The impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on medical personnel

Abstract

Introduction: The development of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been causing changes globally in economic sectors and healthcare systems. Aim: The purpose of the survey we proposed, was to collect information provided directly by medical professionals during the first weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic about how the facilities in which they work. Material and methods: An anonymous survey was addressed to all medical staff and made available on the Internet for a period of 10 days. The research group consisted of 284 people. Results and discussion: Most (97.6%) of health care units have introduced changes in the way they function in connection with a pandemic, and almost every employee was informed about it (94.7%). In most centres, frequent hand disinfection (86.6%) and the wearing of face masks (60.2%) were recommended. Changes in working hours have been introduced in 60.6% cases, and nature of work has changed for 62.0% of respondents. Most respondents are afraid that they may be a source of infection for their relatives (81.3%), whilst almost half are afraid for their personal health (49.3%) and that of their colleagues (54.2%). For the vast majority of respondents, the use of disinfectants has been recommended (94.0%), the wearing of gloves (93.0%), and for 79.9% to wear protective masks. Conclusions: In a survey of medical staff, most people have been experiencing increased stress due to the current coronavirus pandemic. The greatest concern among medics is the possibility of transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus to their relatives and colleagues. According to respondents, the current pandemic will have an impact on how the healthcare system will change in Poland.