scholarly journals Mental health and well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: contrasting guidelines with experiences in practice

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norha Vera San Juan ◽  
David Aceituno ◽  
Nehla Djellouli ◽  
Kirsi Sumray ◽  
Nina Regenold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Contextual Characteristics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

Background Substantial evidence has highlighted the importance of considering the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several organisations have issued guidelines with recommendations. However, the definition of well-being and the evidence base behind such guidelines remain unclear. Aims The aims of the study are to assess the applicability of well-being guidelines in practice, identify unaddressed healthcare workers’ needs and provide recommendations for supporting front-line staff during the current and future pandemics. Method This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative study based on interviews with front-line healthcare workers in the UK (n = 33), and examines them in relation to a rapid review of well-being guidelines developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 14). Results The guidelines placed greater emphasis on individual mental health and psychological support, whereas healthcare workers placed greater emphasis on structural conditions at work, responsibilities outside the hospital and the invaluable support of the community. The well-being support interventions proposed in the guidelines did not always respond to the lived experiences of staff, as some reported not being able to participate in these interventions because of understaffing, exhaustion or clashing schedules. Conclusions Healthcare workers expressed well-being needs that aligned with socio-ecological conceptualisations of well-being related to quality of life. This approach to well-being has been highlighted in literature on support of healthcare workers in previous health emergencies, but it has not been monitored during this pandemic. Well-being guidelines should explore the needs of healthcare workers, and contextual characteristics affecting the implementation of recommendations.

scholarly journals Healthcare Workers′ Mental Health and Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK: Contrasting Guidelines with Experiences in Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norha Vera San Juan ◽  
David Aceituno ◽  
Nehla Djellouli ◽  
Kirsi Sumray ◽  
Nina Regenold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

Background Substantial evidence has highlighted the importance of considering healthcare workers′ (HCW) mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several organisations have issued guidelines with recommendations. However, the definition of wellbeing and the evidence-base behind such guidelines remains unclear. Objectives Assessing the applicability of wellbeing guidelines in practice; identify unaddressed HCWs′ needs; and provide recommendations for supporting frontline staff during the current and future pandemics. Methods and Design This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative study based on interviews with frontline healthcare staff in the UK and examines them in relation to a rapid review of wellbeing guidelines developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 14 guidelines were included in the rapid review and 33 interviews with HCWs were conducted in the qualitative study. As a whole, the guidelines placed greater emphasis on wellbeing at an individual level, while HCWs placed greater emphasis on structural conditions at work, such as understaffing and the invaluable support of the community. This in turn had implications for the focus of wellbeing intervention strategies; staff reported an increased availability of formal mental health support, however, understaffing or clashing schedules prevented them from participating in these activities. Conclusion HCWs expressed wellbeing needs which align with social-ecological conceptualisations of wellbeing related to quality of life. This approach to wellbeing has been highlighted in literature about HCWs support in previous health emergencies, yet it has not been monitored during this pandemic. Wellbeing guidelines should explore staff′s needs and contextual characteristics affecting the implementation of recommendations.

scholarly journals Culturally-tailored Peer Support for Doctors and Nurses of Indian Origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sunil Daga ◽  
Viju Varadarajan ◽  
Manasvi Dwaraknath ◽  
Saraswati Hosdurga ◽  
Rajeev Metri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Indian Origin ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

The mental health and well-being needs of healthcare workers have risen sharply, fuelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Migrant healthcare workers are affected not only by events in the country where they work but also by events in countries where their family and friends reside. Despite, increase in psychological distress, migrant HCWs don’t use the existing resources to support their needs.   This paper summarises discussions from the workshop focusing on reasons/barriers in uptake of mental health and well-being resources in the UK, the scope of peer support initiatives and its boundaries in supporting colleagues in the UK and India. Finally, it makes recommendations on the governance structure and checklist when organising peer support for healthcare workers. 

scholarly journals What is important for quality of life of psychiatrists?

