JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has become a global public health crisis, not only endangering the lives of the patients, but also resulting in increased workload and psychological stress to medical professionals, especially front-line healthcare workers (HCWs). A global pandemic has similar characteristics to other disasters, but also has unique features that require special attention. The increased globalization and the novel coronavirus' longer (often asymptomatic) incubation period with atypical symptoms challenge HCW in diagnosing and treating their patients. Front-line HWCs are faced with the increased psychological pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the risk for burnout, fear, worry, pressure, anxiety and depression. These negative emotional stressors may cause psychological overload on HCWs, affecting their physical and mental health. Meanwhile, the emotional state is closely related to immune systems. Therefore, it is urgent to protect the mental health and strengthen the psychological resilience of HCWs. This study analyzes the psychological problems that frontline HCWs may face during the COVID-19 epidemic, and proposes potential interventions of which HCWs can take advantage to engage in the fight against the epidemic with a healthy physical and mental state.