https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1427-5561
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ABSTRACT
Background
COVID-19 presented significant challenges to psychiatric staff, while social distancing and remote working necessitated digital communications. NHS England prioritised staff wellbeing. Arts-based creativity interventions appear to improve psychological wellbeing, so this study evaluated online Creativity Workshops as a staff support response for COVID-19-related stress.
Methods
Participants were staff from a South London NHS psychiatric hospital. Group Creativity Workshops were facilitated via Microsoft Teams. Acceptability data on pre- and post-workshop mood and attitudes were self-reported by participants. Feasibility data were gathered from adherence to number of workshop components delivered.
Results
Eight workshops were delivered in May-September 2020 (N = 55) with high adherence to components. Participants reported significantly increased positive mood and attitudes towards themselves and others; and decreased stress and anxiety.
Conclusions
Online Creativity Workshops appear feasible and acceptable in reducing stress in psychiatric staff. Integrating a programme of Creativity Workshops within healthcare staff support may benefit staff wellbeing.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by a ‘Time to Smile’ grant from the Maudsley Charity that was awarded to Simon Riches and Shuo Zhang. Helen L. Fisher is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health at King’s College London [ES/S012567/1]. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the ESRC, King’s College London, or the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Data availability statement
Ethical approval did not permit sharing of participants’ data.