A prior history of mental health disorders increased the likelihood of COVID-19-related psychiatric distress, though many without a prior history of mental health disorders also reported experiencing anxiety and depression. In one survey, around 1 in 15 surgeons cited recent suicidal thoughts, but more than 60 percent were deterred from seeking out mental health care because of concerns that it might affect their license. An analysis by Ohio State University College of Nursing and The American Journal of Critical Care found that a majority of critical-care nurses scored themselves low on physical and mental health status even before the pandemic began.
Health Care Worker Occupation
Then we should be swiftly delivering those initiatives with the same priority given to other COVID-19 interventions. We should be listening to those in the medical community about what they need to process the ongoing trauma of COVID-19 and to reform the problematic workplace culture that contributed to this mental health crisis. Some recommendations from the legislation were included in the American Rescue Plan relief bill, including $140 million allotted for medical training, hospital programs, and a mental health awareness campaign. Two-thirds of participants reported some level of clinical anxiety and nearly a fifth reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while 17% met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. Early treatment of mental health issues is so critical, licensure applications should be amended to remove broad questions regarding mental health history and focus on a clinician’s ability to function. Physicians face intense levels of scrutiny when disclosing any form of mental health treatment to state licensing boards.
- Search terms included COVID-19, 2019-nCov, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and coronavirus and in combination with health care worker, mental health, psychological health, technology, and digital intervention.
- In all the aforementioned reviewed peer support initiatives, HCW also had access to formal mental health counseling.
- In addition to information on organization-wide measures, providing insights on healthy personal coping behaviours may support worker wellness and retention, ensuring a sustainable, healthy and robust workforce.
- Establishing a strong support network is also crucial for navigating mental health challenges.
Evidence suggests that healthcare organizations must provide supportive environments during crises, which enhances both healthcare systems and patient care (33, 39, 59). This finding should inform future organizational and individual interventions aimed at improving HCWs’ mental health and well-being. Despite extensive evidence of the mental health burden and effective interventions, there is a notable lack of systemic implementation and organizational accountability. The Our Duty of Care report highlights the significant mental health challenges confronting the health and care workforce, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (15, 51). The review identified a glaring lack of organizational-level intervention in coping with emotional distress and improving work-related outcomes. These types of interventions or categories are based on the WHO guidelines on mental health at work.
outcomes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, May–July 2020, Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada.
Stepped Care 2.0© (SC2.0) is a transformative model for organizing and delivering evidence-informed mental health and substance use services. To help expand the use of e-mental health services, we developed four online learning modules based on our Toolkit for E-Mental Health Implementation, in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Review our Assessment Framework for Mental Health Apps — a national framework containing key standards for safe, quality, and effective mental health apps in Canada. The pandemic worsened existing staffing challenges and left organizations with little choice but to introduce harmful policies such as mandatory overtime. Their development and coaching are critical to supporting teams in challenging or stressful environments and must be cultivated and rewarded.
Access to mental health training and education further empowers healthcare workers to prioritize their mental well-being. At Pacific Neurocounseling we offer specialized therapy for healthcare workers, providing flexible and accessible mental health treatment options. These programs, such as PeerRxMed, involve peer-led counseling and support groups that help healthcare workers connect over shared experiences and combat feelings of isolation.
Sick Doctors Trust – Independent organisation providing support and help for doctors, dentists and medical students who are concerned about their use of alcohol or drugs. Pharmacist Support– Independent charity working for pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists and pharmacy students to provide help and support in times of need. Medical Council on Alcohol (MCA) – The MCA is an independent Motivational interviewing for behavior change charity of health professionals from all medical specialties, dedicated to improving the understanding and management of alcohol-related health harm.
Offering support services within healthcare settings normalizes the idea of prioritizing mental well-being and reduces barriers to accessing care. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are numerous resources available to support mental health and well-being. We encourage you to share this article with your colleagues and friends in the healthcare community to foster awareness and support. Institutions must prioritize mental health and provide the necessary support to their staff to promote a healthy and productive workforce.
