Website posts and the voice of frontline healthcare workers: a thematic analysis

Abstract

Purpose

With the soaring rise in popularity of social media platforms in recent decades, the use of website posts for the expression of work-related views has also increased. Despite websites being extensively used, there has been no examination of the views and concerns expressed by frontline workers through website posts. The present research aims to contribute to the “voice literature” first by evaluating how frontline workers utilize anonymous media platforms to express their views and work-related concerns and, second, by demonstrating how anonymous voice systems can encourage frontline health workers in providing feedback and dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes the thematic analysis method to analyze the content of posts by psychologists on a collaborative consultation website administrated by Israel’s Ministry of Health, discussing their perceptions of work-related concerns.

Findings

The analysis identified three work-related themes through the employees' voices. These include insufficient support from management, conflicts and excessive occupational demands. The workers expressed their apprehension with regard to organizational pressures, deficient budget allocations, excessive workloads, lack of recognition and work–life imbalances.

Originality/value

The application of thematic analysis method to anonymous open-public data should be viewed as an effective, affordable, genuine and unique research method for data analysis. Anonymous platforms can generate unique insights that may not be possible through traditional means. This can provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of various issues and challenges and be a useful tool for identifying shortcomings within health settings.

Citation

Semyonov-Tal, K. (2024), "Website posts and the voice of frontline healthcare workers: a thematic analysis", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 38 No. 7, pp. 1072-1089. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-06-2023-0179