Stress, burnout and depression in women in health care during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Evidence Synthesis

This proposal is submitted in response to the CIHR's call for COVID-19 rapid research funding opportunity in Mental Health and Substance Use. We aim to develop a rapid synthesis of published literature to identify the common causes of stress, burnout, and depression in women in health care during pandemics. This includes professions such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, technicians, personnel support workers, community health workers. As part of this review, we will also explore strategies that can prevent serious psychosocial or mental health consequences as a result of these exposures. Women make up four in five health workers in Canada. In addition to their work responsibilities, they are faced with the burden of caring for families and children. Stress, burnout and depression can lead to substance abuse and suicidal ideations. Protecting the mental and emotional health and well-being of healthcare delivery personnel engaged in directly responding to COVID-19 pandemic is important for health workers own health, patient care, and for the viability of health-care systems. This study will inform hospitals, professional societies, and governments with their efforts to provide supporting resources and services health care workers.