Table 2 Perceived quality of work during COVID-19
Open-ended responses (n = 72) | Participant quotes | |
|---|---|---|
Quality of Work Improved | 17 (23%)a | "As unfortunate as COVID has been for our community, it allowed for creativity in our treatment with patients in both maintenance and enrollment. I provide OUD and Narcan training and I have been able to connect with many individuals/facilities through webinars." |
Improved Organization | 2 (12%)b | "Due to going mostly virtual, I have had to become much more reorganized to manage everyone that is also virtual." |
More Worktime | 3 (18%)b | "I have more time to plan/prepare for sessions and more time to spend with patients." |
Fewer Distractions | 3 (18%)b | "Staff can tend to personal needs as well as client's needs more directly, without the distractions and hold-ups of being on-site. Staff prefers to work alone." |
Other | 12 (71%)b | "Due to loosened telehealth and prescribing limitations." |
Quality of Work Decreased | 31 (42%)a | "[I] usually am motivated by working with the clients. Just talking to the clients over the phone does not provide for a feeling of accomplishment, on my part. Feel that I could help the client more in their progress through their recovery face to face as compared to through a phone that does not allow you to watch their body language and behaviors." |
Work Overload/Longer Hours | 5 (16%)c | "My workload has increased but productivity with clients has decreased because clients are not returning calls." |
Client Needs & Barriers | 19 (61%)c | "I have found it more difficult to challenge clients and broach difficult issues during phone sessions and telehealth sessions. I think this stems from my concern about client safety and a fear that they will terminate session and I have limited recourse to offer support/ensure safety from there. " |
Stressed/Burned Out/Emotionally Drained | 5 (16%)c | "I find telehealth and phone sessions more draining. I also feel like there's increased pressure to prove we are remaining productive during COVID." |
Other | 16 (52%)c | "Constant push to understand telehealth may be the new normal.” |
No Difference in Work Quality | 24 (32%)a | "No change." |