What should be done to support the mental health of healthcare staff treating COVID-19 patients?

Tracy, Derek K.; Tarn, Mark D.; Eldridge, Rod; Cooke, Jo; Calder, James; Greenberg, Neil

doi:10.1192/bjp.2020.109

Cited by 88 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Commentary has also focussed on the importance of ensuring that teams are empowered to support each other and that those in a managerial or supervisory role are skilled in identifying distress and sign-posting to more comprehensive supports. Those staff who have been exposed to trauma and develop symptoms will benefit from formal supports, and it is important for individuals (and their organisations) that seeking supports is encouraged and not stigmatised [ 6 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pilot study of burnout and long covid in senior specialist doctors

et al. 2021

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Background Covid-19 has placed unprecedented demand on healthcare systems and on healthcare professionals. There have been concerns about the risk of distress, moral injury and burnout among healthcare professionals, especially doctors. Aim To assess the effect of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on Irish doctors by investigating the incidence of burnout and long covid among senior medical staff in Ireland. Methods This is a cross-sectional pilot study of the prevalence of burnout and long covid among senior physicians. A survey was sent by email to members of the Irish Hospital Consultant’s Association. The survey included measures of mental and physical health and the 2-item Maslach Burnout Scale (MBS-2). The study explored the experience of delivering health care in the context of a pandemic and experience of the long covid syndrome. Results A total of 114 responses were received. Three-quarters 77% ( N = 88) screened positive for burnout on the MBS, with mean score of 5.6 (SD3.3), nearly double the cut-off for burnout. Nearly two-thirds (64%, n = 72) reported that Covid-19 has had an adverse effect on their mental health. One-quarter reported that they or colleagues had experience of ‘long-covid’ secondary to the virus. Conclusion More comprehensive evaluation of the effect of the pandemic on front-line staff is needed to identify the extent of the problem and the factors which contribute to it. This will inform measures to mitigate these effects.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pilot study of burnout and long covid in senior specialist doctors

et al. 2021

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“…Once the crisis is over, we will also need to ensure that time is made available to reflect on and learn from the extraordinarily difficult experiences to create a meaningful rather than traumatic narrative. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended "active monitoring" of staff to ensure that the minority who become unwell are identified and assisted to access evidence-based care [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Past Epidemics, Natural Disasters, COVID19, and Mental Health: Learning from History as we Deal with the Present and Prepare for the Future

2020

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As cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to rise, psychological endurance is a challenge many people will face. For mental health, heightened stress responses to the pandemic, is likely to manifest in three ways: 1) development of a new episode of a disorder in those with a predisposition to a major psychiatric disorder or an acute exacerbation in those who already have such a disorder, 2) development of a trauma or stressor related disorder, such as acute stress disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or adjustment disorders, and 3) development of a symptomatic stress response that does not meet the diagnostic criteria of a psychiatric disorder. The authors reviewed existing literature on past epidemics, natural disasters, and COVID-19 with a focus on psychiatry and mental health. Psychological effects of past epidemics (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-1, Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the Anthrax threat), past natural disasters, and current COVID-19 data suggest numerous psychological effects following the pandemic. Alcohol use, PTSD, anxiety, anger, fear of contagion, perceived risk, uncertainty, and distrust are a few of the immediate and long-term effects that are likely to result from the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying people in need of mental health care and determining the appropriate psychiatric services and therapy needed will be important. Increasing the use and availability of telehealth, group meetings, and online resources are some ways that health care workers can prepare for the increasing demand of psychiatric services during and following the pandemic.

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“…Understanding HCWs individual perception on the impact that COVID-19 had on their mental health, including feelings of isolation, can help us develop specific strategies to better alleviate their stress [ 14 ]. By learning various coping mechanisms or reaching out to mental health professionals before a time of acute stress, HCWs can be better equipped to acknowledge their condition and act on it [ 15 ]. Apart from proper training and appropriate PPE for HCWs, access to psychological support and interventions, and ensuring enough rest are important measures to protect their well-being.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%