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

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  • Benjamin J. Werkmeister

    (School of Health, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
    Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand, Psychological Medicine, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
    Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago-Wellington, Wellington 6242, New Zealand)

  • Anne M. Haase

    (School of Health, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Theresa Fleming

    (School of Health, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Tara N. Officer

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6021, New Zealand)

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 while maintaining their well-being, due to a lack of resources, inadequate pandemic planning, and poor communication between management and clinicians. They were uncomfortable bringing clients notionally into their own homes, and found it difficult to separate home and work spheres. Māori clinicians reported feeling displaced from their clients and community. Conclusion: Rapid changes in service delivery negatively impacted clinician well-being. This impact is not lessened by a return to normal work conditions. Additional support is required to improve clinician work conditions and ensure adequate resourcing and supervision to enable clinicians to work effectively within a pandemic context.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin J. Werkmeister & Anne M. Haase & Theresa Fleming & Tara N. Officer, 2023. "Experiences of the COVID-19 Lockdown and Telehealth in Aotearoa New Zealand: Lessons and Insights from Mental Health Clinicians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:4791-:d:1091619
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Selim Arpacioglu & Meltem Gurler & Suleyman Cakiroglu, 2021. "Secondary Traumatization Outcomes and Associated Factors Among the Health Care Workers Exposed to the COVID-19," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(1), pages 84-89, February.
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