Redeployment during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for a clinical research workforce.

Walker, Kathryn Louise; Gerakios, Florence

BACKGROUND Health professionals are considered a group vulnerable to developing mental health symptoms during a pandemic, with redeployment being a risk factor. However, previous literature suggests workplace communication can be a protective element. AIMS An audit aimed to evaluate NHS research staff's experiences of redeployment in order to provide suggestions for future improvements in the process. METHODS A questionnaire was disseminated to all staff in the clinical research directorate of an NHS trust. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS Over half the redeployed staff experienced perceived negative psychological outcomes. The main reported contributor to this was perceived lack of communication. CONCLUSION Communication needs to be improved in future redeployments. Future research should consider a larger cohort and more input from team members who remained on the pre-COVID-19 studies in order to improve the transition back from redeployment.