Effects of face coverings on people and interactions in mental health settings: scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, most jurisdictions implemented mandatory face covering policies across healthcare settings. This intervention, which lasted multiple years, was unprecedented in psychiatry. Masks may affect the delivery of mental healthcare, given its reliance on nuanced communication and establishing a therapeutic alliance.

Aims

This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the current literature concerning the impact of face masks in mental health settings beyond infection control and identify research gaps to guide future research and policy.

Method

Systematic searches were completed in the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL databases on 14 August 2024. Articles were eligible if they described peer-reviewed empirical stud

SUBMITTER: Van Houtte P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12724123 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature