Effectiveness of mental health first aid as a supportive tactic on resilience and organisational environment-related factors among hospital nurses in the wake of COVID-19: the search continues

Abstract

Background:

The implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has been shown to effectively prevent long-term psychological effects of trauma. Additionally, it aids nurses in stabilising their emotional state and facilitates their practical recovery.

Aim:

To investigate the effect of MHFA on resilience capacity, organisational commitment, job insecurity and turnover among nurses working in the COVID-19 isolation units.

Methods:

Sixty nurses in COVID-19 isolation units participated in a quasi-experimental two-group, pre–post-test research. Nurses with low resilience capacity due to the COVID-19 crisis in Egypt completed a baseline survey. The study group employed MHFA strategies using the RAPID model. At the same time, standard psychological care was provided to the control group.

Results:

A statistically significant improvement in resilience and organisational commitments mean scores among the study group (62.50 ± 19.33, 21.67 ± 9.66, respectively) post-intervention. Besides, a significant decline in the study group’s job insecurity and turnover intention mean scores (8.90 ± 2.32, 8.70 ± 2.34, respectively) after the MHFA intervention.

Conclusion:

Implementing MHFA enhances nurses’ ability to withstand the challenges of COVID-19, significantly boosting their resilience. Additionally, it positively impacts their organisational commitment, reducing both job insecurity and turnover intention