An audit of the well-being of staff working in intellectual disability settings in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

McMahon, M. and Hatton, C. and Stansfield, J. and Cockayne, G. (2020) An audit of the well-being of staff working in intellectual disability settings in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 25 (4). pp. 237-246. ISSN 1359-5474

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Abstract

Purpose: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide. Individuals with intellectual disability are at a disproportionate risk of mortality, given the health inequalities they experience. This puts a significant burden of responsibility on staff who support these individuals. Consequently, this study aims to establish a baseline of the well-being of staff working in intellectual disability services in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was carried out using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, a brief measure of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and a brief measure of anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7). Findings: In total, 285 staff in the Republic of Ireland completed the survey. These staff reported moderate levels of personal and work-related burnout and mild levels of anxiety and depression. Higher mean scores were recorded across scales from staff who worked in independent living settings and from staff who supported individuals with challenging behaviour. Originality/value: This study, an audit, provides initial data on the well-being of staff working with individuals with intellectual disability in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights that employers need to consider staff well-being, given the levels of personal and work-related burnout, and anxiety and depression that were found. This is particularly true for staff who work in independent living settings and with adults with challenging behaviour. Future research should focus on proactive strategies for improving staff well-being in the short term, given the current resurgence of COVID-19 in Ireland. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Tizard Learning Disability Review
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2738
Subjects:
?? auditburnoutcovid-19intellectual disabilityirelandstaffpsychiatry and mental healthphychiatric mental healthsocial psychologydevelopmental and educational psychologyclinical psychology ??
ID Code:
150096
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
18 Dec 2020 10:30
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
25 Aug 2024 23:50