Psychological distress among healthcare professionals at the frontlines: anaesthesiologists’ perspective

Samuel Ern Hung, Tsan and Anand, Kamalanathan and Chew Yin, Wang (2021) Psychological distress among healthcare professionals at the frontlines: anaesthesiologists’ perspective. In: COVID-19 and Psychology in Malaysia. Psychological distress among healthcare professionals at the frontlines, 1 . Routledge, UK, pp. 3-18. ISBN 9781000510164

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic raging in Malaysia has been one of the greatest challenges so far since its formation, and standing at the forefront of this “war” are Malaysian healthcare practitioners. We sought to capture a snapshot of the psychological distress encountered by those in the medical profession standing at the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, by carrying out a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence of burnout and depression risk among anaesthesiology clinicians in a nationally designated exclusive COVID-19 hospital. We utilised validated questionnaires and included all the clinicians (n=88) in the Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department. This study was conducted throughout the month of May 2020, which corresponded to the end of the first Malaysian Government Movement Control Order (from 18th March to 3rd May 2020). Results showed that more than half of anaesthesiologists managing COVID-19 patients suffered from burnout, and up to 67% had a high risk of depression. Both burnout and depression are significantly associated with one another. The findings are discussed, followed by recommendations for preventative strategies to increase the mental fortitude of healthcare practitioners in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	UNIMAS, University, Borneo, Malaysia, Sarawak, Kuching, Sanarahan, IPTA, education, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Academic Faculties, Institutes and Centres > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Faculties, Institutes, Centres > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Ern Hung
Date Deposited:	08 Nov 2021 04:02
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2021 04:02
URI:	http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/36630

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• Psychological distress among healthcare professionals at the frontlines: anaesthesiologists’ perspective. (deposited 08 Nov 2021 04:02) [Currently Displayed]
  • Psychological distress among healthcare professionals at the frontlines: anaesthesiologists’ perspective. (deposited 06 Dec 2021 02:37)

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