Health care provider outcomes during and shortly after acute care restructuring in Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

Objectives

To monitor changes in human resource indicators during six years of restructuring in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to measure providers’ perceptions of reform impact and attitudinal and behavioural reactions comparing changes in the St John's region, where hospital aggregation occurred, to other regions.

Methods

Data on human resource indicators from 1995/96 to 2001/02 were obtained and analysed. The Employee Attitude Survey was sent to acute care staff (n=5353) to assess perceptions of reform impact on workplace conditions, work-related attitudes, turnover intentions and personal characteristics. The response rate for 2000 and 2002 was approximately 42% (n=1222 and 1034, respectively). Only respondents to both surveys (n=589) were used in the analysis.

Results

Increases in average employee and full-time equivalent numbers occurred in the St John's region, despite hospital closure and aggregation. Increases in staff dislocation and turnover were observed, but paid sick hours decreased. Sick leave and overtime costs increased. Although perceived workplace conditions, and attitudes and behaviours were generally negative, there was evidence of improvement over time, especially in St John's. Few significant regional or provider group differences were observed on most study variables.

Conclusions

Aggregation of hospitals in StJohn's did not lead to a decrease in employee counts, or deterioration in human resource indicators or attitudes. However, province-wide initiatives are needed to promote more positive work environments and increase organizational effectiveness.