Psychological impact of COVID-19 emergency on health professionals: burnout incidence at the most critical period in Spain

Abstract

Background: The health profession is a burnout producer due to the continuous contactwith pain and suering. In addition, excessive workloads can generate stress and psychologicaldistress. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of burnout and its maintriggers in health professionals in Spain at the most critical period of the COVID-19 emergency.Method: A quantitative research was developed through a simple random sampling in dierentSpanish hospitals through the period of greatest impact of the pandemic (N=157). Data were collectedusing a standardized questionnaire from Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) containing 22 items,which measures three subscales: emotional burnout, depersonalization, and self-fulfillment. Results:depersonalization values reached 38.9%. A total of 90.4% of the health professionals consideredthat psychological care should be provided from the work centers. Furthermore, 43.3% of thehealth professionals estimated that they might need psychological treatment in the future. Finally,85.4% stated that the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) generated an increase in stressand anxiety. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need to consider specific mental health careservices and training in crises to avoid possible psychological disorders. The information obtained isalso valuable for the development of future prevention protocols and training of health personnel toface pandemics of these characteristics or emergency scenarios. Having the necessary physical meansfor their protection, as well to updated regular and accurate information, is essential to avoid feelingsof fear and uncertainty. This would promote the health of these professionals.