April 04, 2023
The report finds healthcare workers feared for their personal safety during the pandemic because of a lack of protective equipment and the absence of any systematic support and security that left many feeling undervalued. It highlights the following issues:
- Vaccination information and training needs to be revised to address hesitancy and rejection;
- There’s a lack of support for staff related to the disruption that occurred to their education, with the closure of education centres and postponement or cancellation of clinical placements; and
- Efforts are needed to protect healthcare workers from chronic violence and they should have a greater say in high-level planning, strategy and decision making about the policies they’re responsible for carrying out.
The report concludes there needs to be a greater involvement of healthcare professionals in efforts to rebuild healthcare systems after the pandemic to contribute to global preparedness and health security.