The safety, health, and well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19: A scoping review

Nashwan, Abdulqadir J.; Mathew, Rejo G.; Anil, R.; Allobaney, Nabeel F.; Nair, Sindhumole Krishnan; Mohamed, Ahmed S.; Abujaber, Ahmad A.; Balouchi, Abbas; Fradelos, Εvangelos C.

doi:10.3934/publichealth.2023042

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…This is in line with data from qualitative reviews, which have identified feelings of camaraderie and team building as important components that may mediate the efficacy of the intervention on individuals’ mental health ( 72 , 73 ). A recently published scoping review synthesized evidence on the key concerns of healthcare providers with respect to COVID-19 ( 74 ). Based on the findings, the authors recommended timely and personalized mental health support, particularly through interdisciplinary teams, to minimize burnout; this recommendation is supported by the findings presented here.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What are effective strategies to respond to the psychological impacts of working on the frontlines of a public health emergency?

Neil-Sztramko,

Belita,

Hopkins

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the healthcare and public health sectors. The impact of working on the frontlines as a healthcare or public health professional has been well documented. Healthcare organizations must support the psychological and mental health of those responding to future public health emergencies.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to identify effective interventions to support healthcare workers’ mental health and wellbeing during and following a public health emergency.MethodsEight scientific databases were searched from inception to 1 November 2022. Studies that described strategies to address the psychological impacts experienced by those responding to a public health emergency (i.e., a pandemic, epidemic, natural disaster, or mass casualty event) were eligible for inclusion. No limitations were placed based on study design, language, publication status, or publication date. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion and a third reviewer when needed. Results were synthesized narratively due to the heterogeneity of populations and interventions. Outcomes were displayed graphically using harvest plots.ResultsA total of 20,018 records were screened, with 36 unique studies included in the review, 15 randomized controlled trials, and 21 quasi-experimental studies. Results indicate that psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and mind–body interventions may reduce symptoms of anxiety, burnout, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with the lowest risk of bias found among psychotherapy interventions. Psychoeducation appears most promising to increase resilience, with mind–body interventions having the most substantial evidence for increases in quality of life. Few organizational interventions were identified, with highly heterogeneous components.ConclusionPromoting healthcare workers’ mental health is essential at an individual and health system level. This review identifies several promising practices that could be used to support healthcare workers at risk of adverse mental health outcomes as they respond to future public health emergencies.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=203810, identifier #CRD42020203810 (PROSPERO).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What are effective strategies to respond to the psychological impacts of working on the frontlines of a public health emergency?

Neil-Sztramko,

Belita,

Hopkins

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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“…Correspondingly, having a robust network of peer support is essential in reducing the feeling of loneliness, as well as improving emotional well-being. 49,50 Medical schools play a crucial role in supporting student wellness. 51 They can incorporate evidence-based interventions into their programs to address loneliness effectively.…”

Section: Mitigation Strategies and Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dissecting Loneliness in the Digital Age: An Insight into the Experiences of Medical Students Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nashwan,

Alahmad,

Abu Afifeh

et al. 2024

F1000Res

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This narrative review explores loneliness among medical students, particularly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to narratively describe how the digital age, both pre- and post-pandemic, influences loneliness and to assess the psychological effects of the pandemic on medical students. Our literature search, adhering to SANRA guidelines, scrutinized studies published in the last ten years focusing on loneliness among medical students. Our findings reveal that medical students experienced significant loneliness during the pandemic, attributed to virtual learning environments and decreased social interactions. Notably, the transition to online education has mitigated and exacerbated feelings of isolation. The review also highlights the dual role of social media in either alleviating or intensifying loneliness, depending on usage patterns and platform types. Overall, our study underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the mental well-being of medical students in the digital age and beyond, providing crucial insights for future research and policy-making in educational and psychological support frameworks.

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“…Correspondingly, having a robust network of peer support is essential in reducing the feeling of loneliness, as well as improving emotional well-being. 45,46 Medical schools play a crucial role in supporting student wellness. 47 They can incorporate evidence-based interventions into their programs to address loneliness effectively.…”

Section: Mitigation Strategies and Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dissecting Loneliness in the Digital Age: An Insight into the Experiences of Medical Students Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nashwan,

Alahmad,

Abu Afifeh

et al. 2023

F1000Res

Self Cite

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In this review, we explore the multifaceted issue of loneliness among medical students, with particular emphasis on the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the digital age. Medical students face an especially demanding academic environment, and the pandemic has significantly exacerbated feelings of isolation and distress. The review examines distinct loneliness profiles and risk factors and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to support mental well-being. We also probe into the complex relationship between loneliness and the use of digital platforms, assessing the nuances of social media interactions pre- and post-pandemic. This includes an evaluation of both the positive and negative impacts of virtual medical teaching and the role of passive and active social media use in mitigating or exacerbating feelings of loneliness. The review provides insights into the psychological impact of the pandemic on medical students and how it intersects with loneliness, revealing a multifaceted problem that requires careful consideration and tailored support. This narrative review contributes valuable perspectives to medical education and mental health by synthesizing current research and highlighting gaps in our understanding. It calls for further research and the development of specific interventions that recognize medical students' unique needs, especially in the context of a post-COVID era. Overall, the findings presented here offer a foundational guide for educators, policy-makers, and mental health professionals seeking to address loneliness and foster well-being among medical students in our rapidly changing world.

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The safety, health, and well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19: A scoping review

Cited by 9 publications

References 40 publications

What are effective strategies to respond to the psychological impacts of working on the frontlines of a public health emergency?

What are effective strategies to respond to the psychological impacts of working on the frontlines of a public health emergency?

Dissecting Loneliness in the Digital Age: An Insight into the Experiences of Medical Students Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dissecting Loneliness in the Digital Age: An Insight into the Experiences of Medical Students Amid and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

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