Factors affecting the professional functioning of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To examine personal and organisational factors related to professional functioning of nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Exposure to COVID-19-related stressors has been associated with lower self-reported professional functioning among health care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 115 hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel was designed to explore (a) personal professional functioning, (b) clarity of guidelines, (c) work organisation by the management, and (d) health care workers' feeling of contribution to a global effort. Results: A feeling of contribution to a global effort while treating patients with COVID-19 mediated the relationships between work organisation by the management and professional functioning (β =.05, p <.05). The clarity of guidelines for routine procedures (β =.21, p <.05) and a feeling of β contribution to a global effort (β =.34, p <.01) positively predicted professional functioning of nurses and physicians during COVID-19 pandemic (R² =.19, p <.01). Conclusions: In order to achieve optimal functioning of health care workers in an emergency, managers should provide clear guidelines and promote workers' feelings of contribution to a global effort. Implications for Nursing Management: The provision of clear guidelines and protocols is essential for efficient emergency management. Expressing appreciation for health care workers and providing positive feedback may improve professional functioning.