Effective Strategies for Reducing Mental Health Issues in Healthcare Providers Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

A systematic review by researchers from the Ministry of Health & Medical Education in Iran has identified effective strategies for reducing the effects of mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers. The study, published in BMC Health Services Research, analyzed 20 studies and categorized interventions into four primary groups: comprehensive support package strategy, psychological training, psychological support with online consultations, and strategies related to sports and music therapy. The research found that these interventions were generally effective in promoting the mental health of healthcare providers in the short term, particularly when combined with modern technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers, leading to a significant workload on healthcare systems.
• A systematic review of 20 studies found that comprehensive support package strategy, psychological training, psychological support with online consultations, and strategies related to sports and music therapy were effective in promoting the mental health of healthcare providers.
• The implemented interventions were analyzed based on the utilized strategies and categorized into four primary groups.
• Out of the total 7933 primary articles, 20 were selected and entered the current study.
• The study had no time limit, and various quality appraisal JBI tools were used to assess the quality of studies.
• Content analysis was used to analyze the obtained data, and the results indicated that appropriate interventions for critical conditions and the utilization of modern technologies positively affected healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Incorporating mental health education, conducting regular psychological assessments, and adapting interventions to local socio-cultural contexts can foster greater acceptance and lead to more sustainable outcomes.
• Healthcare systems should institutionalize psychosocial support within occupational health programs, develop organizational policies for continuous mental health support, and enhance access to digital platforms.

Statistics:

• 7933 primary articles were screened, with 20 selected and entered in the current study.
• The implemented interventions were generally effective in promoting the mental health of healthcare providers in the short term.
• 20 studies were analyzed in the systematic review.
• The study had no time limit, and various quality appraisal JBI tools were used to assess the quality of studies.

Sources:

• Identifying the effective strategies in reducing the effects of mental health issues caused by COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare providers: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 2025;25(1):1323.
• NewsRx. Research from Ministry of Health & Medical Education Yields New Findings on COVID-19 (Identifying the effective strategies in reducing the effects of mental health issues caused by COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare providers: a systematic review). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 174.