Working conditions and psychological status of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

We consider the aspects of the adequate support for medical workers during the pandemic as an important topic for understanding the gaps and choice of the correct tactical measures is case the situation repeats. This article presents a review of the data on the condition of medical workers in various hospitals and clinics around the world. The staff working in the "red zones" most frequently suffered from the following conditions: psychological stress, increased workload, social isolation / stigma, lack of motivation, lack of quality personal protective equipment, lack of coordination and proper management during the work. Each day, the medical workers were exposed to the COVID-19 infection, and this situation had created clear risks to their physical health. The public healthcare system crisis impacted their mental health, contributing to anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness and other problems. Many authors had concluded that health professionals required a support for both physical and mental health.