# Perceived need and help-seeking for psychosocial support among health and social care professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that most health and social care professionals need psychosocial support, but only about half seek it, highlighting a gap that needs to be addressed for better mental health and workforce stability.

## Contribution

The study provides the first meta-analysis on psychosocial support needs and help-seeking behavior among health and social care professionals.

## Key findings

- About 97.9% of professionals perceived a need for psychosocial support.
- Only 58.8% sought some form of support, with 30.2% seeking formal help.
- Mental health problems were prevalent, affecting 55.3% of professionals.

## Abstract

Health and social care professionals face multiple challenges, including a shrinking workforce, a rapidly aging population, and crises such as pandemics, which increase stress and the risk of mental health problems. Preventing these problems is essential to maintaining a stable workforce and ensuring the quality of care. This study investigates the proportion of health and social care professionals who have experienced a need for psychosocial support and those who have sought it. Additionally, the study evaluates key factors influencing help-seeking behavior.

A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Original studies with quantitative outcomes on the need for support and help-seeking among health and social care professionals were included, with no restrictions on the type of psychosocial support examined. The findings were categorized using the Quadruple Aim framework.

Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review, most of which focused on physicians (n = 11). The meta-analysis revealed that weighted average of 97.9% and unweighted average of 54.9% (range: 34–100%) of health and social care professionals perceived a need for psychosocial support (n = 6). Overall, 58.8% (range: 27–66%) sought some form of support (n = 4), while 30.2% (range: 7.2–72%) sought formal support (n = 12) and 67.4% (range: 58.2–78%) informal support (n = 6). The average prevalence of psychological distress and mental health problems among professionals was 55.3% (n = 12). Several studies also reported increased alcohol and substance use as well as barriers to help-seeking.

This study underscores the substantial need for psychosocial support among health and social care professionals. Addressing this need is crucial not only for improving professionals’ mental health but also for sustaining the delivery of care. The gap between perceived need and actual help-seeking behavior must be addressed to develop effective and accessible support systems. By successfully bridging this gap, long-term sustainability of the health and social care workforce, and ultimately patient safety, can be enhanced.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-13214-6.