Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Director of Thesis

dr. Shan Qiao

First Reader

Dr. Cheuk Chi (George) Tam

Second Reader

Dr. Cheuk Chi (George) Tam

Abstract

HIV-related services have been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina (SC). However, many HIV care facilities demonstrated their organizational resilience in adapting to new challenges. One facilitator of organizational resilience, psychological resilience, has become increasingly studied in the health area during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the heightened burdens placed on healthcare workers. Psychological resilience in regard to healthcare facilities is defined as the ability of the health workforce to adapt to adversity and is beneficial to mental health outcomes of the employees. Current literature on psychological resilience has identified facilitators such as support from leadership, a positive work environment, self-care, a manageable workload, flexibility, and adequate planning and protocols. This study aims to identify facilitators of psychological resilience among AIDS Services Organizations (ASOs) in SC. In-depth interviews were conducted with leaders from ASOs across SC during summer of 2020. The interviews were recorded after consent and transcribed. All transcripts were coded using a codebook based on the interview guide. Thematic analysis approach was used in data analysis. NVivo 11.0 was employed in data management and analysis. Findings pinpoint several facilitators, including 1) having planning and protocols to promote staff safety, 2) timely and accurate communication, 3) support from leadership and the organization itself, 4) external support for flow of resources, and 5) a collaborative and supportive work environment. The lessons learned from the front-line healthcare providers will enable the ASOs to better support their employees in the event of another crisis event, thereby improving overall organizational resilience.

First Page

1

Last Page

23

Rights

© 2022, Callie Shirley

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