The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cath lab nurses and technologists, according to a new study published in the Journal of Invasive Cardiology.
Researchers heard from 450 respondents from the United States for the study, including 283 nurses and 167 technologists. To participate in the study, individuals had to complete a 45-question survey online.
Overall, 95% of respondents said they had experienced decrease morale due to the pandemic. The reasons for such a drop of morale are fairly clear when reviewing the other survey answers.
For example, 74% of nurses and technologists said their lab had seen a decrease of 75% or more in patient volume due to the pandemic. Also, work hours were decreased for 65% of nurses and technologists, and 12% witnessed lay-offs of full-time staff.
To increase the potential for stress or anxiety even more, 68% of respondents said they are their family’s primary financial provider.
“A pandemic with such diverse global and local impact as COVID-19 has not been experienced in this lifetime within the United States healthcare system,” wrote lead author Bailey Ann Estes, BSN, of Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas, and colleagues. “A majority of attention and resources has been placed on the patient and physician experience, both in the media and within professional societal consensus documents. Our study suggests that particular attention and resources should also be paid to nurses and technologists for their wellbeing and potential for increased mental and financial distress, particularly for those in large urban hospitals with high COVID-19 census, those at risk for staff relocation, layoffs and furloughs, and when preparedness and administrative communication is perceived as poor.”
Click here to read more from Estes et al.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.