Illness Among Mental Health Service Workers and Its Repercussions: A Scoping Review

Various structural, organizational, and subjective factors contribute to psychological distress, exacerbated by adverse working conditions in mental health services and resulting in significant impacts on workers' health. This study aims to map the existing literature on work-related factors and consequences associated with the illness of mental health service workers. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review question was formulated based on the population, concept, and context framework. Searches were performed in eight electronic databases, and the findings were synthesized in synoptic tables. A total of 28 studies were included, addressing factors encompassing structural, organizational, and procedural aspects of the work environment, as well as social and relational elements involving the healthcare team, users, and their families, all contributing to workers' illness. The main challenges identified include work overload, excessive working hours, inadequate physical infrastructure, insufficient supplies, understaffing, lack of managerial support, and exposure to physical, biological, chemical, and ergonomic risks. The analysis of work-related factors in mental health services reveals a concerning scenario of physical, emotional, and mental strain among professionals.