scholarly journals The experience of the 2003 SARS outbreak as a traumatic stress among frontline healthcare workers in Toronto: lessons learned

2004 ◽  
Vol 359 (1447) ◽  
pp. 1117-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Maunder
Keyword(s):  
Media Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Attitudinal Factors ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
High Degree

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the first half of 2003 in Canada was unprecedented in several respects. Understanding the psychological impact of the outbreak on healthcare workers, especially those in hospitals, is important in planning for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. This review draws upon qualitative and quantitative studies of the SARS outbreak in Toronto to outline the factors that contributed to healthcare workers' experiencing the outbreak as a psychological trauma. Overall, it is estimated that a high degree of distress was experienced by 29–35% of hospital workers. Three categories of contributory factors were identified. Relevant contextual factors were being a nurse, having contact with SARS patients and having children. Contributing attitudinal factors and processes were experiencing job stress, perceiving stigmatization, coping by avoiding crowds and colleagues, and feeling scrutinized. Pre–existing trait factors also contributed to vulnerability. Lessons learned from the outbreak include: (i) that effort is required to mitigate the psychological impact of infection control procedures, especially the interpersonal isolation that these procedures promote; (ii) that effective risk communication is a priority early in an outbreak; (iii) that healthcare workers may have a role in influencing patterns of media coverage that increase or decrease morale; (iv) that healthcare workers benefit from resources that facilitate reflection on the effects of extraordinary stressors; and (v) that healthcare workers benefit from practical interventions that demonstrate tangible support from institutions.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of COVID-19 on ‘hidden’ frontline healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402095077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie Z.Y. Teo ◽  
Yap Eng Soo ◽  
Christina Yip ◽  
Ong Lizhen ◽  
Lee Chun-Tsu
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to rising death tolls and stressed healthcare systems, resulting in an unprecedented psychological stress on healthcare workers worldwide. However, the majority of studies only accounted for frontline healthcare workers with direct patient exposure. Aim: This study aims to look at the psychological impact of COVID-19 in a specific, vulnerable and yet hidden group of healthcare workers, namely laboratory healthcare workers who are at high risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus from handling infected patients’ blood samples, in addition to a marked increase in workload. Method: A multicentre study was conducted in Singapore via online questionnaire looking at psychological and physical impact of COVID-19 on laboratory healthcare workers. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Numeric rating scale on fear (NRS) were validated scores used in this study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 23 (IBM Corp). Results: A total of 122 staffs participated and more than half of the cohort experienced mild to severe fear, anxiety and depression. Increase in depression score was also found to be associated with increased physical exhaustion (OR = 6.1, 95% CI 1.4–29.1, p = .02), loss of appetite (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.0, p = .02), poor sleep quality (OR = 7.5, 95% CI 2.9–19.4, p = .005), and the use of sedative (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.1–13.5, p = .03). Conclusions: Hence, it is imperative that prompt action needs to be taken to address the psychological needs of this vulnerable group of healthcare workers as the pandemic continues.

scholarly journals Paramedics in pandemics: protecting the mental wellness of those behind enemy lines

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Shehar Bano Awais ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Muhammad Shameel Khan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Mental Wellness ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Shed Light

