What Gave Us Strength: Perspectives From Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Staff on Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION

There is limited evidence on the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) needs of staff working at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Australia. The current study employed qualitative research methods to explore ACCHS staff's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their SEWB, and to identify factors that provided strength.

METHODS

Yarning Circles and one-on-one Yarns were employed to explore clinical and non-clinical ACCHS staff's experiences. Participants included staff who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or were non-Indigenous. Thirty-one staff from 5 ACCHSs participated in 7 Yarning Circles and 3 one-on-one Yarns, between December 2021 and June 2022. Staff shared their perspectives on (i) ACCHSs' responses, (ii) community and staff reaction, and (iii) impact of service-level changes on their SEWB. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The main themes identified as impacting ACCHS staff's SEWB were: (1) constant change and prolonged stress, (2) community as a source of strength, (3) leadership safeguarding community and staff, (4) pride in their response, and (5) opportunities to lessen psychological toll. Staff were motivated by the seamlessness of their roles. They were motivated by positive work environment, reliable infection control measures, and resourceful leadership. Major concerns included fear of contracting and transmitting infection, and long-term consequences of disrupted patient care. There was a lack of awareness among staff about formal SEWB support, and if aware they were hesitant to use services due to cultural safety and privacy concerns. A major source of support for ACCHS staff was peer support.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic ACCHS staff experienced prolonged stress exacerbated by constant changes, inconsistent information, misinformation, and lack of resources. Staff found strength in community, cultural connections, and management's response. Informal peer support was important in upholding ACCHS staff's SEWB, suggesting that structured peer support can provide ongoing support.