The experience of quarantine among employees of the National Medical Rescue System during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: For healthcare professionals, working during the coronavirus pandemic is a psychological burden. One aspect of the pandemic is the compulsory quarantine or isolation related to suspected or contracting COVID-19. Aim of the study: The aim of this research is to analyze the subjective feelings and experiences of workers in emergency departments and emergency medical teams that were subjected to quarantine or isolation during the first stage of the pandemic. Material and methods: The research was performed from December 2020 to February 2021 using a survey questionnaire among the workers of the Emergency Medical Services, who in the first stage of the pandemic have undergone quarantine as a result of suspected COVID-19 infection. 89 workers were included in this study. Most of the participants worked in the ED. The mean age of the participants was 31.5 ± 8.94 years. The mean value of the entities’ work experience was 8.4 ± 9.6 years. Conclusions: Medical staff undergoing quarantine experience feelings of a different mood, anxiety, irritability, anxiety, and stress. After quarantine, they valued their health and contact with other people. Medical personnel did not use psychological assistance during quarantine. Employee isolation can be a source of both positive and negative experience. The experience of quarantine was influenced by the gender, form of employment, place of work, and age of the respondents. There is a need for further research on the mental well-being of healthcare professionals and coping with stress in crisis situations.