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

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.