Experiences of the COVID-19 Lockdown and Telehealth in Aotearoa New Zealand: Lessons and Insights from Mental Health Clinicians.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed health service delivery and daily life. There is limited research exploring health professional experiences with these changes. This research explores mental health clinicians' experiences over the first COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand to inform future pandemic responses and improve usual business practices.

Method

Thirty-three outpatient mental health clinicians in three Aotearoa New Zealand regions took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed thematically applying an interpretive description methodology.

Results

Three key themes emerged: (1) life in lockdown, (2) collegial support, and (3) maintaining well-being. Clinicians, fearful of contracting COVID-19, struggled to adapt to working from home

SUBMITTER: Werkmeister BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10049248 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature