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CORONAcrisis—An Observational Study on the Experience of Healthcare Professionals in a University Hospital during a Pandemic Emergency

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa Matarazzo

    (Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Francesca Bravi

    (Santa Maria Delle Croci Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy)

  • Giorgia Valpiani

    (Research Innovation Quality and Accreditation Unit, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Chiara Morotti

    (Research Innovation Quality and Accreditation Unit, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Francesca Martino

    (Mental Health Center, Local Health Unit of Bologna, 40124 Bologna, Italy)

  • Sandra Bombardi

    (Research Innovation Quality and Accreditation Unit, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Michela Bozzolan

    (Training and Updating Unit, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Elda Longhitano

    (General and Healthcare Administration, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Paola Bardasi

    (General and Healthcare Administration, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy)

  • De Vogli Roberto

    (Human Rights Centre, Department of Social Psychology and Development, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Tiziano Carradori

    (Local Health Unit of Romagna, General Directorate, 48121 Ravenna, Italy)

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect millions worldwide and has posed unique challenges to healthcare professionals. Caring for patients during a pandemic may have negative impacts on their mental health. We describe the first part of a study using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design (QUANT→QUAL). This quantitative part examines the experiences of healthcare professionals during the pandemic in a University Hospital in Italy. We performed a cross-sectional hospital-based survey involving all healthcare professionals between 19 May 2020 and 3 June 2020. Perceived Stress Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and General Anxiety Disorder scores were calculated, in order to assess how the pandemic emergency changed the occupational and social habits of the healthcare professionals. The mean age of the 275 respondents was 47 years and females accounted for 80.2%. A total of 29.8% had a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score ≥25, 22.9% scored ≥15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale, and 17.1% scored ≥15 on the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scale. Stress symptoms were mostly manifested for interviewees over 55, females, those who live far from their family, those who have only one child, and those who had a qualification lower than high school or who had a medical specialization. Our findings show a relevant level of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression in up to 30% of the sample, highlighting a significant psychological burden in all professionals.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa Matarazzo & Francesca Bravi & Giorgia Valpiani & Chiara Morotti & Francesca Martino & Sandra Bombardi & Michela Bozzolan & Elda Longhitano & Paola Bardasi & De Vogli Roberto & Tiziano Carradori, 2021. "CORONAcrisis—An Observational Study on the Experience of Healthcare Professionals in a University Hospital during a Pandemic Emergency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4250-:d:537810
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stella E. Hines & Katherine H. Chin & Danielle R. Glick & Emerson M. Wickwire, 2021. "Trends in Moral Injury, Distress, and Resilience Factors among Healthcare Workers at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-11, January.
    2. Manuela Pérez-Chacón & Antonio Chacón & Mercedes Borda-Mas & María Luisa Avargues-Navarro, 2021. "Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Compassion Satisfaction as Risk/Protective Factors from Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare and Education Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-15, January.
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