Stress responses and health complaints in hospital personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is currently spreading rapidly, and critically ill patients are increasingly admitted to hospitals, putting a heavy toll on already highly pressured healthcare systems worldwide. In response to the crisis, there is an urgent need to identify measures to adequately support critical personnel`s efforts and safeguard their physical and psychological health and well-being. Objective This study aims to map Covid-19 related work strain factors and critical incidents and investigate the potential impact on levels of distress and health condition during the outbreak. During the critical phases of the outbreak the study will identify risk factors for distress and health complaints and suggest measures needed to be implemented to reduce their impact. Methods The study recruits health care personnel involved in treatment of hospitalized patients infected of Covid-19 in different hospital units in four regional university hospital in Norway. Participants report on Covid-19 work strain and critical incidents at work, individual and work place related factors, work schedules, levels of psychological distress and health complaints including headache, musculoskeletal pain, sleep problems and burn-out. Sensors measuring activity and rest compliment self-reported data of sleep and rest. In analyses of the data we will apply a mixed methods approach, using qualitative and quantitative data. Participation in the study is based on informed written consent and measures will be taken to protect privacy and ensure voluntary participation. Results This study will provide urgently needed knowledge on how the Covid-19 outbreak impact health care personnel`s work load during the phases of the pandemic and provide critical information to stake holders on risk factors needed to be addressed to reduce work-related stress.