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TimesLIVE reports that according to SA's front-line doctors, their mental health has deteriorated in recent weeks, which has prompted a medical defence body to warn about the risk of burnout.
With Covid-19 tightening its grip on the country, the Medical Protection Society (MPS), which represents 32,000 health-care professionals in SA, has conducted a survey of doctors' psychological wellbeing. A total of 346 doctors took part in the survey, which found that a third of them believed their mental health was worse when compared with two weeks ago. MPS reported that 60% of doctors said they were concerned about the health of their families and friends, 54% were worried about finances and 42% about their own health. The survey also found that 40% were worried about the health of their patients. Dr Volker Hitzeroth of MPS said: “Adrenaline will be carrying many health-care workers through this pandemic and help them to cope despite the exhaustion and tragedy they experience daily. It is when the crisis recedes and there is time to reflect that the accumulated stress and trauma may surface. This is the time health-care professionals will be most at risk and need support.” Dr Hitzeroth added that many were at risk of burnout set against a backdrop of an already burnt-out workforce, while others might suffer with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suthentira Govender at TimesLIVE
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