The psychosocial impact of flu influenza pandemics on healthcare workers and lessons learnt for the COVID-19 emergency: A rapid review

Objectives During a pandemic,  healthcare workers  (HCWs) are essential to the health system response. Based on our knowledge, little information is available regarding the  psychosocial impact  on HCWs or interventions for supporting them during  pandemics . Therefore, the study aimed to assess available literature on perceived stress and psychological responses to  influenza pandemics  in HCWs and identify implications for  healthcare  practice and future research. Methods This is a  rapid review  of the literature. The  review  was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic  Review  and Meta-Analysis. Results Across all the studies-both qualitative and quantitative-HCWs working during the epidemic reported frequent concerns regarding their own health and the fear of infecting their families, friends and colleagues. Moreover, social isolation, uncertainty, fears of stigmatization and reluctance to work or considering absenteeism were frequently reported. Moreover, many studies highlighted a high prevalence of high levels of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, which could have long-term psychological implications in HCWs. Conclusions This  rapid review  offers an overview of the major concerns regarding HCWs' psychosocial well-being and possible preventive strategies, which could be useful for the current  COVID - 19  outbreak and similar future  pandemics . Studies suggested to invest on preventive psychological, social, family and physical support and to guaranteeing reasonable work conditions and others in order to protect HCWs from the long-lasting psychological effect of the  COVID - 19  pandemic.