The pandemic in healthcare professionals

José Joaquín Mira
 

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems around the world. To the initial uncertainty, the scarcity of equipment and the difficulties in maintaining the supply chain were added the constant changes in instructions, the interruption of all non-delayed care, the isolation of hospitalized patients (many dying alone) and unprecedented acute stress on healthcare staff, particularly those dedicated to direct care of COVID-19 patients. The term second victims of SARS-CoV-2 have been used by our group, and by others, to describe this experience.

We knew, before this crisis, that without the help of professionals, the quality of care and patient safety suffers. Now we have no doubt. In this crisis, the leadership of clinicians and, in general, of the set of professions that make the work of clinicians possible, has been decisive in the effectiveness of the response.

Welfare programs in the workplace are not widespread in the healthcare sector. Few hospitals include among their planned objectives in this direction, although in all cases it’s stated that human resources are crucial in policies. Now, in the COVID-19 era, these approaches may be strengthened as a means to achieve better patient care (quality and safety).

Many voices are calling for reflection on how to address recovery between outbreaks and after the outbreak of the pandemic. Many professionals have been infected and, unfortunately, there have been too many deaths from COVID-19 among professionals in this sector. This loss has affected labour morale.

Our results(1), analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on health professionals, have shown that approximately 28.3% have experienced acute stress reactions and that those working in critical care units and emergencies have experienced a greater stress level. The fear of infecting relatives when they return home and the inability to disconnect from work once the shift is over have affected almost half of the professionals surveyed. There has been a direct relationship between acute stress and the availability of means for personal protection and the implementation of new hygiene protocols in health centres(2). This situation is similar to that of other countries such as Latin America(3).

Society supported the healthcare system and its professionals during the first wave, aware of the effort and personal risk they took. Now it’s the turn of those who run healthcare services, who must focus on the well-being of professionals as a factor that contributes to the quality of care.

Bibliography

1. Mira JJ, Carrillo I, Guilabert M, et al. Acute stress of the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic evolution: a cross-sectional study in Spain. BMJ Open 2020;10:e042555. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-042555
2. Cebrián MA, Mira JJ, Caride E, Fernández-Jiménez A, Orozco-Beltrán D. Psychological distress and associated factors related to COVID-19 pandemic among primary care physicians in Spain (STREPRIC study). BMC Family Practice. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-27476/v1
3. Martín-Delgado J, Viteri E, Mula A, Serpa P, Pacheco G, Prada D, et al. (2020). Availability of personal protective equipment and diagnostic and treatment facilities for healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 care: A cross-sectional study in Brazil, Colombia, and Equador. PLoS ONE 15(11): e0242185.