| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2022 | Volume
: 26
| Issue : 2 | Page : 105-109 |
Wounded healers of the pandemic: A qualitative study on mental health and protective factors of physicians who recovered from COVID-19
Vijay Nirup Samyuktha1, Vidya Venkatesh2, Dheeraj Kattula3, Benny P Wilson4, Jayaprakash R Ravan5
1 ABT Practitioner, P.G. Certificate Course in Psychological Counselling, Presently Pursuing Masters of Arts – Applied Psychology (Counselling Psychology), Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2 Consultant Counselling Psychologist, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
3 Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
4 Department of Geriatrics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
5 Department of Psychiatry, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Jayaprakash R Ravan
Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar - 751 024, Odisha
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_28_21
Backgroud: Physicians are at a high risk of being infected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methodology: Our aim was to understand lived experiences of physicians who recovered from COVID-19 by focusing on mental health and psycho-social protective factors through a qualitative study using a narrative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was outlined referring to literature and seeking experts' opinions. Telephonic interviews were conducted after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and narratives were written and interpreted. Results: Mental health concerns identified from the narratives of five physicians are fear of infecting others, feeling guilty of transmitting infection, stigma, loneliness, and worry about complications after recovery. Social support, faith in a higher power, sense of purpose, and resilience were their sources of strength. Conclusion: Given the vulnerability and professional commitment to serve people, there is an urgent need to address their mental health needs. Support groups and having interactions with mental health professionals during periods of isolation are some recommendations.
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