COVID-19 Leaves Caregivers with PTSD and Mental Health Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Healthcare workers and hospital administrators have revealed the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of caregivers, with many reporting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, isolation, and burnout. The warnings came during a bipartisan hearing of the House Mental Health Caucus in Pennsylvania, where healthcare officials urged lawmakers to take action to support those who have helped combat the pandemic. "Dealing with this pandemic created a multitude of emotions among our health care workers," said Patricia Stover, RN, MSN, NE-BC, vice-president, patient services/CNO for Doylestown Health. "There was also a great deal of stress along with physical and mental exhaustion. Feelings of grief, fatigue, anger, fear and hopelessness were all contributors to this stress."

Key Takeaways:

  • 76% of healthcare workers reported burnout and exhaustion in a survey from the National Institute of Healthcare Management in September 2020.
  • Seven in 10 primary care clinicians reported that mental exhaustion has reached all-time highs in a recent survey from the Larry A. Green Center.
  • Four in five primary care clinicians surveyed received weekly calls from colleagues and patients experiencing mental health crises.
  • Two in five clinicians reported seeking support for their mental health.
  • Experts predict that PTSD in healthcare workers will continue to increase.
  • Healthcare officials urged lawmakers to provide mental health services, screenings, and evidence-based programs to support frontline workers.
  • Employers should offer wellness initiatives and resiliency resources to prevent and decrease anxiety and depression.
  • Healthcare staff are concerned about the decreased funding for mental health care and the increased need for resources after the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 76% of healthcare workers reported burnout and exhaustion in a survey from the National Institute of Healthcare Management (September 2020).
  • Seven in 10 primary care clinicians reported mental exhaustion with 4 in 5 receiving weekly calls from patients experiencing mental health crises.
  • 2 in 5 clinicians reported seeking support for their mental health.
  • 3 in 10 healthcare professionals are considering leaving the profession, with half due to burnout.

Sources:

  • Patricia Stover, RN, MSN, NE-BC, vice-president, patient services/CNO for Doylestown Health
  • Jennifer Collins, PsyD, chief well-being officer and clinical psychologist at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
  • Dr. Ben Miller, chief strategy officer of Well Being Trust
  • Tarik S. Khan, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, president of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
  • Robert McNamara, MD FAAEM, professor and chair Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
  • Sharon Curran, chief executive officer, Lenape Valley Foundation
  • Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation poll
  • National Institute of Healthcare Management
  • Larry A. Green Center