P-19 The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Emergency Department Nurses and Doctors during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 185 ED nurses and doctors was conducted using a pretested modified version of the COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire before being distributed online to participants. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results: A total of 144 participants (82%) met the inclusion criteria and completed the questionnaire. During the pandemic, 76% of staff worried most about infecting themselves (95%CI[ 69% – 83%] and others 80%, (95%CI [72%-,86%]), loved ones becoming infected (95%, 95%CI [84%-95%] and dying (78%, 95%CI [70%-84%]). They acknowledged being stressed (78%, 95%CI [70%-84%]), with stressors including fear of falling ill (72%, 95%CI [64%- 79%]), quarantine (67%, 95%CI [59%-75%]), curfews (54%, 95%CI [45%-,62%]) and not being able to cope (62%, 95%CI [53%-70%]). They desired to consume alcohol and cigarettes (12%, 95%CI [8%-,20%]) and 95%CI [2%-10%] respectively). They reduced social interactions (54%, 95%CI [46%-62%]), sought comfort in religion (53%, 95%CI [44%-61%]), and changed their outlook on what was important (68%, 95% CI [60%-76%]). In comparison post-pandemic, staff worried about infecting themselves (28%, 95%CI [21%-37%]), others (34%, 95% CI [26%-42%]), loved ones becoming infected (40%, 95%CI [32%-49%]) and dying (31%, 95%CI [24%-40%]), not being able to cope (34%, 95%CI [26%-42%]) and falling ill (40%, 95% CI [32%-49%]). Some desired alcohol (9%, 95%CI [5%-15%]). They started socializing (63%, 95%CI [55%-71%]), practiced religion (63%, 95%CI [54%-70%]), and reflected on what was important (76%, 95%CI [69%- 83%]). They were willing to attend mental health seminars (57%, 95%CI [48%-,64%]).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in ED nurses and doctors feeling stressed and worried, with the greater impact felt during the pandemic.