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

Abstract

Hatim Gormallah alzahrani*, Rawan khaled ahmed, Tala Wajdi Jowharji, Abdullah Saeed Alqarni, Walaa mohammed fozi agil, Wedian Mohammed AlDulaijan, Rotana Khalid Magadmi, Ahmed Fuad Malaekah, Abdulelah Hassan Alyahya Asiri, Mohammed Eltayeb Elnour ELAWAD, Rahaf rajih alharbi

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.