Summary Besides a global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has potential to have a severe and long-lasting psychological impact on frontline healthcare workers such as paramedics. It is imperative to shed light on these mental health issues and employ interventions to protect the mental wellness of this vulnerable group of healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Worries and concerns among healthcare workers during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic: a web-based cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Sahashi ◽  
Hirohisa Endo ◽  
Tadafumi Sugimoto ◽  
Takeru Nabeta ◽  
Kimitaka Nishizaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Family Work ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) treating and caring for patients with emerging infectious diseases often experience psychological distress. However, the psychological impact and behavior change of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among HCWs are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the worries and concerns of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, a web-based questionnaire was distributed among HCWs working in hospitals or clinics across Japanese medical facilities from April 20 to May 1, 2020. The questionnaire comprised items on demographics, worries and concerns, perceptions regarding the sufficiency of information, and behavioral changes pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 4386 HCWs completed the survey; 1648 (64.7%) were aged 30-39 years, 2379 (54.2%) were male, and 782 (18.1%) were frontline HCWs, directly caring for patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis. 3500 HCWs (79.8%) indicated that they were seriously worried about the pandemic. The most frequent concern was the consequence of becoming infected on their family, work, and society (87.4%). Additionally, the majority (55.5%) had restricted social contact and almost all HCWs endorsed a shortage in personal protective equipment (median, 8/9 (interquartile range; 7-9) on a Likert scale). There was no significant difference in the degree of worry between frontline and non-frontline HCWs (8/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (7-9), p=0.25). Frontline HCWs, compared to non-frontline HCWs, were more likely to have the need to avoid contact with families and friends (24.8% vs. 17.8%, p<0.001) and indicated that they cannot evade their professional duty during the COVID-19 pandemic (9/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (6-9), p<0.001). Further, the extremely low proportion of frontline HCWs reported that they would take a leave of absence to avoid infection (1.2%).ConclusionsBoth frontline and non-frontline HCWs expressed comparable concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Because HCWs, especially frontline HCWs, reported that they cannot be obliged to do avoid their duty, effective mental health protection strategies should be developed and implemented for HCWs.

scholarly journals Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-frontline healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Horn ◽  
Marielle Wathelet ◽  
Thomas Fovet ◽  
François Collet ◽  
Guillaume Vaiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

