Table 4.

HCW experiences of the pandemic—dominant themes, sub-themes, and illustrative quotes from analysis of free-text responses.

Themes and Subthemes #	Illustrative Quote (Occupational Group, Healthcare Setting)
Working in a complex and changing environment Physical and emotional toll Keeping up with frequent policy and practice changes Moral injury, especially related to visitor restrictions Inescapability, difficulty “switching off”	“Working through COVID in healthcare has been incredibly stressful and draining, we’re nowhere near finished, and most of us are trying to pour from empty cups.” (Allied health worker, hospital) “In a role that is very time poor, it was and remains a constant battle to ensure we are up to date with the latest protocols, knowledge, risks and assessments about Covid.” (Nurse, hospital) “I have never worked so hard in my entire career. I feel mentally and physically drained after work and it takes all of my days off to recuperate then I am back at work being brought down again.” (Paramedic, ambulance)
Concerns about patient/resident care Changed patient-clinician interface Isolation and deconditioning Long term impacts	“The impact of isolation on residents was heartbreaking and resulted in significant deconditioning which we are only seeing now.” (Nurse, hospital) “As a social worker we are working with the shadow pandemic of family violence and mental illness to a degree we have never seen before. This will go on for years to come–trying to pick up the pieces.” (Allied health, hospital)
Isolation and disconnection Fear of bringing COVID-19 home Personal and profession isolation	“My fear of passing something on, as well as the sadness of limiting my contact [with family] out of those fears has had a significant negative impact on my general wellbeing and family closeness.” (Paramedic, ambulance) “I found the whole experience frightening—I can only speak for myself but I was living in fear every day of getting COVID or giving it to someone.” (Nurse, hospital)
Positive experiences Rising to the challenge Renewed perspective	“I did feel a sense of pride about the way our team rose to the challenge and provided such empathetic and respectful care in such a challenging time.” (Nurse, hospital) “The experience with Covid-19 made me perceive the world differently. I no longer want to keep working extra hours and decided to work 4 days a week. I decided to spend time on myself and surrounding people more than pre-covid.” (Nurse, aged-care)

^# Themes appear in bold text; sub themes appear as bullet points.