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COVID-19: results of the second survey of UK nurses and midwives are out

Findings from the second survey of a three-part survey-based study were published recently. The study highlights the ongoing concerns of nurses and midwives in the UK regarding the impact of COVID-19 and its risks on their own physical and mental health, as well as the health of their families.

The study is a collaborative effort of the Royal College of Nursing Research Society and several UK universities, including the University of Plymouth, King’s College London, University of Warwick, Cardiff University, University of Nottingham and the University of Surrey. Findings from the first survey were released last month.

Findings of the second survey are as follows:

  • Eighty-eight per cent of respondents were still worried about the risks of COVID-19 to family members owing to their clinical role.
  • Respondents reported continuing depression, anxiety, stress and early signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • However, the utilisation of services supporting health and psychological well-being remained poor.
    • Only 12 per cent were using NHS well-being apps (e.g. Unmind, Headspace, Sleepio and Daylight).
    • Only 17 per cent of staff with access to time out rooms reported using them (7 per cent of total respondents).
    • Only 1 per cent reported accessing Silvercloud (the digital mental health platform).
  • Sixty-one per cent of respondents believed that care quality for non-COVID-19 patients was better than or was as good as care provided before the pandemic.
  • Among those redeployed, 63 per cent either reported receiving inadequate or no training, a figure similar to that in the first survey (62 per cent).
  • There has been an improvement in PPE availability; however, 40 per cent reported that the availability of the correct PPE was not always certain.
  • There has been an improvement in perceptions towards infection control and prevention training delivery, yet <50 per cent of respondents reported being confident in the training received.

Dr Keith Couper, the project lead, said: "The results of our second survey highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the UK nursing and midwifery workforce as they work through the first COVID-19 peak. Our third survey during the COVID-19 recovery phase will help us understand the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on these key workers."


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