Psychological Treatment for Health Professionals during the covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The sars-CoV-2 (covid-19) pandemic has intensely impacted the mental health of healthcare professionals. The clinical research literature describes various interventions to address these problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of a remote psychological intervention on healthcare professionals during the pandemic. Method: Thirty professionals working in hospital services participated: in medicine, nursing, psychology, chemistry, and social work; from several public hospitals. Their mean age was 39 years (SD = 10. 7). The study used a pre-experimental intrasubject pre-post design, with additional follow-ups. Measurement involved symptoms of depression, anxiety, acute stress, burnout, suicidal ideation, and satisfaction with the intervention. Therapists conducted the intervention by telephone or video call, and the number of sessions depended on each participant's therapeutic needs and goals. The intervention used guidelines and manuals, and therapists were trained and supervised before and during the study. Results: Using a nonparametric test and Cardiel’s clinical change formula, clinically and statistically significant improvements were detected in pre-post measurements for the following symptoms: depressive Z = - 4. 533, p = 0. 001), anxiety (Z = -4. 544, p = 0. 001), acute stress (Z = -4. 705, p = 0. 001), suicidal ideation (Z = -3. 070, p = 0. 002) and occupational burnout (Z = -4. 611, p = 0. 001). Discussion: The remote intervention showed effectiveness in treating these conditions in the context of the covid-19 pandemic.