The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on healthcare systems around the globe, impacting not only the physical well-being of the population but also the mental health and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals. Infection control nurses (ICNs), who stand at the forefront of implementing infection control measures and safeguarding public health, have experienced significant challenges during this period. A recent study published in the “American Journal of Infection Control” highlights the alarming trend of increased job stress, burnout, and turnover intentions among ICNs, which could threaten the sustainability and efficacy of healthcare institutions, especially during a pandemic. (DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.01.001)
The Alarming Findings of the Study
In a cross-sectional study conducted by researchers Lee Jae Eun and Kim Sung Ran from the Infection Control Team at Korea University Guro Hospital, in collaboration with Chun Byung Chul from the Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 203 ICNs employed in hospitals with more than 200 beds in South Korea were surveyed (from October 1 to 22, 2021). The study aimed to assess the associations between job stress, burnout, and turnover intention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings, which are both eye-opening and concerning, show a clear connection between the work conditions brought on by the pandemic and the negative psychological outcomes for these essential healthcare workers.
The Path Analysis Results
The study found that work intensity related to COVID-19 infection control was significantly associated with higher levels of job stress (p<0.001) and burnout (p=0.035) among infection control nurses. These outcomes shed light not only on the immediate impact of the pandemic but also on the potential long-term consequences for the healthcare workforce. Furthermore, both job stress (p=0.019) and burnout (p<0.001) were found to be positively correlated with the intention to leave the job.
Understanding the Dynamics of ICNs Work Environment
Infection control nurses are tasked with implementing stringent measures to curb the spread of infections within healthcare settings. During a pandemic like COVID-19, the demand for their expertise increases exponentially, leading to heightened workloads and responsibilities. The intensive nature of their work, coupled with the fear of contracting the virus and possibly transmitting it to family members, adds to the psychological burden faced by these professionals.
Implications of Work Intensity on Job Satisfaction and Staffing
This study underscores the critical need for the development of strategies aimed at reducing turnover intentions among ICNs. With a predominately female workforce in this field (95% of the participants in the study were women), the findings also point towards a gendered impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers.
The potential turnover of experienced infection control staff could result in a weakened response to the current pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks. As noted in the study, in scenarios involving emerging infectious diseases, having a well-prepared and adequately staffed infection control team is vital in managing work intensity and safeguarding the mental health of these key healthcare providers.
Endeavors to Alleviate Stress and Burnout
Implementing comprehensive support systems for infection control nurses is imperative in preventing job burnout and turnover. This includes the provision of adequate personal protective equipment, proper training, psychological support, ensuring sufficient rest periods, and potential policy interventions that can ease workloads during extreme circumstances.
Conclusion
The study conducted by Lee Jae Eun, Kim Sung Ran, and Chun Byung Chul sheds light on the undeniable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and job perspectives of infection control nurses. These findings serve as a call to action for healthcare institutions, policymakers, and society at large to support those who have dedicated their lives to combatting infectious diseases and protecting public health.
It becomes imperative to explore and introduce effective measures that can attenuate the effects of job stress and burnout and lower the turnover intentions among ICNs, ensuring that the healthcare systems retain their capacity to respond to ongoing and future healthcare challenges.
References
1. Lee Jae Eun, Kim Sung Ran, Chun Byung Chul. “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infection control nurses: A path analysis of job stress, burnout, and turnover intention.” American Journal of Infection Control, 2024 Jan 11; S0196-6553(24)00001-4. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.01.001
2. The American Journal of Infection Control
3. Korea University Guro Hospital Infection Control Team
4. Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine
5. Chun Byung Chul (Corresponding Author) Electronic address: chun@korea.ac.kr
Keywords
1. Infection Control Nurses Burnout
2. COVID-19 Healthcare Staffing
3. Nurse Turnover Intention
4. ICNs Job Stress Pandemic
5. Infection Control Work Intensity