Investigating the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Professionals: Implications and Recommendations

Abstract

Public health crises that increase the demand for healthcare professionals (HCPs) often result in increased mental distress in HCPs. The current study investigated the specific mental health ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCPs and perceived support from their places of work. Data was collected from US-based HCPs ( N = 325) working as physicians (21.8%), nurses (26.8%), mental health professionals (MHPs; 30.5%), and allied healthcare professionals (AHPs; 20.9%) from April 2020 to April 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, using an online self-report survey. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses assessed worry, stressors, psychological functioning, and perceived support. A majority of participants expressed worry about the pandemic broadly (93%), and approximately half (50.5%) indicated that their degree of worry was moderate to extreme. Respondents worried most about the risk of infection for family and relatives. HCPs reported not having been able to enjoy daily activities (66.9%), losing sleep (43.1%), and feeling constantly under strain (66.9%), compared to usual. Most HCPs indicated a strong desire for clear communication regarding the pandemic and psychological support from their workplaces. This paper provides recommendations to support HCP mental health by both ameliorating distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as protecting the health and wellness of HCPs more generally. HCPs and institutions that employ them should seek out or provide access to mental health resources and services, engage with or provide opportunities and activities to actively address mental health, and improve communication regarding COVID-19 or other topics HCPs demonstrate interest in.