Health workers coping strategies during the extreneous period of COVID-19: a case study of the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya

Abstract

Extraneous periods like the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic undeniably placed unprecedented strain on public health systems, resulting in creased health demand using limited health resources. This put additional strain on the health workforce leading to burnout challenges. Yet, little research has been done to specifically assess health worker response and coping strategies during this period. This study sought to assess coping strategies for burnout among health workers during the extraneous period of COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, with a focus on the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH). Specific objectives included to i) establish the extent and consequences of burnout among HCWs during the extraneous period, ii) identify coping strategies HCWs use to manage burnout during the extraneous period, iii) determine coping strategies the KUTRH used to manage burnout among HCWs during extraneous period, and iv) determine the relationship between coping strategies (individual vs. institution) and burnout dimensions. The study adopted descriptive design and collected primary data using self-administered questionnaire with the aid of Google Form. From the sampled 196 HCWs, a total of 82 HCWs adequately filled and submitted their questionnaire links with descriptive and regression analysis conducted to make study inferences. The study found that consequences of burnout for HCWs who cared for COVID-19 patients included depression, reduced productivity, medical error, and alcohol abuse. Burnout was not associated with severe family and/or work relationship challenges and other forms of substance use. Regression analyses revealed that individual coping strategies were superior to institutional coping strategies within the Hospital. Majority of health workers relied on acceptance, personal effort, and positive reframing to manage burnout. Despite the demonstrable burnout, the study revealed low utilization of institutional mechanisms for helping staff avoid and/or manage burnout, suggesting that the Hospital may not have provided adequate organizational support, training, sponsored counselling initiatives, and open communication help staff cope with the pandemic. The study concludes that the absence of institutional strategies for managing burnout exposes staff to detrimental consequences and recommends that hospital management examine the adequacy and effectiveness of their institutional coping strategies to both improve staff work experience and strengthen overall performance, more so, during extraneous periods.

Keywords: Burnout, personal burnout, work-related burnout, patient-related burnout, healthcare workers