A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF STUDIES RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF DOCTORS AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Doctors and other allied healthcare professionals are constantly exposed to stressful situations that can undoubtedly negatively affect their psychological well-being. This precarious situation has been further exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the mental stress and trauma among doctors, in light of the pandemic. A number of relevant studies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and case studies) have been gathered to present a global trajectory of the responses of the doctors in the pandemic, and, as a consequence how this has impacted their psychological well-being. Collated findings suggest a need for a more nuanced and global approach, which is necessary towards addressing the immediate and long-lasting effects of the pandemic within the medical community. This study also provides a theoretical framework that can be used to design psychological interventions which can target the healthcare profession. Keywords: community psychology; COVID-19, healthcare professionals, psychological well-being; systematic review