ArticleBMJ open2024
Healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative analysis of a text message-based NHS workforce support line.
Article in BMJ open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Exploring Social Media Use and Anxiety Symptoms in Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Secondary Data Analysis.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- Mapping Movement Behaviors and Mental Health Among Frontline Workers: Scoping Review.JMIR public health and surveillance · 2026Article
- Examination of Relationships Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Mental Health Outcomes in Frontline Workers: Protocol for a Scoping Review.JMIR research protocols · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe National Health Service (NHS) is suffering from a workforce crisis of mental and physical sickness and attrition following the COVID-19 pandemic. An in-depth understanding of healthcare workers' (HCWs) experiences during the pandemic is required to understand the impacts on their mental health in this challenging work environment. This qualitative study explores HCWs' concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic-expressed in real time during an active mental health crisis.
designThis study involved analysis of data from 'Shout', a text message-based, UK-wide mental health support service which, during the pandemic, was advertised to HCWs specifically. Pseudorandom sampling of scripts of anonymised text message conversations between HCWs and Shout Volunteers from April 2020 to March 2021 was undertaken, with data fully anonymised by Shout before researchers accessed them on a secure purpose-built platform. Following application of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 60 conversations were coded to develop a thematic framework and analysed using grounded theory, with subthemes triangulated to create final themes. Quotes extracted from this process were then synthesised for publication.
resultsThree themes emerged from the data: (1) poor mental health, subthemes-(a) overwhelming negative feelings or emotional distress experienced, and; (b) active crisis/resurgent symptoms. (2) Negative work experiences, subthemes: (a) negative NHS work culture and expectations; (b) inadequate structures and arrangements for support; (c) trauma at work, and (d) abuse at work. (3) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, subthemes: (a) additional work pressure and (b) isolation and risk.
conclusionThis study explores the challenges and mental health concerns in HCWs during an active crisis. Organisational stressors, mental health provision and additional resources for HCWs to recover from the pandemic remain a vital issue in current NHS service provision.
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