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Table 4 Most challenging aspects during COVID-19

From: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout and perceived workplace quality among addiction treatment providers

Open-ended responses (n = 93)

Participant quotes

Staff Challenges

33 (38%)a

"Staff experiencing the same stress/community trauma alongside their clients. Every normal life stress has been 10 × harder."

 Personal Challenges

16 (48%)b

"We're all struggling to stay motivated and positive."

 Structural Challenges

14 (42%)b

"Performing several extra job duties that were never listed on employment application that are not being compensated for."

 Other

5 (15%)b

"Managing fears of staff and patients in light of incompletely understood pandemic."

Client Challenges

60 (69%)a

“Connecting and engaging clients during phone sessions. Interpreting client message without the benefit of body language and eye contact.”

 Lack of Accountability

27 (45%)c

"As great as telehealth has been for me as a clinician, the client can always ignore the phone call."

 Difficulties Establishing Rapport

14 (23%)c

"The lack of personal interaction with patient while supporting his/her needs."

 Technology Access/Digital Literacy Issues

12 (20%)c

"Getting them on the phone for their services due to lack of cell service, minutes, and poor or outdated phones."

 Other

17 (28%)c

"Making sure that everyone is mindful of safety and educated on the safety guidelines."

  1. aPercentage out of Total Excerpts (N = 93T)
  2. bPercentage out of Parent Code “Staff Challenges”
  3. cPercentage out of Parent Code “Client Challenges”
  4. Parent codes for enjoyment of work are not mutually exclusive (n = 9 assigned more than 1 applicable code); Subcodes for challenges not mutually exclusive (n = 17 assigned more than 1 applicable code)