Providing Trauma-Informed Care During a Pandemic: How Health Care Workers at Ryan White-Funded Clinics in the Southeastern United States Responded to COVID-19 and Its Effects on Their Well-Being

J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2024 Jan-Dec:23:23259582241235779. doi: 10.1177/23259582241235779.

Abstract

As HIV/AIDS health care workers (HCWs) deliver services during COVID-19 under difficult conditions, practicing trauma-informed care (TIC) may mitigate negative effects on mental health and well-being. This secondary qualitative analysis of a larger mixed methods study sought to understand the pandemic's impact on HCWs at Ryan White-funded clinics (RWCs) across the southeastern US and assess changes in prioritization of TIC. RWC administrators, providers, and staff were asked about impacts on clinic operations/culture, HCW well-being, institutional support for well-being, and prioritization of TIC. HCWs described strenuous work environments and decreased well-being (eg, increased stress, burnout, fear, and social isolation) due to COVID-19. RWCs initiated novel responses to disruptions of clinic operations and culture to encourage continuity in care and promote HCW well-being. Despite increased awareness of the need for TIC, prioritization remained variable. Implementing and institutionalizing trauma-informed practices could strengthen continuity in care and safeguard HCW well-being during public health emergencies.

Keywords: COVID-19; HIV/AIDS; Ryan White; health care workers; well-being.

Plain language summary

COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Well-being of Ryan White Health Care Workers in the Southeastern United States.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Southeastern United States / epidemiology