Purpose - This presentation will explore the impact of COVID19 on children, young people and schools. The aim is to provide a review of evidence which will inform psychologists about the implications for practice and policy development.

Background -The pandemic caused an unprecedented challenge to schools. Headlines reported increases in mental health difficulties among children and young people. What were the views, feelings and perceptions of children, young people and school staff and how does this link with theories and practice deployed by psychologists in previous crisis, disaster and trauma circumstances?

Methods - Online questionnaire with 969 young people 11 – 18 of self-perceived well-being, measured impact on well-being, coping strategies and attitudes towards returning to school. Additionally, a review via literature search of research between April 2020 and February 2021 with children and young people (5 – 18) in the UK with more than 500 participants where the aim was to explore responses to the pandemic. This includes research by Young Minds, the UCL / Anna Freud Centre Evidence Based Practice Unit and Child Outcomes Research Consortium.

Conclusions - Findings indicate that the majority of young people withstood the negative impacts of the pandemic but there has been a significant increase in those who may require support and are at risk of experiencing longer term impacts on emotional wellbeing. Additional funding has been announced including £8million Wellbeing in Education Return Fund. The key implications for psychologists will be raised and how psychology has contributed to recovery programmes and policy in schools and services. 

Factors influencing return to meaningful life following traumatic physical injury

Kay Bridger, Nottingham Trent University & University of Nottingham

Objectives - Qualitative study to understand lived experiences of people whose traumatic physical injury prevented them from returning to their occupation while recovering. The overall aim was to understand the psycho-social factors which influenced return to work decision making.

Design - Interviews and focus groups were conducted (pre-covid) with n=17 survivors of traumatic physical injury. The specific study took an exploratory approach to the barriers and facilitators to return to work. Transcribed data was analysed using theoretically informed thematic analysis.

Method - All participants were either working or studying prior to their injury and wanted to return to this occupation. Participants self-selected following approaches through existing contacts (predominantly charities supporting trauma survivors). A range of injury and employment types were sought. Semi-structured questions encouraged trauma survivors to tell their injury and recovery story. 

Results - Participants were keen to return to ‘normal’, which they defined as resumption of roles including work, family and social connection. Return to normal was impaired by the extent of functional capacity changes; this constituted the primary threat being appraised. Reduced social connection was a particular problem during convalescence. The value of work was defined in relation to restoring purposeful activities and social connection. Close relationships were changed by dependency.

Conclusions - The impact of injury on functional capacities affecting ability to work (and perceived stigma) was a particular stressor to trauma survivors. Greater workplace understanding of invisible functional capacity changes would help facilitate return to work. Employers who encourage continued social connection with convalescing employees may aid their psychological resilience.

Christina Buxton, Trauma Lead, University of Chester

Purpose - Pandemic restrictions mean many workers have been displaced from usual employment locations. Returning to the workplace provides a lifeline to commerce and the rebirth of the economy. Factors that inhibit this endeavour must be elucidated and mitigating interventions identified.

Background - In the event of a pandemic, even one where cases are reducing, returning to work involves risk management for individuals and employers. Problematically, the challenges facing employees and other individuals returning to work lie both in, and outside, the workplace. Whilst the actual rates of willingness to work during a pandemic vary, it is likely that the nature of the job role, the perception of risk involved and the factors relating to the work environment are important contributing factors to the many personal and professional assessments of feasibility. 

Methods - This rapid review outlines the key psychological factors that influence a return to the workplace during a pandemic. Searches were conducted in PsychoInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify relevant literature in May 2020. 

Conclusions - Risks to self and family are important considerations in any decision to return to the workplace, as are practicalities such as childcare. Trust in your employer, receiving adequate training and information, and feeling your job is worthwhile are all indicators of willingness to return to work. Activities that engender perceptions of safety are essential to embed in daily workplace activities. Organisational responses that engender a sense of worth and trust will therefore be optimal when restoring the workforce during such times.

Sarita Robinson, University of Central Lancashire 

Purpose - The Covid-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on our lives, this rapid review of the literature provides an evidence-base to support public transport recovery. 

Background - Following major public health incidents a marked reduction in public transport use is often observed. Specifically, following a disease outbreak, perceptions of risk and associated levels of anxiety can lead to an avoidance of public transport. The increase in the use of private cars, following a major public health incident, can lead to pressure on roads, parking and can increase air pollution. Restoring confidence in public transport is an important step in recovery.

Methods - This rapid review outlines the key inhibitors and promoters for public transport use following a major public health incident. Searches were conducted in PsychoInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar to identify relevant literature in May 2020. 

Conclusions - The review suggests anxiety regarding personal safety is the key inhibitor to public transport use following a public health incident. However, the reduction in public transport use is not universal and is mediated by sociocultural factors. Males, those with a lower level of education, the unemployed and those living in rural areas are more likely to continue using public transport. Prior transport behaviours and individuals’ control over lifestyle also influences public transport use post incident. Messaging to restore public confidence should be aimed at subgroups with higher levels of anxiety regarding public transport use. Technology providing current information regarding infection levels could also help people make informed decisions and provide reassurance.