Evaluating a psychological support service focused on the needs of critical care and theatre staff in the first wave of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: in response to COVID-19, the authors used clinical psychology resources from their hospital's pain medicine department to provide direct support to critical areas. Aims: the degree to which the service met the needs of staff and managers between March and August 2020 was evaluated. Methods: a total of 51 staff were referred. Most were nurses (43%), followed by theatre practitioners (36%), healthcare assistants (9%), consultants (8%), administrative (2%) and support staff (2%). Working status, reason for referral and presenting difficulties at first appointment and outcome were recorded. Staff were sent an anonymous survey following intervention. Findings: staff reported high rates of burnout, anxiety and low mood, with 22% experiencing exacerbation of pre-existing mental health problems. All staff reported benefit from the intervention and managers provided positive feedback. Conclusion: establishing a supportive service that included psychology benefited both staff and managers at the peak of the pandemic. Recommendations are provided.