Table 2.

Causes of healthcare workers feeling alone during the pandemic

Cause of feeling alone	Description	Illustrative quotes
Lonely	Living alone and unable to see others because of lockdown rules	‘I am single and do not have housemates. All the apps, support lines and face timing cannot counteract the complete loneliness experienced. For me the only thing that would have made a slight difference would have been social contact.’ Junior doctor, emergency department, female, age 31–40 years
Separated	Unable to visit loved ones because of travel restrictions and border closures	‘[I'm on] a temporary working visa and unable to see my 5-year-old son who is stuck in another country.’ Student, general medicine, female, age 31–40 years
Secluded	Voluntarily living away from family to reduce the risk of infecting others	‘The anxiety and isolation that comes with being a high-risk spreader for COVID-19. Have been too worried about giving it to my loved ones that I haven't seen my partner in 2 months or any of my friends.’ Nurse, medical specialty, female, age 20–30 years
Unsupported	Feeling that no-one cares and no-one is helping them	‘No-one is actually there to support. Everyone seems to offer support, until you ask for it. Then they offer nothing.’ Junior doctor, emergency department, male, age 31–40 years
Disconnected	Missing workplace camaraderie because of closure of tearooms, personal protective equipment and social distancing	‘The biggest thing was taken away, the ability to be social and debrief after a shift together. This has largely been dehumanising. The social acceptance and togetherness have been stripped away.’ Technician, emergency department, male, age 41–50 years
Excluded	Experiencing an increase in workplace bullying and exclusion	‘Lack of help from colleagues, bullying, harassment. Exclusion behaviour existing prior to COVID-19 increased.’ Clinical scientist, medical speciality, female, age 51–64 years
Ostracised	Feeling stigmatised by members of the public	‘The public will thank healthcare workers but then move away from you on a tram, or you get dirty looks when having a break in uniform. Very isolating.’ Nurse, medical speciality, female, age 20–30 years