New research to give insight into long-term impacts of pandemic
After months of caring for others and bearing the brunt of Victoria’s surging coronavirus cases, a flurry of research projects are being kicked to monitor the long-term impacts the pandemic has on the state’s health workers.
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Thousands of Victorian healthcare workers will be studied to monitor the long-term impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has on their mental health and wellbeing.
After months of caring for others and bearing the brunt of Victoria’s coronavirus cases, a flurry of research projects are being kicked off into the health of doctors, nurses, hospital workers and first responders.
Three of the latest are being backed by the Andrews government, with Minister for Medical Research Jaala Pulford announcing $3 million to support studies examining the stress, anxiety and fatigue felt by Melbourne and regional workers.
The push comes as a Box Hill Hospital outbreak grew to 14 cases on Tuesday, and appears set to grow further on Wednesday. Seven cases still being investigated appear linked to the Box Hill Hospital, including four cases from the same household. Extra inquiries are taking place to confirm their origin.
Ms Pulford said understanding the immediate and long-term impact the pandemic was having was vital in protecting the healthcare workforce.
“Our health workers have done an amazing job and we know that these efforts can take a toll on individuals and workplaces,” Ms Pulford said.
“Studies such as these are important — they provide support now and insight from workers to guide our efforts in the future.”
Up to 4000 regional health workers will be examined under Bendigo Heath research to evaluate programs that promote good mental health.
In an effort to gauge how the pandemic is impacting health workers in the Loddon Mallee Region, staff from 19 rural and regional health services and five community health centres are set to take part.
In Melbourne, Eastern Health is teaming up with Deakin and Monash Universities to investigate the impacts of work-related stress, fatigue and anxiety among 200 dedicated COVID-19 healthcare workers and their families.
A further 1500 frontline health workers will take part in a study of workplace infection risks, fatigue and stress by The Alfred Hospital, Monash University and WorkSafe Victoria.