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-47
Author(s):  
Santosh K. Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Income ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Better Than

The concern for the mental health of people living in low-resource and industrially developing countries has been blown out of proportion. Economic well-being, as a psychological factor, has a complex association with mental health and may prove to be good or bad for it; after all, mental health in low- and middle-income countries (even with few psychiatrists!) is generally better than it is in high-income countries. Government funding may be low but there are innumerable socio-cultural resources, many more than in most high-income countries. The number of psychiatrists per population may be low but numerous (informal and alternative) mental health services exist, many more popular and even more effective than psychiatry. The healthcare systems are so different that, whereas the average waiting period for a psychiatric patient in the UK may be about 90 days, it is about 90 minutes in India (and all patients are seen the same day). In fact, less than 10% of mental health problems are seen by psychiatrists!

scholarly journals Mental health symptoms in a cohort of hospital healthcare workers following the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽  
Priyanka Palimar ◽  
David N. Naumann ◽  
Khalida Ismail ◽  
Jodie L. Fellows ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Moral Dilemmas ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
The Uk

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to lead to a significant increase in mental health disorders among healthcare workers (HCW). Aims We evaluated the rates of anxiety, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a population of HCW in the UK. Method An electronic survey was conducted between the 5 June 2020 and 31 July 2020 of all hospital HCW in the West Midlands, UK using clinically validated questionnaires: the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-4) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Univariate analyses and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the strengths in associations between 24 independent variables and anxiety, depressive or PTSD symptoms. Results There were 2638 eligible participants who completed the survey (female: 79.5%, median age: 42 years, interquartile range: 32–51). The rates of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were 34.3%, 31.2% and 24.5%, respectively. In adjusted analysis a history of mental health conditions was associated with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.7, P < 0.001), depression (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 2.1–3.0, P < 0.001) and PTSD (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.5, P < 0.001). The availability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), well-being support and lower exposure to moral dilemmas at work demonstrated significant negative associations with these symptoms (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions We report higher rates of clinically significant mental health symptoms among hospital HCW following the initial COVID-19 pandemic peak in the UK. Those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk. Adequate PPE availability, access to well-being support and reduced exposure to moral dilemmas may protect hospital HCW from mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals Pandemic and mental health of the front-line healthcare workers: a review and implications in the Indian context amidst COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. e100284
Author(s):  
Snehil Gupta ◽  
Swapnajeet Sahoo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Indian Context

Pandemic, being unprecedented, leads to several mental health problems, especially among the front-line healthcare workers (HCW). Front-line HCWs often suffer from anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia and stress-related disorders. This is mediated to a large extent by the biopsychological vulnerabilities of the individuals; socioenvironmental factors such as the risk of exposure to infection, effective risk communication to HCWs, availability of personal protective equipment, job-related stress, perceived stigma and psychological impact of the isolation/quarantine and interpersonal distancing also play the major roles. Despite the huge magnitude of mental health problems among the front-line HCWs, their psychological health is often overlooked. Some of the potential measures to reduce the mental health problems of the front-line HCWs are effective communication, tangible support from the administration/seniors, mental health problem screening—and interventional—facilities, making quarantine/isolation less restrictive and ensuring interpersonal communication through the various digital platforms, proactively curtailing the misinformation/rumour spread by the media and strict legal measures against violence/ill treatment with the HCWs, and so on. India, along with other countries who lately got affected by the COVID-19, must learn from the experiences of the other countries and also from the previous pandemics as to how to address the mental health needs of their front-line HCWs and ensure HCWs’ mental well-being, thereby improving their productivity. Current review attempts to highlight the mental health aspects of the pandemic on the front-line HCWs, discusses some of the contentious issues and provides future directions particularly concerning COVID-19 in the Indian context and other low-resource countries.

scholarly journals Perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e040503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Vindrola-Padros ◽  
Lily Andrews ◽  
Anna Dowrick ◽  
Nehla Djellouli ◽  
Harrison Fillmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Media Analysis ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Line Staff ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has set unprecedented demand on the healthcare workforce around the world. The UK has been one of the most affected countries in Europe. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to COVID-19 and care delivery models implemented to deal with the pandemic in the UK.MethodsThe study was designed as a rapid appraisal combining: (1) a review of UK healthcare policies (n=35 policies), (2) mass media and social media analysis of front-line staff experiences and perceptions (n=101 newspaper articles, n=1 46 000 posts) and (3) in-depth (telephone) interviews with front-line staff (n=30 interviews). The findings from all streams were analysed using framework analysis.ResultsLimited personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of routine testing created anxiety and distress and had a tangible impact on the workforce. When PPE was available, incorrect size and overheating complicated routine work. Lack of training for redeployed staff and the failure to consider the skills of redeployed staff for new areas were identified as problems. Positive aspects of daily work reported by HCWs included solidarity between colleagues, the establishment of well-being support structures and feeling valued by society.ConclusionOur study highlighted the importance of taking into consideration the experiences and concerns of front-line staff during a pandemic. Staff working in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic advocated clear and consistent guidelines, streamlined testing of HCWs, administration of PPE and acknowledgement of the effects of PPE on routine practice.

