Quarantine and Isolation: Effects on Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Epidemic outbreak places additional stressors on healthcare workers due to exposure to the illness itself and due to the stressors associated with caring for gravely ill under adverse circumstances that may include imposed isolation or mandated, extended shifts, leading to healthcare workers’ prolonged separation from own families. Isolation, exposure to and caring for critically ill patients, and separation from their loved ones may have significant and lasting effects on affected healthcare providers. The consequences of such stressful experiences include posttraumatic sequelae, relational and coping problems, or substance use and may persist for years after the infectious outbreak. About 20% of healthcare providers working in isolation, caring for critically ill patients, will subsequently develop posttraumatic symptoms. Several preparatory measures can be instituted to reduce posttraumatic sequelae, and they include providing clear guidelines and expectations, maintaining open communication, and offering appropriate logistical support, peer, and spiritual counseling, as well as psychological counseling, where indicated.