COVID-19 and healthcare worker mental well-being: Comparative case studies on interventions in six countries

Byrne, John-Paul; Humphries, Niamh; McMurray, Robert G.; Scotter, Cris

doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104863

Cited by 10 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 39 publications

(110 reference statements)

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“…The findings presented in this study are supported by the literature, which highlights the overall weak support for the mental health of HCWs and a limited scope of actions, primarily related to micro-level interventions and the advocacy efforts of professional associations, especially within medicine, while the health system and organisation of work remain largely unchanged. 11,16,37,41 Our analysis of policy narratives adds an additional layer of complexity and introduces the political dimension, which further influences the trajectory of mental health policy. The comparison shows that similarities were strongest between Germany, Switzerland and the UK.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A comparative European case study recently added further evidence, underscoring the complexity of mental health interventions for the HCWF and emphasising the need for multi-level action. 11 Based on these findings, Byrne and colleagues call for an approach that 'bridges structural capabilities and individual solutions', including interventions at organisational and professional levels. However, the authors highlight the limited efficacy of HCWF mental health interventions if system-based problems and infrastructure weaknesses remain unsolved.…”

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The UK narrative closely aligns with Switzerland, emphasising the need to sustain the HCWF, preserve patient care quality, and support HCWs to ensure healthcare service excellence. 11 However, the focus can vary between physicians and nurses, with a more support-oriented language directed toward nurses, particularly concerning staffing and patient care.…”

Section: The Policy Narratives On Mental Health Of Hcwsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The mental health needs of healthcare workers: When evidence does not guide policy. A comparative assessment of selected European countries

Kuhlmann,

Falkenbach,

Brînzac

et al. 2024

Health Planning & Management

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BackgroundThe healthcare workforce (HCWF) globally is facing high stress levels and deteriorating mental health due to workplace, labour market and policy deficiencies that further exacerbate the existing crisis. However, comprehensive and effective action is missing.AimsWe adopt a health system and governance perspective to address the mental health needs of healthcare workers (HCWs), considering the nature of interventions and the levels and actors involved in governance. The aim is to move the debate forward by identifying governance gaps hampering the implementation of health workforce policies and exploring strategies to effectively increase mental health support.Material and MethodsA qualitative comparative methodology is applied based on a case study design utilising a multi‐level intersectoral governance matrix. We conducted a rapid assessment of HCWF developments in the European context (Germany, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), drawing on secondary sources and country experts.Results and DiscussionAwareness of mental health threats among HCWs increased, but policy discourse is driven by service delivery and labour market demands. The attention to HCWs' needs is stronger on the international level and weakest at national/regional levels. Although organisations and professions demonstrate varying degrees of activity, their efforts are scattered and lack sustainability. Similar challenges were identified across healthcare systems, including limited action, disconnected actors, missing coordination, and a lack of attention to governance gaps and system weaknesses.ConclusionAdopting a health system approach is important but not sufficient. Successful mental health policy implementation needs multi‐level governance and coherent coordination mechanisms.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Policy Narratives On Mental Health Of Hcwsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The mental health needs of healthcare workers: When evidence does not guide policy. A comparative assessment of selected European countries

Kuhlmann,

Falkenbach,

Brînzac

et al. 2024

Health Planning & Management

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“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been shown to be affected in different contexts such as individual, interpersonal, institutional, social and political (Chemali et al, 2022). It is stated that in this period mental wellbeing of HCWs was affected and certain experiences can have devastating effects on both the personal and professional lives of healthcare workers (Boamah et al, 2023; Byrne et al, 2023; Chemali et al, 2022; van den Broek et al, 2023). From this point of view, the fact that HCWs increase alcohol and cigarette use for relaxation and socialization is a finding that should be emphasized.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, it has also been shown that the increase in COVID-19 risk perceptions of healthcare workers statistically increased their death anxiety decreased their life satisfaction and psychological well-being (Özer et al, 2023). Moreover, it has been shown that this infection has a particular negative impact on the well-being of healthcare workers (Boamah et al, 2023; Byrne et al, 2023; Chemali et al, 2022; van den Broek et al, 2023; Wańkowicz et al, 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been shown to experience many negative conditions such as physical fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and psychological distress (Diomidous, 2020; García-Martín et al, 2020; Labrague, 2021; Sagherian et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifestyle Changes and COVID-19 Related Perceptions of Turkish Healthcare Workers

Batu,

Yanık

et al. 2023

SAGE Open

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This study seeks to investigate and understand the perceptions of and lifestyle changes adopted by healthcare workers (HCWs) in Turkey who were on the front line of the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 33 female HCWs with bachelor’s degrees were included in the study. In-depth interview techniques were used. The data analysis was performed with MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis package program. The female HCWs perceived COVID-19 as rapidly contagious, deadly, dangerous, and long-term. Their perception as to the cause of the outbreak was akin to conspiracy thoughts such as bioweapon. In addition, the study determined that social media was the preferred medium for getting news because the news given in the traditional media was not trusted. It was seen that the attitude of participants regarding the preventive measures was in line with the recommendations of international organizations. In terms of lifestyle changes, for example, the dietary habits and physical activity levels of all the HCW participants, changed and online environments were used for communication/socialization. Those HCW participants who smoked, stated that smoking increased the risk and severity of COVID-19, and they declared an increase in the amount of their use. Those HCW participants who consumed alcohol, reported that alcohol consumption increased during the period of the outbreak in order to maintain socialization and relaxation. Those HCW participants who did not smoke or drink alcohol mentioned that they did not intend to start. This study contributes to an understanding of the impact on HCWs of significant health events especially in terms of their perceptions of and their lifestyle changes as a result of such health events.

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Post-COVID health policy responses to healthcare workforce capacities: A comparative analysis of health system resilience in six European countries

Burau,

Mejsner,

Falkenbach

et al. 2024

Health Policy

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COVID-19 and healthcare worker mental well-being: Comparative case studies on interventions in six countries

Cited by 10 publications

References 39 publications

The mental health needs of healthcare workers: When evidence does not guide policy. A comparative assessment of selected European countries

The mental health needs of healthcare workers: When evidence does not guide policy. A comparative assessment of selected European countries

Lifestyle Changes and COVID-19 Related Perceptions of Turkish Healthcare Workers

Post-COVID health policy responses to healthcare workforce capacities: A comparative analysis of health system resilience in six European countries

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