Beck, Zoe

Cogan, Nicola

Kennedy, Chloe

Kolacz, Jakek

MacIntyre, Gillian

McInnes, Lisa

Morton, Liza

Tanner, Gary

English

Background: Recent studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic have reported that the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers (HSCWs) has been adversely impacted. Research has yet to explore what factors may help HSCWs positively adapt in the face of the adversities endured during the pandemic.Methods: The study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of HSCWs (n= 1300+). The survey included both closed and open-ended questions exploring COVID-19 perceived risks, stress, burnout and mental wellbeing as well as coping and team resilience. Both quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the online survey data was conducted.Expected results: Data collection began in December 2020 and data collection and analysis is due for completion in June 2021. Preliminary analysis suggested that access to PPE, psychological input and increased perceived team resilience and peer support helped mitigate against the adverse impact that COVID-19 related stressors have on HSCW's mental wellbeing. Visible leadership was also found to be essential in helping staff gain access to current and accurate information on COVID-19 and in helping workers adapt to constant change.Discussion: The implications of these findings are discussed, emphasising the importance of access to PPE as well as peer and team-based support in alleviating the negative impact that COVID-19 has on HSCW's mental wellbeing. The results of this study also highlight the urgency of offering psychological input for HSCWs who need it. The importance of supportive, adaptive and visible leadership is highlighted

ResearchOnline@GCU

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers inScotlandCogan, Nicola; MacIntyre, Gillian; Kennedy, Chloe; Beck, Zoe; McInnes, Lisa; Tanner, Gary;Morton, Liza; Kolacz, JakekPublication date:2021Document VersionPublisher's PDF, also known as Version of recordLink to publication in ResearchOnlineCitation for published version (Harvard):Cogan, N, MacIntyre, G, Kennedy, C, Beck, Z, McInnes, L, Tanner, G, Morton, L & Kolacz, J 2021, 'The impactof COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers in Scotland', The British PsychologicalSociety Division of Health PsychologyAnnual Conference, 29/06/21 - 30/06/21.General rightsCopyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright ownersand it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.Take down policyIf you believe that this document breaches copyright please view our takedown policy at https://edshare.gcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5179 for detailsof how to contact us.Download date: 08. Jun. 2022BACKGROUNDRecent studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic have reported that the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers (HSCWs) has been adversely impacted. Research has yet to explore what factors may help HSCWs positively adapt in the face of the adversities endured during the pandemic. METHODSThe study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of HSCWs (n= 1364).The survey included both closed and open-ended questions exploring COVID-19 perceived risks, stress, burnout and mental wellbeing as well as coping and team resilience. Both quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the online survey data was conducted. The importance of access to PPE, psychological input, peer support, team resilience and leadership  in mitigating the adverse impacts of the pandemic of HSCWs’ mental wellbeingCogan, N¹., MacIntyre, G¹., Kennedy, C¹., Beck, Z¹., McInnes, L¹., Tanner, G¹., Morton, L², Kolacz, J³. ¹ University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, ² University of Glasgow, Scotland, ³ Kinsey Institute, Indiana, USThe impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers (HSCWs)  in ScotlandRESULTSData collection took place between December 2020 and March 2021 (lockdown 3).Regression analysis indicated that resilient coping and team resilience  significantly predicted better HSCW wellbeing scores.Slopes for the effects of stress on wellbeing at levels of resilient coping – high team resilience.Content analysis indicated that access to PPE, psychological input, peer support and visible leadership helped mitigate against the adverse impact that COVID-19 related stressors have on HSCW's mental wellbeing. DISCUSSIONThe findings emphasise the importance of adaptive coping and team resilience in mitigating the adverse impacts of the pandemic on HSCWs’ mental wellbeing. Having access to PPE as well as peer support was found to be  essential.The urgency of offering psychological input for HSCWs who need it was emphasised.Visible leadership was found to be central in helping staff gain access to current and accurate information on COVID-19 and in helping workers adapt to constant change. For further information about this research please contactDr Nicola Cogan: Nicola.cogan@strath.ac.ukhttps://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/cogannicoladr/The longer this goes on, the more emotionally and physically drained we feel. Supporting each other in our teams has been essential (Healthworker).

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers in Scotland

https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/files/52453377/Cogan_N._et_al_2021_The_impact_of_COVID_19_on_the_mental_wellbeing_of_health_and_social_care_workers_in_Scotland.pdf

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of health and social care workers in Scotland

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