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By Veronica Beltran

need for support

UBC study reveals nurses were in need of mental health supports before the COVID-19 pandemic

Jun 25, 2020 | 5:00 AM

VANCOUVER—A study conducted by University of British Columbia Researchers shows that nurses were reporting high levels of mental injury and workplace violence, before COVID-19.

The study, commissioned by the B.C. Nurses Union had 4,462 respondents working in various areas in the health care system including, acute care, long-term care, and community care settings. 85 per cent of the almost 4,500 respondents reported exposure to physical assault and 54 per cent reported high-levels of burnout.

“Before COVID-19, we see there was a dire need for investments in mental health support for nurses who are dedicated to providing care.”—Christine Sorensen, President, BC N urses Union

57 per cent of nurses in acute care reported high-levels of burnout, with 50 per cent above the cutoff point for PTSD, and 31 per cent reporting moderate or severe depression.

“Nurses are professionals and are committed to their patients, but this research shows they have been suffering in silence for too long,” added BC Nurses Union President Christine Sorensen.

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A second joint survey is underway, which will provide a comparative look at the psychological health effects of nurses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.