There were some indications that mental health may be further affected as a result of working on the frontline during an infectious disease outbreak
During the Covid pandemic, high levels of depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and burn-out have been majorly found amongst frontline medical staff, according to a global review of studies conducted by the University of York’s Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and the Mental Health Foundation.
Six UK healthcare workers too pitched in to help the researchers. This has made it clear now that more support is needed for hospital workers dealing with the pandemic. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE. Many of these studies were of hospital workers in China.
From 12 per cent for anxiety to 51 per cent for depression and PTSD is what was found in one review of healthcare workers in another review.
Based on feedback from the panel, the study authors highlight a lack of responsibility from the UK government to support healthcare workers.
The panel confirmed review findings on the importance of a shift to working from home for community workers and support from colleagues, clear communication in the workplace.
Lead author, Noortje Uphoff, a Research Fellow at the University of York’s Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, said additional support during outbreaks such as the Covid-19 pandemic could prevent an increased burden of mental health problems in the population.
She said: “Many people worldwide have felt the impact of the Covid pandemic on their mental health, but some groups of people may be more at risk of experiencing poor mental health than others.”
“Healthcare workers may already have a higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes due to the stressful nature of their work. However, there were some indications that mental health may be further affected as a result of working on the frontline during an infectious disease outbreak.
The study is a result of a multi-year strategic partnership between the Mental Health Foundation (which funded this study) and Cochrane Common Mental Disorders with the aim of bringing more accessible evidence to policy and practice
“This review indicates which types of support should be explored to protect the mental health of healthcare workers and other vulnerable groups during this pandemic and any future coronavirus outbreaks.”
Dr Antonis Kousoulis, Director at the Mental Health Foundation said, “Our research highlighted some stark differences between different frontline workers that were not apparent in other studies, such as community workers experiencing more stress due to feeling more isolated, not having a clear structure or sense of control, and feeling as though they were not supported enough in the pandemic.”
The study is a result of a multi-year strategic partnership between the Mental Health Foundation (which funded this study) and Cochrane Common Mental Disorders with the aim of bringing more accessible evidence to policy and practice.