWs completed the online survey. Multiple LC symptoms were reported, revealing activity limitations for 90%. Two-thirds had taken sick leave, 18% were off-work and 33% reported changes in work duties. There were few differences in work practices by occupational group. Most participants were working but managing complex and dynamic symptoms, with periods of improvement and exacerbation. They engaged in a range of strategies: rest, pacing, planning and prioritizing, with work prioritized over other aspects of life. Symptom improvements were often linked to occupational medicine, managerial, colleague support and flexible workplace adjustments.
Conclusions
LC has a significant impact on the lives of HCWs suffering prolonged symptoms. Due to the variability and dynamic nature of symptoms, workplace support and flexible policies are needed to help retain staff.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) had a greater occupational risk of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reported higher rates of long COVID (LC). This has implications for the provision of health care in already stretched health services.
Aims
This study explored the impact of LC on a range of UK National Health Service (NHS) HCWs, their health and well-being, the effect on work patterns, and occupational support received.
Methods
Mixed-methods study, online survey and qualitative interviews. Participants self-reporting LC symptoms were recruited through social media and NHS channels. Interviews used maximum variation sampling of 50 HCWs including healthcare professionals, ancillary and administration staff. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.
Results
A total of 471 HCWs completed the online survey. Multiple LC symptoms were reported, revealing activity limitations for 90%. Two-thirds had taken sick leave, 18% were off-work and 33% reported changes in work duties. There were few differences in work practices by occupational group. Most participants were working but managing complex and dynamic symptoms, with periods of improvement and exacerbation. They engaged in a range of strategies: rest, pacing, planning and prioritizing, with work prioritized over other aspects of life. Symptom improvements were often linked to occupational medicine, managerial, colleague support and flexible workplace adjustments.
Conclusions
LC has a significant impact on the lives of HCWs suffering prolonged symptoms. Due to the variability and dynamic nature of symptoms, workplace support and flexible policies are needed to help retain staff.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 78–85 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Occupational Medicine |
| Volume | 74 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 10 Dec 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2024 |
Bibliographical note
FundingThis work was supported by the Chief Scientist Office (COV/LTE/20/32) which is part of the Scottish Government Health Directorates. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and analysis or preparation of the manuscript.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the expert advisory group, some with lived experience, for their contributions to the study design, recruitment and for providing feedback throughout. The authors are grateful to all study participants for their time and energy in taking part in this research.