Identifying the effective strategies in reducing the effects of mental health issues caused by COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare providers: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic was among the most stressful global events that caused a significant workload on healthcare systems and profoundly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of strategies to reduce the effects of mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers.

METHODS

The current research is a systematic review. The required data was obtained from the databases ProQuest, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine using related keywords. The study had no time limit. EndNote 20 was used to manage the articles. Various quality appraisal JBI tools were used to assess the quality of studies. Content analysis was used to analyze the obtained data.

FINDINGS: Out of the total 7933 primary articles, 20 were selected and entered the current study. The implemented interventions were analyzed based on the utilized strategies and categorized into four primary groups: comprehensive support package strategy, psychological training, psychological support with online consultations, and strategies related to sports and music therapy. These interventions were generally effective in promoting the mental health of healthcare providers in the short term.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that appropriate interventions for critical conditions and the utilization of modern technologies positively affected healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve the sustainability and effectiveness of such interventions, it is recommended that healthcare systems institutionalize psychosocial support within occupational health programs, develop organizational policies for continuous mental health support, and enhance access to digital platforms. Furthermore, incorporating mental health education, conducting regular psychological assessments, and adapting interventions to local socio-cultural contexts can foster greater acceptance and lead to more sustainable outcomes.