The psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NHS affiliated staff – monitoring the response to the pandemic and the evaluation of local and national staff support programmes

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
COVID-19 is a condition caused by the coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in late 2019. This virus can infect the respiratory (breathing) system. Some people do not have symptoms but can carry the virus and pass it on to others. People who have developed the condition may develop a fever and/or a continuous cough among other symptoms. This can develop into pneumonia. Pneumonia is a chest infection where the small air pockets of the lungs, called alveoli, fill with liquid and make it more difficult to breathe.
In 2020, the virus has spread to many countries around the world and neither a vaccine against the virus or specific treatment for COVID-19 has yet been developed. As of April 2020, it is advised that people minimize travel and social contact, and regularly wash their hands to reduce the spread of the virus.
Groups who are at a higher risk from infection with the virus, and therefore of developing COVID-19, include people aged over 70 years, people who have long-term health conditions (such as asthma or diabetes), people who have a weakened immune system and people who are pregnant. People in these groups, and people who might come into contact with them, can reduce this risk by following the up-to-date advice to reduce the spread of the virus.
This study will investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health and wellbeing of NHS staff in England.

Who can participate?
All staff working at or with a participating NHS Trust

What does the study involve?
A combination of online questionnaires and, with a smaller group of participants, more detailed telephone interviews. Participants will complete questionnaires about their health, distress, and work environment at the start of the study and 4 and 8 months later. The follow-up over time is to see whether the participants' mental health improves or worsens and to identify which groups of staff may need tailored support. The questionnaire has been produced alongside healthcare staff in local NHS Trusts. The researchers have formed a study steering panel consisting of representatives whose support they have already gained (e.g., unions, employers, and different staff groups). They will feedback emerging results to participating Trusts, networks, their partners, and NHS England, from which they have full encouragement, to help them prepare for future psychological health and workforce planning needs.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Although there are no immediate individual benefits of taking part, participants will have the unique opportunity to contribute to some innovative and valuable research which may later be used across the world. Individuals may also find it helpful to reflect on the current situation and anonymously express their feelings concerning a stressful and unprecedented global event. The results will feed directly into supporting the NHS workforce during the pandemic. It is hoped that this research will help bring about improvements in policies and practices for NHS colleagues now and in the future. The researchers do not foresee any risks occurring from participation but if the questions lead to any distress they direct all participants who would like emotional support or find completing the survey causes distress to reach out to someone they trust. They also provide suggestions of outside support which can be accessed.

Where is the study run from?
This study is a collaborative effort led by a research team at King’s College London and King’s Health Partners supported by expert clinicians, frontline staff and researchers across different NHS Trusts and Universities, and the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
April 2020 to April 2022

Who is funding the study?
1. King's College London (KCL) (UK)
2. NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the Maudsley (UK)
3. Rosetrees Trust (UK)
4. University College London (UCL) (UK)
5. Medical Research Council (MRC) (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Rupa Bhundia
NHSCHECK@kcl.ac.uk

Contact information

Prof Simon Wessely
Scientific

King's College London
London
SE5 9AF
United Kingdom

ORCID ID	0000-0002-6743-9929
Email	NHSCHECK@kcl.ac.uk

Miss Rupa Bhundia
Public

King's College London
London
SE5 9AF
United Kingdom

Email	NHSCHECK@kcl.ac.uk

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• England

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Study outputs

Editorial Notes

30/08/2022: An embedded RCT within NHSCHECK testing a smartphone app aiming to support the mental health of healthcare workers has been registered on EudraCT as 2021-001279-18.
19/03/2021: Preprint reference added.
11/09/2020: Trial's existence confirmed by the NIHR.