Post-Pandemic Healthcare Workers: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Evaluation of Psychosocial Impacts and Health Management Strategies

This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers and the reflections on these impacts within the field of health management, using a bibliometric analysis. To this end, a systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science database using the keywords “COVID-19,” “healthcare workers,” “psychosocial effects,” and “health management.” Research articles published after 2019, written in English, and indexed in SCI, SSCI, A&HCI, ESCI, and SCI-Expanded were included in the analysis. Within the scope of the bibliometric analysis, keyword co-occurrence networks, co-authorship collaboration patterns, and the contributions of leading institutions and countries to the field were examined. A total of 6,341 articles were analyzed. The findings indicate a substantial increase in research attention after 2021, particularly regarding mental health, burnout, stress, and workload among healthcare workers. The most frequently used keywords were “mental health,” “burnout,” and “psychological distress.” Additionally, a notable rise in international and interdisciplinary collaborations was observed. Among the institutions contributing most prominently to the field were Harvard University, King’s College London, and the University of Melbourne. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly intensified the psychosocial burden on healthcare professionals. The growing body of research in the post-pandemic period underscores the importance of global collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to support healthcare workers’ mental well-being and resilience.