This report aims to summarise the research evidence on the mental health and wellbeing of nurses and midwives working in the United Kingdom.
The review was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The high levels of work-related stress, burnout and mental health problems identified are likely to have risen further due to the exceptional pressure that many nurses and midwives are experiencing during the pandemic and will likely increase for some time to come.
Many staff are at high risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms and are experiencing moral distress. The prevalence of presenteeism (i.e. working while sick) is also likely to have risen in the sector. The challenges presented by the pandemic and the potential impact on nurses and midwives will be considered at various points in the report.
