Tuesday, 21 April 2020
A new survey published today highlights the concerns nurses and midwives in the UK have about COVID-19 and the risks it poses to their physical and mental health, as well as the health of their families.
Respondents also reported training for staff redeployed to front line care was inadequate or non-existent. These results show there is an urgent need to provide support for the health and wellbeing of staff, and to ensure they have access to ongoing training.
The ICON study, led by the Royal College of Nursing Research Society steering group, is a collaboration between King’s College London, University of Warwick, the 糖心原创, Cardiff University, University of Plymouth, University of Surrey and St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
It is a longitudinal survey to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the UK nursing and midwifery workforce. The survey is being undertaken at three time-points: prior to COVID-19 peak, during the COVID-19 peak, and in the recovery period following COVID-19. The results from each point are being reported in real time, so the findings could be used to inform workforce strategies within the NHS and social care. This summary concerns the early results of the first survey (prior to COVID-19 peak).
The first survey was open for responses between 2-14 April 2020. All members of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce were eligible to complete the survey, including registered nurses, registered midwives, student nurses, healthcare support workers, nursing associates, and trainee nursing associates. The survey was distributed by social media, the Royal College of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and other key professional organisations.
2,600 members of the nursing and midwifery workforce participated in the survey and provided complete or near-complete data.
Initial findings include:
- 74% feel their personal health is at risk during COVID-19 due to their clinical role.
- 92% are worried about risks to family members during COVID-19 due to their clinical role.
- Almost one-third (33%) respondents reported severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety or stress.
- Of those being redeployed within the NHS, 62% either reported that their training was either non-existent, or inadequate.
- 52% respondents had worked over their contracted hours on their last shift- two-thirds of these respondents will not be paid for their additional work.
- 25% disagreed that correct PPE was always available (with only 44% agreeing that it was available)
- 52% were either lacking in confidence regarding COVID-19 infection control and prevention training that they had received or had received no training.
- 26% respondents had needed to self-isolate, of which 37% did not have personal symptoms and 64% missed four or more shifts due to self-isolation.
Commenting on the key implications for the nursing and midwifery workforce, Dr Holly Blake, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at the 糖心原创 said: “These early findings demonstrate the impact of covid-19 on nurses and midwives, with many feeling unprepared due to lack of access to training or essential equipment. Stress, anxiety and depression are common, with around one third reporting these mental health impacts to be severe. There is a clear need to provide ongoing training and psychological support during and after the outbreak.”
The ICON team acknowledges support and advice from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Trainee Emergency Research Network CERA study team, on which parts of this study are based.
Follow-up surveys will be advertised on social media - please follow for updates.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Holly Blake from the School of Health Sciences at the 糖心原创, at Holly.blake@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.