Background: Health care workers (HCWs) constitute a vulnerable group in terms of physical, mental, and emotional health setbacks during an epidemic. An in-depth understanding of the effects of epidemics on HCWs is of utmost importance, in order to put in place measures for their well-being. The purpose of the review was to compile, compare, and contrast the available information so as to produce a lucid picture of how HCWs are impacted during an epidemic, and the factors that affect their mental health. Methods: A literature search of MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases was conducted to uncover research pertaining to four major epidemic outbreaks over the last two decades. The search was carried out at three levels using pertinent key words. The records thus identified were narrowed down at three further levels, that is, by screening of the title, abstract, and full text, to obtain articles most relevant to the subject matter. Data extraction was done using a spreadsheet to compile the relevant data. Data synthesis was done by studying those factors found to affect psychological well-being of HCWs and separating them into suitable sub-groups. Recommendations to mitigate the psychological impact were proposed. Results: Thirteen factors were identified, which were grouped under the broad categories of socio-demographic variables, individual characteristics, social characteristics, and psychological constructs. Conclusion: Epidemics have a profound impact on psychological well-being of HCWs. There is a pressing need to address the issue of the psychological health of this vulnerable group.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on the lives of people, irrespective of social demographics. The elderly, however, face special challenges, and it is imperative that healthcare professionals identify and highlight their special needs so that they can be adequately protected and supported through these trying times. Unless care is taken, the elderly as a group may face significant fallout with regard to their mental and psychological wellbeing.

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We report on data and debriefing observations in the context of an immersive simulation conducted to (a) train clinicians and (b) test new protocols and kits, developed in table-top exercises without prior clinical experience to fit anticipated clinical encounters in the setting of the rapidly expanding COVID-19 pandemic. We simulated scenarios with particular relevance for anesthesiology, perioperative and critical care, including (1) cardiac arrest, (2) emergency airway management, (3) tele-instruction for remote guidance and supervision, and (4) transporting an intubated patient. Using a grounded theory approach, three authors (MHA, DLR, EHS) developed emergent themes. First alone and then together, we sought consensus in uncovering overarching themes and constructs from the debriefings. We thus performed an informal qualitative thematic analysis based in a critical realist epistemological position - the understanding that our findings, while real, are affected by situational variables and the observer's perspective[ 1 , 2 ]. We compared data from videos and triangulated the data by member checking. All participants and course instructors volunteered to participate in this educational project and contributed as co-authors to this manuscript. During debriefing, we applied crisis resource management concepts including situation awareness, prioritization of tasks, and clear communication practices, conducting the debriefing with emphasis on current TeamStepps 2.0 terminology and concepts. [ 3 , 4 ] In addition, we re-evaluated formerly familiar processes, as shortcomings of protocols, kits, and interdisciplinary cooperation became apparent. The data provide detailed observations on how immersive simulation and debriefing among peers mitigated the unfamiliarity of individual clinicians and the organization at large with the demands of an unprecedented healthcare crisis. We also observed and report on the anxiety caused by resource constraints, risk to clinicians in the face of limited personal equipment, and the overall uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. We began to summarize, interpret, critique, and discuss our data and debriefing observations in a rapid co-publication in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. [Healthcare Simulation to Prepare for the COVID-19 Pandemic] [5]