Trends in Psychological Distress and Burnout Syndrome among Healthcare Workers due to COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant physical and mental tension among frontline workers globally. Poor working conditions, lack of protective personal equipment (PPE), short-staffed departments, medication shortage, depleted hospital beds, and ventilators have had a direct correlation with occupational burnout syndrome (BOS) and psychological distress among frontline healthcare workers (HCW) and their physical and mental well-being. The limitless hours on shift, the abundant number of daily cases, and the upturn of fatalities have contributed to the stressors among HCWs during this pandemic. In this paper, we will examine the occupational burnout syndrome and the psychological distress among HCWs working frontline during the pandemic. Also, the paper will explore whether there is a correlation between occupational burnout syndrome, mental and psychological distress, and COVID-19. The goal of this research is to acquire and establish if there had been an increase in anxiety and other mental health concerns as well as burnout levels for workers impacted by COVID-19. Categories explored will entail anxiety levels, mental and physical strains of working long hours, working under subpar conditions with limited PPE and patient rooms, and fear of exposure to the virus. Throughout the pandemic, many cases of tragic suicidal deaths have emerged. Consequently, attention to the well-being of healthcare professionals (HCPs) across the world has become imperative to adequately support and monitor. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Medical Personnel (MBI-MP) are tools used by psychiatrists to diagnose and treat mental health such as burnout syndrome and psychological distress levels which also encompasses post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mass traumatic events (MTE). Studies have shown a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, fear, depression, and frustration in emergency professionals involved in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through various studies, we will demonstrate how the pandemic has affected frontline workers' mental and psychological well-being as well as how inadequate working conditions and long working hours lead to occupational burnout syndrome. Results will show how healthcare workers are feeling unaccomplished, second-guessing their clinical decisions, defeated, and mentally and physically drained. It is expected that subpar working conditions will continue to deteriorate the physical and mental well-being of HCWs on the frontline as the number of COVID-19 cases continue globally even after three years since its inception.