The covid-19 crisis, mental health of healthcare workers and trade union actions A literature review

The COVID-19 crisis had a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers, who already faced serious mental health risks prior to the pandemic. The crisis further increased these risks, with healthcare workers experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia. The mental health effects of the crisis were not limited to the individual, but also had broader implications for the functioning of hospitals and the provision of healthcare to the population.
The literature reviewed in this study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health risks faced by healthcare workers. Various factors contribute to these risks, including high workloads, substantial individual responsibilities, dealing with the suffering of patients and their relatives, and the threat of physical violence. The COVID-19 crisis added additional stress factors, such as fear for one's own health and the health of loved ones, high mortality rates among patients, and the deaths of colleagues. These factors could lead to burnout, depression and other serious mental health conditions.
Various strategies and initiatives were implemented to mitigate the negative impact on healthcare workers' mental health. These included individual-level interventions, such as training managers to support the mental health of their employees, and promoting self-care practices among healthcare workers. Organisational-level interventions involved providing appropriate protective equipment, training and support for healthcare workers, as well as creating a supportive work environment with good communication, teamwork and adequate rest periods. The involvement of trade unions, hospitals and other stakeholders was crucial in implementing these interventions and ensuring their effectiveness. Collective bargaining and workers' participation can also play a significant role in promoting the mental health of healthcare workers. Giving healthcare workers a voice in decision-making processes and addressing their concerns regarding working conditions, workloads and job autonomy can contribute to their well-being. Trade unions have an important role to play in advocating for the mental health of healthcare workers and negotiating for better working conditions and support systems. Legislation is another important tool for protecting the mental health of healthcare workers. European directives and national laws require employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to involve workers' representatives in occupational safety and health matters. However, the implementation of these measures varies across countries, and there is a need for further research on their effectiveness. Addressing mental health risks in the healthcare sector requires a comprehensive and multi-level approach. Strategies should focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of mental health issues, as well as creating a supportive work environment and addressing broader societal factors, such as stigma.
It is important to note that the literature reviewed in this study has its limitations. The quality of some studies was low, and there is a need for more rigorous research on the mental health of healthcare workers in the context of pandemics. Additionally, the findings presented in this study may not apply universally, as they are based on specific contexts and populations.
In conclusion, the mental health of healthcare workers is a critical issue that requires attention from healthcare organization's, policymakers, trade unions, and other stakeholders. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the urgent need for interventions and support systems to protect the mental well-being of healthcare workers. It is important to prioritize the mental health of healthcare workers, both during times of crisis and in the longer term, to ensure the well-being of healthcare workers and the provision of high-quality healthcare services.