Tired, Worried and Burned Out, but Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

Burnout and Health Issues among Prehospital Personnel in Taiwan Fire Departments during a Sudden Spike in Community COVID-19 Cases: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Healthcare providers around the world have been experiencing various levels of perceived pressure, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 outbreak since late 2019 [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Although the situation in Taiwan has not been as severe as in other countries, the present study still detected an increase in perceived pressure, physical and mental burden, and burnout among Taiwan prehospital healthcare providers.…”

“…Studies have shown that dramatic changes in the work environment, and elevated risk levels in hospital and prehospital settings have induced significant pressure, anxiety, depression, and burnout in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. One study also suggested that building a supportive environment and resilience capability may be beneficial to alleviating stress, anxiety, and pressure during this period [ 11 ].…”

Sleep quality and related factors in a sample of Turkish healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study

“…More than half of mental healthcare workers (52%) experienced sleep problems during pandemics in the UK. 44 A study of 939 healthcare workers in Turkey during the first wave of the pandemic, 50% of participants reported sleep problems. 13 Poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5) was identified at a rate of 75.2% in a study of 257 healthcare workers in Bahrain.…”

Therapists’ perceptions and acceptability of providing internet-delivered guided self-help acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for family carers of people with dementia (iACT4CARERS): a qualitative study

“…Previous studies demonstrated that increased workload and perceived time pressure are the most significant job demands contributing to burnout among therapists (McCormack et al, 2018). As this feasibility study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, these aspects were particularly important given that the pandemic has created additional workload and an increase in associated pressures among healthcare professionals (Pappa et al, 2021;Sun et al, 2020).…”