FACTORS MOTIVATING HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO WORK DURING A PANDEMIC

Background In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government in Bulgaria and health authorities faced difficult problems. The challenges facing healthcare workers tested their professionalism and motivation to perform their professional duties. Material and methods In March 2022, a direct anonymous online survey was conducted with healthcare workers who were students in the ‘Management of Healthcare’ master’s program. The results were compared with results obtained in 2021. Results The fear of infecting loved ones is the factor with the strongest negative influence on motivation, followed by the reporting of new cases and the lack of effective treatment. A sense of professional and moral duty and job satisfaction were the main motivators for continuing to work during the pandemic. For motivation to work in a future pandemic, important conditions are additional pay, adequate number of staff and regular provision of protective equipment, as well as an increase in public trust in the health authorities. Conclusions Studying work motivation among healthcare workers is important for preparing society and dealing with future pandemics. Effective treatment and additional pay are motivating factors for work in a future pandemic.