Healthcare workers’ knowledge and management skills of psychosocial and mental health needs and priorities of individuals with COVID-19

Abstract

IntroductionIndividuals confirmed with COVID-19 were isolated or treated in medical and well-designated units; however, such a situation probably causing psychological and mental health problems that require prompt intervention.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and management of healthcare workers regarding psychosocial and mental health priorities and needs of individuals with COVID-19.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data collected conveniently at one single point in time from 101 healthcare workers in Jordan directly managing the health of individuals with COVID-19.Resultshealthcare workers have moderate to a high level of knowledge of psychological distress related to COVID-19; mean ranged from 50-70% agreement and confidence. Healthcare workers had moderate to a high level of management of psychosocial and mental health needs. In general, healthcare workers were able to identify mental and psychosocial health needs and priorities at a moderate level. Healthcare workers’ knowledge had a positive and significant correlation with age (r = .24, p = .012) and years of experience (r = .28, p =.004), and a significant difference was found in their management towards using mental and psychosocial care between those who are trained on psychological first aids and those who are not (t = - 3.11, p = .003).Conclusionsthere is a need to train healthcare workers to integrate psychosocial and mental health care while managing psychological distress related to COVID-19.DisclosureNo significant relationships.