Working Conditions of Healthcare Professionals and Their Implication in COVID-19 Times: Notes for a Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss healthcare workers’ (HCW) working conditions under the COVID-19 pandemic, including their challenges and needs. Through a brief systematic review, PubMed, and Science Direct, the authors searched up to mid-September 2021. Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis. The majority addressed mental health issues reported by HCWs in COVID-19 times arising from their respective workplace for several reasons: fear of infection, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), insufficient training, among others. The authors also found evidence of other subjects concerning working conditions of HCWs in COVID-19 times, such as physical health, job satisfaction, safety, and training. Empirical evidence urges the establishment of a number of interventions concerning HCWs’ working conditions under the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate risks, especially those tackling mental health issues; to train HCWs in dealing with the pandemic and their resilience; and to have HCWs safely and satisfyingly working.