Psychological distress among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns over time

COVID-19 added to healthcare provider (HCP) distress, but patterns of change remain unclear. This study sought to determine if and how emotional distress varied among HCP between March 28, 2021 and December 1, 2023.

This longitudinal study was embedded within the 42-month prospective COVID-19 Cohort Study that recruited HCP from four Canadian provinces. Information was collected at enrollment, from annual exposure surveys, and vaccination and illness surveys. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was completed approximately every six months after March 28, 2021. Linear mixed effects models, specifically random intercept models, were generated to determine the impact of time on emotional distress while accounting for demographic and work-related factors.

Between 2021 and 2023, the mean K10 score fell by 3.1 points, indicating decreased distress, but scores increased during periods of high levels of mitigation strategies against transmission of SARS-CoV-2, during winter months, and if taking antidepression, anti-anxiety or anti-insomnia medications. K10 scores were significantly lower for HCP who were male, older, had more children in their household, experienced prior COVID-19 illness(es), and for non-physician but regulated HCP versus nurses. A sensitivity analysis that included only those who had submitted at least five K10 surveys consisted of the factors in the full model excluding previous COVID-19 illness, occupation, and season, after adjustment. Models were also created for K10 anxiety and depression subscales.

K10 scores decreased as the COVID-19 pandemic continued but increased during periods of high mitigation and the winter months. Personal and work-place factors also impacted HCP distress scores. Further research into best practices in distress identification and remediation is warranted to ensure future public health disasters are met with healthcare systems that are able to buffer HCP against short- and long-term mental health issues.