Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an international
health crisis of a scope not seen in our lifetime. While much attention
has been paid to health workers in critical care and acute areas, nurses
working outside of hospitals are also significantly affected. This study
sought to investigate the experience of nurses working in Australian
primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it
sought to understand the implications on their employment status, role
and access to personal protective equipment.
Design and Method: Nurses employed in primary health care
across Australia were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online
survey through social media and professional organisations. The survey
tool was comprised of demographics, questions about the nurses’
employment and work role and access to personal protective equipment.
Findings: Of the 637 responses received, nearly half (43.7%)
reported a decrease in hours, threatened or actual loss of employment.
While most respondents felt that they had sufficient knowledge about
COVID-19, they expressed concern about work-related risks to themselves
and their family. Most respondents described never or only sometimes
having sufficient personal protective equipment in their workplace. Just
over half of respondents (54.8%) felt well supported by their employer.
A third of respondents (34%) perceived that care provided in their
workplace was significantly or slightly worse than before the pandemic.
Conclusions: This is the first study of primary health care
nurses experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings have
highlighted a concerning level of insecurity around primary health care
nursing employment, as well as issues with the availability of personal
protective equipment for these nurses. The perception that the pandemic
has resulted in reduced quality of care needs further exploration to
ensure that those with chronic conditions are supported to maintain and
promote health.
Clinical Relevance: Understanding the implications of COVID-19
on the primary health care nursing workforce is vital to ensure staff
retention and care quality. Ensuring that the community remain healthy
and supported at home is vital to both reduce the burden on the health
system and reduce secondary mortality.
Keywords: community nursing, pandemic, primary health care,
nursing workforce, primary care.