The second part of a study launched in June will ask Windsor-Essex healthcare workers to complete a short survey indicating how the pandemic is affecting their mental health.

The goal is to explore ways to support, promote, and restore the emotional well-being of healthcare staff who have experienced so much during the COVID-19 pandemic. Completion of the survey during Wave 2 will allow the research team — from the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare — to compare overall trends.

More than 400 healthcare workers responded to June’s survey. The team is hoping to get the same level of participation, if not more, this time around. Part two of the survey is open to end of November, with a goal of sharing study findings in the new year.

Research associate Jennifer Voth said the results of the initial survey indicated high levels of stress caused by concerns of being infected, passing on the virus, and access to personal protective equipment.

“What is important to continue to highlight through this study is how healthcare leaders can protect, prepare, support, and care for their staff as they continue to work effectively through this pandemic,” she said.

The research project is supported by the Igniting Discovery grant program of WE-Spark Health Institute.