Mental impact of coronavirus being studied by researchers at South Health

The study aims to explore the impact on people's emotions, behaviour and wellbeing.

Prof Shanaya Rathod, consultant psychiatrist and director of research at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The global impact of Covid-19 will be felt by us for a long time. Our study aims to investigate the psychological impact on general population, healthcare workers, patients with COVID and individuals with vulnerabilities.”

Whilst some restrictions have been eased, forms of social distancing and isolation are set to continue for months. Reactions to these conditions will vary and studying how people cope will play an important part in shaping how the NHS responds to any future crisis.

The study is linked to the Medical Research Council global health research programme led by the Portsmouth-Brawijaya Centre for Global Health, Population, and Policy, University of Portsmouth and involves a whole range of partners across the NHS. This includes large organisations such as the Royal Free Hospital in London as well as local colleagues from Portsmouth Hospitals, Solent NHS Trust and Hampshire Hospitals.

Prof Rathod added: “The global platform and use of validated questionnaires allows the study to assess the wider impact of culture, political landscapes and impact of different responses in different countries. As a result we will be able to understand and strengthen our ongoing responses and those for any future crisis."

With over 55 sites across the UK and dozens across the globe either already running the survey, in the process of setting it up, or expressing their interest, it is hoped the study will provide researchers and the NHS with much wider view of how the pandemic has affected people. This data can then be used to adapt and improve our responses to future crisis, allowing a more personalised approach to psychological support.

It is available online on Southern Health’s website (www.southernhealth.nhs.uk).