scholarly journals Caring for Coronavirus Healthcare Workers: Lessons Learned from Long-Term Monitoring of Military Peacekeepers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christer Lunde Gjerstad ◽  
Hans Jakob Bøe ◽  
Erik Falkum ◽  
Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand ◽  
Arnfinn Tønnesen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: The current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is of unprecedented proportions in several regards. Recent reports suggest that many frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) suffer from mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Previous studies have identified several key factors associated with short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs, yet limited data is available on factors associated with long-term PTSS. Understanding the psychological impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers, is important in planning for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. In the current study, we look to findings from a highly relevant subsection of the trauma field, the military domain.Objective: Pandemic HCWs and military peacekeepers may experience similar stressors in the line of duty. This study investigated whether factors linked to short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs were also associated with long-term PTSS in military peacekeepers. Materials and Methods: Peacekeepers who reported pandemic-relevant stressors during deployment to a UN peacekeeping mission were included in the study (N = 1,627). PTSS was self-reported using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Military Version. Descriptive instruments were used to assess possible factors associated with PTSS. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore associations between these factors and PTSS.Results: Our model accounted for 50% of the variance in PTSS, F(1503,11) = 139.00, p &lt; .001. Age, relationship- and employment status, as well as preparedness, working environment, social support after deployment, barriers to disclose, recognition, and loneliness, were all significantly associated with PTSS on average 30 years after deployment. The most important risk factors of long-term PTSS were personal barriers to disclose one’s experiences and current unemployment.Conclusions: Several factors linked to short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs were associated with long-term PTSS in peacekeepers. We discuss how these findings may be used to prevent long-term PTSS in HCWs involved in the current COVID-19 outbreak.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Psychological Symptoms in Pregnant Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and Pregnant Non-HCWs During the Early Stage of COVID-19 Pandemic in Chongqing, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Liu ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Xianghao Cai ◽  
Xiaoyan Feng ◽  
Rong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Studies showed that healthcare workers (HCWs) and pregnant women bore the burden of mental problems during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While, few studies have focused on the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women who work at healthcare settings. This study aimed to investigate and compare the prevalence difference of psychological symptoms between pregnant HCWs and pregnant non-HCWs during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic in China.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey with anonymous structured questionnaires was conducted from February 15 to March 9, 2020. A total of 205 pregnant women in Chongqing, China were recruited. The mental health status was assessed using symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90).Results: Our sample was composed of 83 pregnant HCWs (mean age = 29.8) and 122 pregnant non-HCWs (mean age = 30.8). The results suggested the prevalence of psychological symptoms (the factor score ≥2) among all pregnant women ranged from 6.83% (psychosis symptoms) to 17.56% (obsessive-compulsive symptoms). Compared with pregnant non-HCWs, pregnant HCWs reported higher prevalence of psychological symptoms in 10 factors of SCL-90. After controlling the confounding variables, multiple logistic regression demonstrated that pregnant HCWs experienced higher prevalence of psychological symptoms of somatization (18.07 vs. 5.74%, p = 0.006, aOR = 4.52), anxiety disorders (16.87 vs. 6.56%, p = 0.016, aOR = 3.54), and hostility (24.10 vs. 10.66%, p = 0.027, aOR = 2.70) than those among pregnant non-HCW.Conclusion: Our study indicated that pregnant HCWs were more likely to suffer from mental health distress than pregnant non-HCWs during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to implement targeted psychological interventions for pregnant women, especially for pregnant HCWs to cope with distress when facing the emerging infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Stigmatization and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare Workers in Nigeria: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayi Vandi Kwaghe ◽  
Vivian Gga Kwaghe ◽  
Zaiyad Garba Habib ◽  
Gga Vandi Kwaghe ◽  
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
More Care ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
The Government ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great toll on global health. Frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients have faced some physical and psychological challenges. This study explored the stigma and traumatic experiences of the FHCW during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Methods We recruited twenty FHCW directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted for all participants, and qualitative analysis of data was done using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Results Five themes identified were: Early stage of the pandemic (fear, anxiety, public fright, other countries repatriating their citizens, the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and a call to duty for the FHCW); working with COVID-19 patients (excitement on patients recovery and duty stress); psychological, mental and emotional trauma; stigmatization (stigmatized by colleagues, family, friends or their residential communities, reasons for stigmatization which were fear of infection, limited knowledge of the virus and working at the isolation centre and the effect of stigma); and recommendations (education and awareness creation, government showing more care towards the FHCW and provision of health insurance for FHCW to take care of those that get infected in the line of duty). Conclusion Stigmatization has proven to be a major challenge for FHCW in conducting their duties. The psychological impact experienced by FHCW may affect the quality of the services rendered by these workers. The study reveals the need of education and awareness creation in the ongoing pandemic. There is a need for the government and society to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of FHCW.

Cybersecurity in health is an urgent patient safety concern: We can learn from existing patient safety improvement strategies to address it

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Niki O’Brien ◽  
Saira Ghafur ◽  
Mike Durkin
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Safety Concern ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cyber Attacks ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Patient Death ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Introduction Cybersecurity is a patient safety concern. Recent cyberattacks on healthcare institutions around the world have shown the risks to patients: from delayed treatment as hospitals and clinics are shutdown, to the threat of harm from the theft of personal data, to patient death. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has further increased cyber-attacks on health organisations. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) digital health, including the use of health informatics systems and electronic health records, is an increasing part of the health agenda as national governments move to scale up healthcare on the path to achieving Universal Health Coverage. Frontline healthcare workers are often warned of the dangers of data mismanagement and are advised to take precautions to ensure data is safe. However, as many workers are already overstretched with conflicting administrative priorities, cybersecurity risks are going unnoticed. Discussion In this commentary we argue that future education and training interventions for frontline healthcare workers on cybersecurity in LMICs can benefit from lessons learned from other areas of patient safety. Validated interventions, including education and awareness programmes and other simple tools, exist which can offer guidance on how cybersecurity awareness and education may be scaled up in frontline healthcare facilities, without adding an unacceptable burden to staff. Conclusions Efforts to develop frontline interventions on cybersecurity that can be easily implemented and sustained are essential to ensure patient safety is a top priority in a digitally reliant health system.

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