Effectiveness of CBT-Informed Behavioral Health Interventions for Health Care Workers in a Specialized Clinical Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To evaluate symptomatology and clinical outcomes among treatment-seeking health care workers (HCWs). We examined engagement, presenting symptomatology, and treatment outcomes among a diverse group of HCWs in a large urban health system. <b>Methods.</b> Demographic and pretreatment-posttreatment outcome data were available for 69 HCWs who sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with or without medication management, at a specialized clinical center from July 1, 2020, to April 25, 2022. <b>Results.</b> Treatment-seeking HWCs predominantly identified as female (78.3%) and non-White (53.6%) and had a mean age of 36.33 ± 10.72 years. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed significant reductions in all symptoms and increased well-being (<i>P</i> < .001), with effect sizes ranging from 0.59 to 0.71. <b>Conclusions.</b> Our findings replicate those of existing research on the prevalence of psychiatric distress among HCWs, uniquely focusing on those seeking care. Our outcome data suggest that short-term CBT is effective in reducing clinical symptoms and increasing HCW well-being. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Given the elevated rates of distress found in HCW surveys, evidence-based interventions such as ours are essential to ensure workforce well-being. Providing mental health care to HCWs has both individual benefits and potential implications for improved patient care and workforce retention. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2024;114(S2):S167-S170. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307435).