Times Constraints, Lack of Confidence in Treatment, Stigma, and Confidentiality Concerns: Barriers to Care Among First-year Internal Medicine Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for frontline health care workers. First-year medical residents have been at high risk of psychological distress given these challenges as well as those related to transitioning to a provider role. Virtual peer discussion groups were organized for first-year residents (N=47) at a large, American academic medical center to process the emotional impacts from the pandemic and provide support. Residents completed an anonymous survey before the initiation of the discussion groups to assess their level of psychological distress, perceived sources of stress, impact of the pandemic on their mental health, and attitudes toward seeking mental health services. Results from the survey identified time constraints as the greatest barrier to accessing mental health care, followed by lack of confidence in treatment, stigma, and concerns about confidentiality. We discuss potential ways to address some of these barriers to improve access and acceptability of mental health support for this specific population during a pandemic.