Strategies for preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers: past evidence, current problems

De Giorgi R., Dinkelaar BM.

<jats:title>SUMMARY</jats:title><jats:p>The problem of occupational stress in healthcare workers is hardly new, but effective interventions in this area are lacking despite being sorely needed – especially in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The results of a Cochrane review suggest that cognitive–behavioural therapy and mental and physical relaxation reduce stress more than no intervention but not more than alternative interventions, and that changing work schedules may lead to a reduction of stress. Other organisational interventions showed no effect on stress levels. However, the evidence is of low quality owing to risk of bias and lack of precision. This commentary critically appraises the review and attempts to put its findings into the current real-world context.</jats:p>

DOI

10.1192/bja.2020.90

Type

Journal article

Journal

BJPsych Advances

Publisher

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Publication Date

23/04/2021

Volume

27

Pages

205 - 210

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