Working on the frontline of the pandemic exacerbated, rather than created, already high levels of anxiety and depression among nurses, according to a new study.

Concerns over the supply and availability of PPE and the the quality-of-care staff could deliver, as well as the mental health impacts on nurses and their families, have been cited among the most pressing concerns faced by frontline respiratory nurses during the first wave of covid-19 in the UK.

Although many respondents to the survey that formed the basis of a study led by Dr Nicola Roberts of Glasgow Caledonian University said they had been provided with access to mental health services during the pandemic, inconsistencies in provision between organisations and to different staff groups were reported.

Whilst most respondents were aware of the formal support available to them, such as self-referral to services, email support, counselling services, chaplaincy, occupational support and webinars, these were not necessarily accessed.

Informal support networks, including the use of social media, peer support and informal briefings, were regularly accessed during the pandemic by many participants, highlighting the importance of social support, from co-workers, managers and personal friends, for those in such emotionally demanding roles.

Dr Roberts stressed that, rather than causing mental health issues, covid-19 had intensified the already high levels of anxiety and depression experienced by NHS staff prior to the pandemic, emphasising the ongoing importance of appropriate and tailored psychological support.

“A very high number of participants highlighted their worries and concerns about the impact on their household,” Dr Roberts said.

“These included potentially bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children.”

The study – published in the BMJ Open Respiratory Journal – analysed responses from over 255 nurses throughout the UK.

The psychological impact of working with patients during the pandemic is increasingly being recognised, with the World Health Organisation publishing guidelines to help alleviate the consequent toll on workers’ mental health.

The study concluded: ‘Support for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised.

‘It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.’

Read more: New funding must focus on ‘traumatised staff; Nurses still denied ‘safe space’ to speak out; Nurses escalate battle over pay and recruitment

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox.