Caring for the careers: A psychosocial support model for healthcare workers during a pandemic
Moyo, Idah; Tshivhase, Livhuwani; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further placed
additional stress on the already fragile and overstretched healthcare system in Zimbabwe.
Most healthcare institutions reported staff shortages, inability to cope with the extra workload,
burnout and the resultant psychological implications.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop a psychosocial support model that sustains a support
structure that will contribute to an enabling work environment promoting efficiency and
effectiveness in response to public health emergencies.
Method: Empirical findings from interpretive phenomenological analysis studies on healthcare
workers’ experiences during the COVID-19 in Zimbabwe formed the basis for model
development. The model development in this study was informed by the work of Donabedian,
Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach, Walker and Avant, Chinn, Kramer and Wilkes.
Results: The developed model is described using the elements of Donabedian’s framework
(structure, process and outcome) and of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach’s (1968) practice
theory elements (agents, recipients, context, process, dynamics and outcome) and within the
national and international context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: The fragile and under-resourced healthcare system has psychosocial implications
to the well-being of healthcare workers. The utilisation of this model is critical and facilitates
the provision of an enabling and supportive environment that facilitates efficiency in response
activities during pandemics.
Contribution: This study provides a reference guide in the provision of psychosocial support
for healthcare workers particularly during public health emergencies. There is paucity of
evidence focusing on the well-being of healthcare workers during a crisis, hence the significance
of this study
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