Exploring the Psychological Experiences of Frontline Healthcare Providers Dealing with Covid Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47067/real.v5i3.258Keywords:
Covid-19, Stress, Mental Health Workers, Thematic AnalysisAbstract
People's physical and mental health have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical and psychological preparedness of the emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical during a continuing outbreak of Ebola virus disease. An investigation of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency health care providers (EHCPs), as well as their stress coping mechanisms or protective factors, and obstacles they face while caring for COVID-19 patients will be conducted. From April 2, 2020 to April 25, 2020, 15 frontline emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) dealt with COVID-19 patients. In person or via phone, semi-structured interviews were done. Analysis was conducted utilising a thematic approach to data collection. A number of key findings focused on coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations, including: limiting media exposure; sharing duty details on a limited basis; religious coping; altruism as a fallback strategy; and, dealing with challenges, including: psychological responses and noncompliance with the public/denial by religious scholars. The COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and anxiety were discussed and various coping mechanisms were practiced and advised. Stress and worry in the population are often attributed to the media. Coping mechanisms included religious faith and a desire to serve humanity and their country.
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