Differences in the Long-term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health and Professional Quality of Life of Resident and Specialist Physicians

Authors

  • Valentina Delle Donne Infectious Diseases Institute, Department of Safety and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
  • Valentina Massaroni Infectious Diseases Institute, Department of Safety and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
  • Nicoletta Ciccarelli Department of Psychology, Catholic University, Milan, Italy
  • Alberto Borghetti UOC Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
  • Arturo Ciccullo UOC Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Salvatore, L’Aquila, Italy
  • Gianmaria Baldin Olbia Mater Hospital, Olbia, Italy
  • Gabriele Giuliano UOC Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
  • Alex Dusina UOC Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
  • Elena Visconti UOC Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
  • Enrica Tamburrini UOC Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
  • Simona Di Giambendetto Infectious Diseases Institute, Department of Safety and Bioethics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Keywords:

Covid-19, Healthcare workers, Mental health, Professional quality of life, Burnout

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created an extremely difficult situation for healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. We aimed to compare the mental health and professional quality of life of residents and specialist physicians in a cohort of Italian HCWs caring for patients with COVID-19 about two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In November 2021, an online survey investigating the emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress, compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue was administered to HCWs (N= 78) at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome. Results: Our findings suggest that from 5 to 20% of our cohort of HCWs still showed the effects of the adverse psychological impact of the pandemic and more than half of them experienced medium levels of compassion fatigue as well as a medium level of compassion satisfaction. Our results also show that those with fewer years of clinical practice might be at greater risk of burnout (p= 0.021), anxiety and stress symptoms (both ps= 0.027) and might develop a lower level of compassion satisfaction (p=0.018). Moreover, the factors that potentially contribute to poor mental health, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction seem to differ between residents and specialist physicians. Conclusions: This overview presents one of the first pictures of the long-term effects of the pandemic on the mental health and professional quality of life of an Italian sample of HCWs. Moreover, it also helps identify professionals who are most in need of support and emphasises the importance of improving the psychological and professional wellbeing of these individuals especially during a pandemic-like crisis with long lasting effects.

 

References

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13-04-2023

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Differences in the Long-term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health and Professional Quality of Life of Resident and Specialist Physicians. Med Lav [Internet]. 2023 Apr. 13 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];114(2):e2023012. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/lamedicinadellavoro/article/view/13829