Multiple Sources of Stress for Healthcare Professionals During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on healthcare professionals in doctor’s offices, hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), and pharmacies. The aim of this paper was to identify the most important sources of occupational stress during this period among representatives of different healthcare professions. Results: A thematic analysis of the free statements of 125 doctors, 102 nurses, 29 health care assistants, 55 paramedics, 36 health care managers and 42 pharmacists from all over Slovakia illustrates the complex impact of the spread and management of the pandemic on all levels of the health care delivery system. The lack of personal protective equipment, limited functioning of general practitioners and the increase in infected patients led to an increased number of calls to EMS and increased the pressure on pharmacy staff, who were forced to substitute the role of general practitioners. Hospitals faced changes in the way each department operated, the number and severity of infected patients, and significant limitations in the implementation of the usual - white medicine. All healthcare professionals were negatively affected by the obligation to work regardless of their individual risks, preferences and needs, extreme public pressure, frequent changes in rules and regulations, and increased media attention.