Rapid review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health and social care workers within the UK
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health and social care workers within the UK
This review looks at evidence of health and social care workers developing mental health problems during the pandemic.
20 studies were examined. Their findings are based on surveys completed by the staff and provide a snapshot of mental health in these workers. Half of the studies were from the UK but none only from Wales. Most of the studies were completed during or following the first wave of the pandemic. One study was repeated in the second wave. The results cannot prove that the pandemic was the cause of the mental health problems.
Key Findings
Significant levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress and burnout were reported by health and social care workers in the UK in the first wave. The ranges of staff reporting these effects in the different studies varied widely.
Other problems reported included poor concentration, sleeplessness, mental health decline and disorder, problem drinking and general distress.
A single study of social care workers reported high rates of increased depression and increased tension.
The majority of workers who reported poor mental health
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were women
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had a pre-existing or prior mental health disorder
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were worried about catching the virus and the effectiveness of personal protective equipment.
No evidence was found that minority ethnic staff results were any different from those from mostly white groups.
Possible actions
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The impact on the mental health of health and social care workers is enough to consider making mental health support to these staff a priority.
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Women, workers with a history of poor mental health and those worried about catching COVID could be considered as most likely to need this support.
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The quality of the evidence in this area is currently low. Further research including the routine monitoring of the mental health of health and social care workers will help us understand the longer-term effects on staff.
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