The psychological impact of COVID-19 on ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists
Autor: | Matthew G. Davey, Nash P. Patil, Ivan Keogh, Mel Corbett, Thomas Crotty, Eva M Doherty, Stephen Gary, Joseph Hughes |
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Rok vydání: | 2021 |
Předmět: |
Adult
medicine.medical_specialty Health Personnel ENT Psychological intervention Anxiety 030204 cardiovascular system & hematology Otolaryngology 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Throat Health care otorhinolaryngologic diseases medicine Humans 030212 general & internal medicine Pandemics Nose Depression SARS-CoV-2 business.industry COVID-19 General Medicine medicine.disease Mental health Cross-Sectional Studies medicine.anatomical_structure Otorhinolaryngology Family medicine Original Article medicine.symptom business Anxiety disorder |
Zdroj: | Irish Journal of Medical Science |
ISSN: | 1863-4362 0021-1265 |
Popis: | Introduction Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are a high-risk group for COVID-19. Although the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on physical health are well-documented, the psychological impact is frequently overlooked. Aims The aim of this study was to gauge the psychological impact of COVID-19 on ENT specialists in Ireland. Methods A national, cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to ENT specialists during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (21st May 2020–21st June 2020). The questionnaire collected sociodemographic and COVID-19 related data. The GAD-7 was utilized to measure symptoms of clinically significant anxiety disorder. Results Thirty-eight ENT specialists (M/F:24/12, median age, 38.7 years (23–60 years)) completed the survey. About 34% (n = 13) of participants screened positive for an anxiety disorder, of which 2 (5%) had moderate symptoms. The majority of participants (n = 32, 84%) felt ENT specialists had increased exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared with other medical specialties. Additionally, 32% (n = 12) felt incapable of protecting themselves from infection. An encouraging proportion of ENT specialists (n = 22, 58%) were aware of psychological support available from national and institutional organizations. Conclusions The long-term psychological sequelae of COVID-19 will be felt as the physical burden eases. As we adjust to new normalities, ENT surgeons must be conscientious of the mental health issues that arise from the working environment. Sources of anxiety emanated from a lack of control over infection risk, increased vulnerability to COVID-19 relative to other specialties and the implications this has for ENT specialists and their families. Future interventions must focus on increasing awareness of the available psychological support services for our healthcare workers. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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