The impact of self-isolation due to COVID-19 on health care workers' mental health and wellbeing: a systematic review with narrative synthesis

BackgroundSelf-isolation is a key public health strategy for infectious disease control. Globally implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains an essential strategy in ongoing mitigation efforts. Healthcare workers (HCWs) often face isolation due to occupational exposure to infectious diseases and may face unique psychological challenges. AimsThis systematic review synthesized evidence on (1) the impact of isolation on HCWs psychological wellbeing, (2) factors associated with wellbeing, and (3) the effectiveness of interventions to improve wellbeing during or after isolation for COVID-19. MethodsA pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024559971) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Searches in PsycInfo, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and grey literature included studies on HCWs psychological wellbeing during or after self-isolation. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-E or CASP tools. ResultsFrom 20,798 records screened, 19 studies (10 quantitative, 7 qualitative, 2 mixed methods) were included. Quantitative findings on anxiety, depressive, and stress symptoms were inconsistent. Qualitative studies consistently reported distress, loneliness, and stigma. Factors associated with wellbeing included socio-cultural influences and protective factors. No studies assessed interventions targeting wellbeing during self-isolation. ConclusionSelf-isolation appears to have variable effects on HCWs wellbeing, including significant challenges and opportunities for resilience. Public health strategies should prioritize timely, clear communication, accessible evidence-based psychological support, and practical resources. Future research must prioritize evaluation of interventions to mitigate psychological harm and support HCWs during infectious disease outbreaks. Teaser textSelf-isolation is vital for infectious disease control but poses psychological challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs). We synthesized findings on the impact of self-isolation on HCWs wellbeing, associated factors, and interventions to enhance wellbeing. Quantitative studies reported inconsistent wellbeing findings, while qualitative data highlighted distress, stigma, and resilience. Public health strategies must ensure psychological and practical support, clear communication, and intervention development to mitigate harm and enhance HCWs wellbeing during future infectious disease outbreaks.