COVID-19 impacts on maternity neonatal health workers

Globally the COVID-19 pandemic has led to healthcare worker shortages, posed a risk of transmission between patients and staff, and changed the way maternity and neonatal care is provided. This study will use an online anonymous survey to explore the psychosocial and workplace impacts of COVID-19 on RBWH maternity and neonatal care providers. Outcomes will help to identify workers most vulnerable to poor outcomes during significant health events such as COVID-19 and develop strategies that protect this essential workforce, ensuring continuity and sustainability of effective patient care. The study will assess: 1.Perceived risk of personal harm from COVID-19 and how effective healthcare workers believe their workplace has been at protecting them from harm 2.Factors that impacted staff capacity to work, including sick leave and work absences, exposure to adverse outcomes in the workplace and incidence of post- traumatic stress symptoms 3.The impact of COVID-19 on broader social (e.g. family and caregiving responsibilities) and lifestyle factors (e.g. exercise, substance use and media consumption) This project will highlight strengths and weaknesses within Queensland Health Metro North Maternity and Neonatal Health Unit's response, as perceived by its workers, and guide further research and policy development across the hospitals. Outcomes from this research will also have potential to inform broader research, service provision and policy related to the provision of effective healthcare services during major health crises, such as pandemics, across hospital systems.