Addressing Health Care Workers' Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions and Current Resources.

Abstract

<b>Background.</b> Mental health is declining in health care workers. <b>Objectives.</b> To provide a comprehensive assessment of intervention literature focused on the support and treatment of mental health within the health care workforce. <b>Search Methods.</b> We searched online databases (e.g., Medline, PsycINFO). <b>Selection Criteria.</b> We selected manuscripts published before March 2022 that evaluated the target population (e.g., nurses), mental health outcomes (e.g., burnout, depression), and intervention category (e.g., mindfulness). <b>Data Collection and Analysis.</b> Of 5158 publications screened, 118 interventions were included. We extracted relevant statistics and information. <b>Main Results.</b> Twenty (17%) earned study quality ratings indicating design, analysis, and implementation strengths. Randomized controlled trials were used by 52 studies (44%). Thirty-eight percent were conducted in the United States (n = 45). Ninety (76%) reported significant changes, and 46 (39%) reported measurable effect sizes. Multiple interventions significantly reduced stress (n = 29; 24%), anxiety (n = 20; 17%), emotional exhaustion or compassion fatigue (n = 16; 14%), burnout (n = 15; 13%), and depression (n = 15; 13%). <b>Authors' Conclusions.</b> Targeted, well-designed mental health interventions can improve outcomes among health care workers. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Targeted health care‒focused interventions to address workers' mental health could improve outcomes within this important and vulnerable workforce. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2024;114(S2):S213-S226. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307556).