Anna Gray

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the impact of shielding amongst immunocompromised individuals following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design: This study used a cross‐sectional exploratory qualitative design. Methods: A national survey was launched in July 2023 aiming to collect information on the lived experience of individuals who were still shielding. The final question to this study was ‘what has been the worst aspect of shielding for you?’. In total, 457 individuals (57%) responded to this question. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were identified, associated with the impact of shielding: (1) Navigating risk: including fear of infection, distrust in institutional guidance and measures. (2) Loss and longing: including profound isolation, grieving lost time, loss of freedom and relationships. (3) Betrayed and forsaken: a sense of intentional abandonment by government and lack of understanding from loved ones, causing distress and mistrust. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that individuals who are shielding continue to experience profound difficulties that require attention. Measures must be introduced to mitigate the impact of COVID in the immunocompromised, including improving public health messaging and strategies to tackle isolation. Given the high likelihood of future pandemics, it is imperative that strategies are developed to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and public contribution has formed an integral part in the assignment of this study. The rationale and design of this study was created in partnership with Forgotten Lives UK and the National Clinical Expert Group, who represent 125 clinicians, across 4 nations and 17 medical specialities treating immunocompromised patients.

Introduction A digital programme, MoodHwb, was codesigned with young people experiencing or at high risk of depression, parents/carers and professionals, to provide support for young people with their mood and well-being. A preliminary evaluation study provided support for the programme theory and found that MoodHwb was acceptable to use. This study aims to refine the programme based on user feedback, and to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the updated version and study methods. Methods and analysis Initially, this study will refine MoodHwb with the involvement of young people, including in a pretrial acceptability phase. This will be followed by a multicentre feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing MoodHwb plus usual care with a digital information pack plus usual care. Up to 120 young people aged 13–19 years with symptoms of depression and their parents/carers will be recruited through schools, mental health services, youth services, charities and voluntary self-referral in Wales and Scotland. The primary outcomes are the feasibility and acceptability of the MoodHwb programme (including usage, design and content) and of trial methods (including recruitment and retention rates), assessed 2 months postrandomisation. Secondary outcomes include potential impact on domains including depression knowledge and stigma, help-seeking, well-being and depression and anxiety symptoms measured at 2 months postrandomisation. Ethics and dissemination The pretrial acceptability phase was approved by the Cardiff University School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the University of Glasgow College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences REC. The trial was approved by Wales NHS REC 3 (21/WA/0205), the Health Research Authority(HRA), Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), university health board Research and Development (R&D) departments in Wales, and schools in Wales and Scotland. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed open-access journals, at conferences and meetings, and online to academic, clinical, and educational audiences and the wider public. Trial registration number ISRCTN12437531.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore how first‐time mothers in the UK experienced new parenthood during the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic. Design: This study used a cross‐sectional exploratory, qualitative interview design. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten first‐time mothers who had given birth since COVID‐19 was declared as a pandemic. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Result: Experiences of new, first‐time mothers during the COVID‐19 pandemic were organized around two themes. First, new mothers felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility for their baby which was heightened by the pandemic. The challenge of meeting this responsibility was heightened in the context of societal expectations to do the ‘right’ thing and uncertainty and distrust around official guidance about COVID‐19. Secondly, the expected transition into motherhood was altered by the pandemic. Disruption to the birthing experience, an inability to connect with close friends and family, and limited healthcare support was perceived to be detrimental. However, altered social expectations and the increased presence of the partner were perceived as positives. Conclusion: Many of the common challenges experienced by new, first‐time mothers have been amplified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Public policy and scientific research must target this group in order to protect this population from the negative impact of the remaining COVID‐19 pandemic and any future pandemics.