Abstract

FORNER-PUNTONET, Mireia et al. Clinical protocol for addressing mental health needs of healthcare professionals during COVID-19. Clínica y Salud [online]. 2021, vol.32, n.3, pp.119-128.  Epub Oct 25, 2021. ISSN 2174-0550.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5093/clysa2021a13.

Healthcare professionals are in the front line of care for patients with COVID-19, presenting greater risk of contagion and emotional distress. The aim of the study is to describe the results of a psychological intervention protocol for professionals; 47 workers from Vall d'Hebron University Hospital who requested psychological support were included during the first month and a half of the crisis. Before and after the intervention a checklist of clinical symptoms, the Clinical Anxiety Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Scale were administered. Professionals who consulted were mostly women, nursing staff, and assistant nursing care technicians, presenting hyperconcern, sadness, sleep, and eating disturbances. Significant improvements were observed on clinical symptoms (z = 4.6, p ≤ .0001), acute stress (z = 2.5, p = .012), anxiety (z = 5.3, p ≤ .0001), and clinical impression (z = 4.1, p ≤ .0001). A brief psychological intervention, based on anxiety management, emotional regulation, and values oriented-behavior, was shown to be effective in reducing emotional symptoms in professionals.

Keywords : COVID-19; Healthcare professionals; Mental health; Psychological intervention.

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