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COVID-19 and healthcare worker mental well-being: Comparative case studies on interventions in six countries

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  • Byrne, John-Paul
  • Humphries, Niamh
  • McMurray, Robert
  • Scotter, Cris

Abstract

Healthcare worker (HCW) mental well-being has become a global public health priority as health systems seek to strengthen their resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysing data from the Health System Response Monitor, we present six case studies (Denmark, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Romania, and the United Kingdom) as a comparative review of policy interventions supporting HCW mental health during the pandemic. The results illustrate a wide range of interventions. While Denmark and the United Kingdom built on pre-existing structures to support HCW mental wellbeing during the pandemic, the other countries required new interventions. Across all cases, there was a reliance on self-care resources, online training tools, and remote professional support.

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  • Byrne, John-Paul & Humphries, Niamh & McMurray, Robert & Scotter, Cris, 2023. "COVID-19 and healthcare worker mental well-being: Comparative case studies on interventions in six countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:135:y:2023:i:c:s0168851023001483
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104863
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    1. Burau, Viola & Mejsner, Sofie Buch & Falkenbach, Michelle & Fehsenfeld, Michael & Kotherová, Zuzana & Neri, Stefano & Wallenburg, Iris & Kuhlmann, Ellen, 2024. "Post-COVID health policy responses to healthcare workforce capacities: A comparative analysis of health system resilience in six European countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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