Peer-reviewed article

COVID-19-Induced Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Palliative Medicine Professionals (Sci218)

· 13 Apr 2023

Abstract

Outcomes 1. Define the factors contributing to increased PTSD incidence due to COVID-19 among hospice and palliative medicine professionals. 2. Implement measures to screen and proactively mitigate workplace related factors associated with increased risk of PTSD in pandemic- and potentially non-pandemic-related situations. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 557 million people globally. In order to assess its psychological effect on healthcare workers in hospice and palliative medicine, a survey was solicited to AAHPM members. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with all responses kept in confidence. The survey consisted of three parts: demographics, attitudes/sentiments relating to COVID-19, and the DSM-IV-TR Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist-Specific (PCL-S). The PCL-S has clinical and research utility to screen for PTSD in response to a specific stressor, in this case COVID-19. A total of 323 AAHPM members participated, of which 290 (89.8%) completed the PCL-S. Utilizing the most conservative and reliable scoring method for the PCL-S, 16.6% (48/290) met diagnostic criteria for symptomatic PTSD. Demographic factors including age, relationship status, child status, years of experience, geographical location, and gender did not affect odds of PTSD symptomology, yet non-male gender was associated with higher PCL-S scores (3.2 ± 1.5; p = 0.38). Attitudes surrounding the use and perceived efficacy of telemedicine did not impact the incidence of PTSD. Those providing critical care services (33/156; 21.2%) were at greater risk of symptomatic PTSD than those not providing critical care services to COVID-19 patients (15/135; 11.1%; RR = 1.9[1.08-3.35]; p=0.026). Furthermore, PCL-S scores increased as a function of the number of patients where critical care (but not non-critical care) was provided (p=0.0006). Increased workload (p=0.009) and having to perform new job duties (p=0.004) as a result of COVID-19 were also associated with symptomatic PTSD. Personal stress was also a contributory factor; the risk of symptomatic PTSD was higher among respondents reporting a friend, family member, or colleague's death from COVID-19 (23.8% vs. 13.1%; RR = 1.82[1.08-3.05]). As COVID-19 continues to impact us all, understanding factors affecting the mental health of an integral part of the healthcare workforce is crucial.