scholarly journals The Development of a Quality of Life Research Centre in Universities in the Light of Global Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hind Al- Alahmed
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Global Models ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the foundations and components of the development of the Quality of Life Research Centre (QLRC) in universities in the light of global models. The study adopts the analysis of the conceptual and organisational frameworks of QLRC and a survey to gain most important global models of QLRCs in universities. The researcher used the descriptive documentary approach and the method of the source-content analysis as they best match the objectives of the current study. The study population included QLRCs (think tanks) in universities in China, the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia. Findings revealed that it is difficult to formulate a specific definition of quality-of-life concept because this concept is linked to the cultural factors of each society, and that QLRCs are a new entrant to the development of scientific research in universities, and also that these centres enhance the knowledge of well-being for policymakers and the wider public as well as build and improve relationships between scholars and relevant stakeholders from various sectors in the society

scholarly journals What should be done to support the mental health of healthcare staff treating COVID-19 patients?

2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek K. Tracy ◽  
Mark Tarn ◽  
Rod Eldridge ◽  
Joanne Cooke ◽  
James D.F. Calder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

SummaryThere is an urgent need to provide evidence-based well-being and mental health support for front-line clinical staff managing the COVID-19 pandemic who are at risk of moral injury and mental illness. We describe the evidence base for a tiered model of care, and practical steps on its implementation.

scholarly journals Overview of “Systematic Reviews” of the Built Environment’s Effects on Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solange Núñez-González ◽  
J. Andrés Delgado-Ron ◽  
Christopher Gault ◽  
Adriana Lara-Vinueza ◽  
Denisse Calle-Celi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health And Well Being

Good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being, and there is growing interest in the potential role of the built environment on mental health, yet the evidence base underpinning the direct or indirect effects of the built environment is not fully clear. The aim of this overview is to assess the effect of the built environment on mental health-related outcomes. Methods. This study provides an overview of published systematic reviews (SRs) that assess the effect of the built environment on mental health. We reported the overview according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched until November 2019 included the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE (OVID 1946 to present), LILACS, and PsycINFO. Two authors independently selected reviews, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of included reviews using the Assessing Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2). Results. In total, 357 records were identified from a structured search of five databases combined with the references of the included studies, and eleven SRs were included in the narrative synthesis. Outcomes included mental health and well-being, depression and stress, and psychological distress. According to AMSTAR-2 scores, the quality assessment of the included SRs was categorized as “high” in two SRs and as “critically low” in nine SRs. According to the conclusions of the SRs reported by the authors, only one SR reported a “beneficial” effect on mental health and well-being outcomes. Conclusion. There was insufficient evidence to make firm conclusions on the effects of built environment interventions on mental health outcomes (well-being, depression and stress, and psychological distress). The evidence collected reported high heterogeneity (outcomes and measures) and a moderate- to low-quality assessment among the included SRs.

scholarly journals Factors mediating the psychological well-being of healthcare workers responding to global pandemics: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110127
Author(s):  
Jekaterina Schneider ◽  
Deborah Talamonti ◽  
Benjamin Gibson ◽  
Mark Forshaw
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
As Stress

This paper reviewed mediators of psychological well-being among healthcare workers responding to pandemics. After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic review was performed in four databases and 39 studies were included. Worse mental health outcomes, such as stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety and burnout were related to demographic characteristics, contact with infected patients and poor perceived support. Self-efficacy, coping ability, altruism and organisational support were protective factors. Despite limitations in the quality of available evidence, this review highlights the prevalence of poor mental health in healthcare workers and proposes target mediators for future interventions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document