The Psychological Outcomes of COVID-19 on The Health Care Providers: Systematic Review With Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong influence on healthcare providers worldwide. While several reviews have investigated the influence of COVID-19 on the psychological health of healthcare providers, they have primarily focused on negative outcomes. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews that provide an unbiased and comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the positive and negative psychological outcomes of Corona Virus. Additionally, there is a dearth of systematic reviews focusing on qualitative studies, which can provide a detailed understanding of participants' experiences. Therefore, this systematic review aims to examine the available studies on the psychological outcomes of COVID-19 on healthcare providers as well as provide valuable implications to policymakers.Methods: A scoping review with a qualitative design was conducted, including studies published between 2020 and 2023. Only English studies were included, and a wide range of databases were searched, including PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Medline, JSTOR, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. These databases were accessed through the library of Bangor University.Results: The systematic review included 30 qualitative studies, which revealed that the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) was associated with both positive as well as negative positive psychological outcomes. During the first phase of the pandemic, several negative outcomes emerged, including emotional exhaustion, fatigue, workload, burnout, depression, anxiety, sadness, fear, and stigma. However, positive outcomes emerged as the pandemic progressed, including professional pride, identity, professional growth, altruism, and feelings of helping patients. Furthermore, nurses learned coping mechanisms during the later stages of the pandemic.Policymakers are recommended to provide social support programs, protective clothing and materials, social support, and training programs to healthcare providers on how to deal with pandemics and use coping mechanisms. The media is recommended to raise awareness on the significance of providing social support to healthcare providers, respecting them, and refraining from stigmatized attitudes.Overall, this scoping review highlights the need for a balanced understanding of the psychological outcomes of COVID-19 on healthcare providers. Policymakers and the media should take steps to support healthcare providers and reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on their psychological well-being.