Videoconference-based Creativity Workshops for mental health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 presented significant challenges to psychiatric staff, while social distancing and remote working necessitated digital communications. NHS England prioritised staff wellbeing. Arts-based creativity interventions appear to improve psychological wellbeing, so this study evaluated online Creat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Arts & health 2024-06, Vol.16 (2), p.134-146
Main Authors: Riches, Simon, Yusuf-George, Meirion, Steer, Natalie, Fialho, Carolina, Vasile, Ruxandra, Nicholson, Sarah L., Waheed, Saira, Fisher, Helen L., Zhang, Shuo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
COVID-19
Creativity
digital intervention
Education
Female
Health Personnel - psychology
Humans
London
Male
Mental health
Middle Aged
nursing
Pandemics
psychiatric services
staff support
Stress, Psychological
Videoconferencing
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Summary:COVID-19 presented significant challenges to psychiatric staff, while social distancing and remote working necessitated digital communications. NHS England prioritised staff wellbeing. Arts-based creativity interventions appear to improve psychological wellbeing, so this study evaluated online Creativity Workshops as a staff support response for COVID-19-related stress. Participants were staff from a South London NHS psychiatric hospital. Group Creativity Workshops were facilitated via Microsoft Teams. Acceptability data on pre- and post-workshop mood and attitudes were self-reported by participants. Feasibility data were gathered from adherence to number of workshop components delivered. Eight workshops were delivered in May-September 2020 (N = 55) with high adherence to components. Participants reported significantly increased positive mood and attitudes towards themselves and others; and decreased stress and anxiety. Online Creativity Workshops appear feasible and acceptable in reducing stress in psychiatric staff. Integrating a programme of Creativity Workshops within healthcare staff support may benefit staff wellbeing.
ISSN:1753-3015
1753-3023
DOI:10.1080/17533015.2023.2184402