ER doctors' emotions, stressors, stress-reducing factors, coping strategies and motivational factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The presence of COVID-19 has increasingly overwhelmed the Philippine healthcare system, which is affecting the mental and emotional health of healthcare workers in the country.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the emotions, stressors, stress-reducing factors, coping mechanisms, and motivational factors of the emergency room (ER) doctors in selected high-risk private hospitals within the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) during the COVID-19 pandemic between March 14, 2020 to November 12, 2020.

Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using electronic and/or
physical surveys, given to 127 ER doctors in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Makati Medical Center in Makati, and Chinese General Hospital in Manila.

Results: Results showed that ER doctors continuously work as it is their professional and ethical duty despite feeling nervous and scared to do so. However, the safety of their colleagues and family increases their stress levels, which were reduced when their family and friends were safe from COVID-19 and when the condition of their colleagues improved. Following strict protocols and chatting with friends and family helped them cope to alleviate stress, and the assurance of adequate personal protective equipment and family support motivated the ER doctors to continue working.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on ER doctors, and all involved parties can improve the experiences of ER doctors during any future outbreaks similar to COVID-19 by providing psychosocial interventions.

Published online: December 22, 2021