Nurse burnout and lower staffing levels triggering episodes of escalated behaviour in patients

    Mental health problems have quadrupled in NHS staff due to Covid-19

      • Sector News
    • 13.07.21

    After months of COVID strain, NHS burnout has become a widespread reality. Mental health problems have also quadrupled in NHS staff during the first wave of Covid-19, according to the largest survey carried out into the psychological effect of the pandemic on UK health workers.

    The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open found that 21% of respondents reported high levels of depression compared with 5% before the pandemic. Severe levels of anxiety rose 8% to 36%, while severe stress increased from 11% to 46%.

    The link between nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes and staff burnout was also highlighted in a speech made at the Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards.

    According to large-scale observational studies, hospitals with more nurses have lower levels of staff burnout and improved outcomes, including patient satisfaction. 

    By comparison, interactions between staff and patients are nearly three times more likely to be characterised as negative when each nurse cares for eight or more patients. This includes interactions that were rushed, task-orientated and, in some cases, inconsiderate, disrespectful or rude.

    These interactions were also found to be triggers for escalating patient’s behaviour. 

    Nursing Times: Why safe and effective nurse staffing is more than just a number
    Nursing Times: ‘Staggering rise’ in mental health issues among NHS staff since Covid-19

    Maybo perspective

    We should not be surprised that where staff cannot provide the level of care they want to, this will have an impact on those they care for and in turn the behaviours they present. This adds to staff stress and a vicious cycle can result.

    Training will not fix fundamental problems such as staff shortages and environmental triggers, but done well it builds staff skills and confidence in their ability to reduce conflict and influence positive outcomes.

    To learn more about our healthcare training offer click here.

    Get in touch

    If you would like to discuss how we can help you please get in touch with one of our experts today

    Related ThoughtSpace items

    • Maybo News

    04.12.23

    Maybo's Approach to Risk Reduction in 3 minutes

    Maybo provides organisations with the training, tools and guidance to reduce and manage conflict and behaviours of concern, leading to...

    • Sector News

    10.10.23 | Local Government

    How are the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand governments addressing Psychosocial Hazards?

    Psychosocial hazards refer to factors in the workplace that can affect the psychological well-being of employees, potentially leading to...

    • Case Studies

    25.09.23 | Social Care | Active Support

    The Four Pillars of Maybo's Person-centered Active Support in Action

    Disability Support Workers face time pressure challenges due to the number of tasks needed to be completed. An active support approach...

    Discuss your training with one of our experts