Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Burden for STaff Working in the NHS

This study, called 'Burden for STaff Working in the NHS', is exploring the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NHS staff. Researchers know that healthcare workers faced significant stress during this time and want to understand how their mental well-being was affected and how these feelings changed over time. By gathering this information through online surveys, the team hopes to identify the best ways to support NHS staff during difficult periods. This understanding could lead to better mental health support systems for them, not just for COVID-19, but for any future health emergencies or crises they might face. Participants will complete a series of surveys at different times.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

02 Jun 2020

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

COVID-19 Mental Health Burden

What is this study about?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers in the NHS faced immense pressure, stress, and challenging situations. This study, named 'Burden for STaff Working in the NHS', aims to understand the impact of these experiences on their mental well-being. Researchers want to find out how the pandemic affected NHS staff's mental health and how these feelings changed as the crisis unfolded. They are especially interested in staff who were working directly with patients, those who were shielding due to health risks, and anyone else working within the NHS.

The main goal of this research is to gather information that can help improve support for NHS staff. By understanding the challenges they faced, the research team can develop recommendations for better mental health services and support systems. This information is crucial for not only helping staff recover from the COVID-19 pandemic but also for preparing the NHS to better support its staff during any future health emergencies or similar demanding times.

To do this, researchers will invite NHS staff to take part in online surveys. These surveys will ask questions about their experiences and feelings at different points in time: when the study starts, one month later, and then three months after the pandemic is considered over in the UK. If the pandemic lasts a long time, more surveys might be added. The information collected will help paint a picture of the mental health journey of NHS staff, leading to practical recommendations for support.

Key takeaways

The study explores mental health impact of COVID-19 on NHS staff.
It aims to create better support systems for healthcare workers.
Participation involves completing online surveys over time.
All NHS staff aged 16+ who can read English are potentially eligible.
Your privacy and right to withdraw are protected.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be at least 16 years old and currently working for the NHS. This includes all NHS staff, whether you were working on the front line, shielding at home, or self-isolating during the pandemic.

You also need to be able to understand information about the study and agree to take part freely. It's important that you can read and understand English, as the surveys will be in English.

Essentially, if you're an adult NHS staff member who can read and understand English, and you're willing to give your consent, you can be considered for this study. There aren't many other reasons why someone would be excluded.

Quick self-check

Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you currently work for the NHS?
Can you read and understand English?
Are you able to agree to take part on your own?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to complete a series of online surveys. You'll receive emails with links to these surveys. The first survey will be completed when you join the study. Then, you'll be asked to complete another survey about one month later. Finally, there will be a third survey three months after the COVID-19 pandemic is officially declared over in the UK. Depending on how long the pandemic lasts, extra surveys might be added. Each time a survey is sent, you'll also get a reminder after five days. The surveys will ask about your age, gender, background, job, and how you're feeling emotionally, including questions about stress, worry, and other mental health aspects. All surveys are completed online and you won't need to attend any appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help researchers understand the mental health challenges faced by NHS staff during the pandemic, potentially leading to better support for healthcare workers in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you. The main risk is that answering questions about difficult experiences could bring up uncomfortable feelings. You can stop taking part at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your employment or any care you receive. Your answers will be kept private and used only for research purposes.

Locations (1)

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental well-being of NHS staff and to find ways to better support them.

Who can take part in this study?

Anyone aged 16 or over who works for the NHS, including those who were shielding or self-isolating, and can read English.

What will I have to do if I join?

You will complete a few online surveys at different times: at the start, one month later, and again three months after the pandemic ends.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, all your responses will be kept confidential and private, used only for the research study.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement could last for several months, depending on when the pandemic is officially declared over and how many surveys are needed.