Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of surgeons and coping strategies
Anusha Balasubramanian MRCS MMED ORL HNS
Abstract
Unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures. While surgeons across the globe try to comprehend the evolving façade of the COVID 19 pandemic and improvise surgical practice to the best of their ability, the psychological impact of the stress on their own mental health and wellbeing has been underestimated. This paper aims to review the indirect and overt factors that may affect the mental health of a surgeon in the present circumstances. Furthermore, it will aim to highlight key coping mechanisms at individual and institutional level, so as to mitigate the negative psychological impact on surgeons.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Mental healthCoping (psychology)GlobePandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakPsychologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)MedicineClinical psychologyPsychiatryDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakVirologyNeurosciencePathologyHealthcare professionals’ stress and burnoutCOVID-19 and Mental HealthEmpathy and Medical Education