THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON DOCTORS’ MENTAL HEALTH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

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Saudi Digital Library

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ABSTRACT Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a disruptive impact on different spheres of society. The healthcare industry has arguably been the most affected because of its frontline role in the response. The novel nature of the pandemic has meant that little knowledge existed on which institutions could base interventions and other forms of response. Therefore, the scientific community has been researching the novel virus and the resultant pandemic from different perspectives. Studies focusing on the impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers have mostly taken a general stance. Consequently, the pandemic’s impact on doctors in the United Kingdom has not been studied extensively. Doctors are an important resource in the healthcare system’s response to the pandemic. Objectives: The principal objective of this research was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of doctors in the United Kingdom. Method: This was a qualitative study using a systematic review design. Using the SPICE methodology, the researcher identified articles that satisfied pre-identified inclusion criteria. The articles were appraised for quality using the CASP checklists. The included systematic reviews were also appraised for quality using the AMSTAR framework. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Thematic analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data. Results: COVID-19 has had a negative impact on doctors, manifesting as mental health effects. Some of the predisposing factors were a lack of preparedness and training, inadequate personal protective equipment and inadequate support from the healthcare system. Conclusion: The National Health Service and the public health sector need to address the wellbeing of doctors because they are indispensable in an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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