Views on the mental health of medical personnel at work and how it relates to patients' experiences receiving care

Abstract

Hatim Gormallah alzahrani*

Background: The psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing both staff performance and patient care outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with economic instability and workforce shortages, has exacerbated stress and burnout among healthcare workers. While policy efforts have aimed to address staff well-being, concerns remain regarding its impact on patient experiences.

Methods: This study employed a scoping review methodology following Arksey and Levac's framework to synthesize existing literature on healthcare professionals' psychological well-being. A comprehensive search was conducted across four databases, focusing on studies published. Data extraction and thematic analysis were performed to identify trends and gaps in research.

Results: The review included 15 studies, revealing five key themes: (1) the challenge of defining psychological well-being, (2) the relationship between well-being and the nature of healthcare work, (3) the role of organizational culture, (4) the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals, and (5) the link between staff well-being and patient care. Findings indicate that while healthcare professionals derive fulfilment from their roles, they experience significant emotional distress, exacerbated by systemic barriers to self-care. Limited patient perspectives in existing research highlight a critical gap in understanding how staff well-being influences patient experiences.

Conclusion: Addressing healthcare professionals' psychological well-being is essential for maintaining high-quality patient care. Organizational support, workload management, and targeted interventions are necessary to improve staff well-being and, consequently, patient outcomes. Future research should integrate patient perspectives to provide a holistic view of this issue.