Anxiety and depression among medical doctors in Catalonia, Italy, and the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Quintana‐Domeque, Climent; Lee, Ines; Zhang, Anwen; Proto, Eugenio; Battisti, Michele; Ho, Antonia

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0259213

Cited by 24 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…The findings of this study are consistent with the global literature, although the context behind these stressors is different for rural Canadian physicians [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Most psychological stressors identified in this study, particularly in theme 2 and 4, stemmed from previously prevailing systemic challenges within the rural healthcare system that were exacerbated by the pandemic [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…From the literature, it was hypothesized by the researchers that rural physicians would have a high level of emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Interestingly, PHQ-2, GAD-2, and PSS-4 positive screening rates ( Table 2 ) demonstrated lower levels of distress than the self-reported perceived change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels of the participants compared to their pre-pandemic baseline ( Table 3 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Global research during the COVID-19 pandemic and the previous SARS pandemic shows higher rates of depression, anxiety, fear of infection, stress, burnout, isolation, poor sleep quality, exhaustion, psychiatric disorders, and even suicide of HCWs, including physicians [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. The current international literature on rural HCWs shows similar worsening mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 11 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Physicians in Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Mandal

Purkey

2022

Healthcare

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Frontline rural physicians in Canada are vulnerable to the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic considering their high pre-pandemic burnout rates as compared to their urban counterparts. This study aims to understand the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural family physicians engaged in full-time primary care practice in Ontario and the stressors behind any identified challenges. Recruitment combined purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. Twenty-five rural physicians participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire containing Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (depression), General Anxiety Disorder-2 (anxiety), and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (stress) screening as well as questions exploring self-reported perceptions of change in their mental health, followed by a semi-structured virtual interview. Quantitative data showed an overall increase in self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Thematic analysis revealed seven qualitative themes including the positive and negative psychological impacts on rural physicians, as well as the effects of increased workload, infection risk, limited resources, and strained personal relationships on the mental health of rural physicians. Coping techniques and experiences with physician wellness resources were also discussed. Recommendations include establishing a rapid locum supply system, ensuring rural representation at decision-making tables, and taking an organizational approach to support the mental health of rural physicians.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Physicians in Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Mandal

Purkey

2022

Healthcare

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“…The COVID-19 pandemic has had a highly negative impact on the emotional health of healthcare professionals [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The negative effect of the pandemic on the well-being of healthcare workers has been evaluated in different studies [ 4 ], mainly analyzing the effect of well-being on mental health [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. According to a recent study, almost half of the healthcare professionals in Spain have a high risk of suffering a mental disorder after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic; 45.7% are at high risk for some type of mental disorder, and 3.5% with present active suicidal ideation (death wishes and persistent thoughts of wanting to end one’s own life).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immersive Therapy for Improving Anxiety in Health Professionals of a Regional Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

Linares-Chamorro

Domènech-Oller

Jerez-Roig

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Background: Immersive therapy through virtual reality represents a novel strategy used in psychological interventions, but there is still a need to strengthen the evidence on its effects on health professionals’ mental health. Objective: To analyze the results of immersive therapy through virtual reality on the levels of anxiety and well-being of the health professionals working in a regional hospital in Olot (Spain). Methods: Pilot quasi-experimental study including a group of 35 female (mean age = 45.7, SD = 8.43) health professionals who undertook immersive therapy for 8 weeks. The intervention was implemented through virtual reality, and its effect on anxiety levels and well-being was evaluated through the Hamilton and Eudemon scales, respectively. Data on age, gender, active pharmacological or psychological treatment, mental health disorders and number of sessions were also collected. Results: A statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in anxiety and well-being was found, with large and moderate effect sizes (0.90 and 0.63 respectively). In addition, these changes were clinically significant. No significant associations were found between the improvements and the different variables, but a greater trend was identified among the group of professionals with untreated or unidentified levels of anxiety. Conclusion: This group of health professionals showed a statistically and clinically significant improvement in anxiety and well-being after the application of immersive therapy using virtual reality. Further studies with a control group are necessary to further analyze this novel intervention.

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“…The COVID-19 pandemic has had a highly negative impact on the emotional health of healthcare professionals [1,2,3,4,5]. The negative effect of the pandemic on the well-being of healthcare workers has been evaluated in different studies [7], mainly analyzing the effect of well-being on mental health [8][9][10][11][12]. According to a recent study, almost half of the healthcare professionals in Spain have a high risk of suffering a mental disorder after the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic; 45.7% are at high risk for some type of mental disorder, and 3.5% present active suicidal ideation (death wishes and persistent thoughts of wanting to end one's own life).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immersive Therapy for Improving Anxiety in Health Professionals of a Regional Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

Linares-Chamorro¹,

Domènech-Oller²,

Jerez-Roig³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: Immersive therapy through virtual reality represents a novel strategy used in psychological interventions, but there is still a need to strengthen the evidence on its effects on health professionals’ mental health. Objective: To analyze the results of immersive therapy through virtual reality in the levels of anxiety and secondly, well-being of the health professionals working in a regional hospital in Olot (Spain). Methods: Pilot quasi-experimental study including a group of 35 women (mean age=45.7, SD=8.43) health professionals who undertook immersive therapy for 8 weeks. The intervention was implemented through virtual reality, and its effect on anxiety levels and well-being was evaluated through the Hamilton and Eudemon scales, respectively. Data on age, gender, active pharmacological or psychological treatment, mental health disorders and number of sessions were also collected. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.001) improvement in anxiety and well-being was found, with large and moderate effect sizes (0.90 and 0.63 respectively). In addition, these changes were clinically significant. No significant associations were found between the improvements and the different variables, but a greater trend was identified among the group of professionals with untreated or unidentified levels of anxiety. Conclusion: This group of health professionals showed statistically and clinically significant improvement in anxiety and well-being after the application of immersive therapy using virtual reality. Further studies with a control group are necessary to further analyze this novel intervention.

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Anxiety and depression among medical doctors in Catalonia, Italy, and the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 24 publications

References 36 publications

Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Physicians in Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Physicians in Ontario: A Qualitative Study

Immersive Therapy for Improving Anxiety in Health Professionals of a Regional Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

Immersive Therapy for Improving Anxiety in Health Professionals of a Regional Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

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