TY - JOUR T1 - Perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK JF - BMJ Open JO - BMJ Open DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040503 VL - 10 IS - 11 SP - e040503 AU - Cecilia Vindrola-Padros AU - Lily Andrews AU - Anna Dowrick AU - Nehla Djellouli AU - Harrison Fillmore AU - Elysse Bautista Gonzalez AU - Dena Javadi AU - Sasha Lewis-Jackson AU - Louisa Manby AU - Lucy Mitchinson AU - Sophie Mulcahy Symmons AU - Sam Martin AU - Nina Regenold AU - Hannah Robinson AU - Kirsi Sumray AU - Georgina Singleton AU - Aron Syversen AU - Samantha Vanderslott AU - Ginger Johnson Y1 - 2020/11/01 UR - http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/11/e040503.abstract N2 - Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has set unprecedented demand on the healthcare workforce around the world. The UK has been one of the most affected countries in Europe. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to COVID-19 and care delivery models implemented to deal with the pandemic in the UK.Methods The study was designed as a rapid appraisal combining: (1) a review of UK healthcare policies (n=35 policies), (2) mass media and social media analysis of front-line staff experiences and perceptions (n=101 newspaper articles, n=1 46 000 posts) and (3) in-depth (telephone) interviews with front-line staff (n=30 interviews). The findings from all streams were analysed using framework analysis.Results Limited personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of routine testing created anxiety and distress and had a tangible impact on the workforce. When PPE was available, incorrect size and overheating complicated routine work. Lack of training for redeployed staff and the failure to consider the skills of redeployed staff for new areas were identified as problems. Positive aspects of daily work reported by HCWs included solidarity between colleagues, the establishment of well-being support structures and feeling valued by society.Conclusion Our study highlighted the importance of taking into consideration the experiences and concerns of front-line staff during a pandemic. Staff working in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic advocated clear and consistent guidelines, streamlined testing of HCWs, administration of PPE and acknowledgement of the effects of PPE on routine practice. ER -