Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

March 6, 2020

Psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on healthcare workers in China

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  • Several studies in recent weeks have touched on the psychological effects of the current outbreak on healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in China. Two new questionnaire-based studies have evaluated psychological distress in HCWs. 
  • Dai et al found that the top concerns among HCWs were infection of colleagues and family members, protective measures, and medical violence. 39.1% reported psychological distress, with more distress reported by those working in Wuhan, serving as frontline medical providers, and those who had experienced isolation themselves or had friends or colleagues infected. 
  • Xing et al compared HCW reports of psychological symptoms to national averages and found significantly more among HCWs. However, interpersonal sensitivity was quite high, indicating good cohesion and unity among clinical providers during emergencies.  

Dai et al. (Mar 6, 2020). Psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on healthcare workers in China. Pre-print downloaded Mar 6 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.03.20030874 

Xing et al. (Mar 6, 2020). Study of the mental health status of medical personnel dealing with new coronavirus pneumonia. Pre-print downloaded Mar 6 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.04.20030973