| Title: Table of Contents |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| File: Masthead |
| Title: Frontline Health Care Workers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing: Need for An Upstream Whole Community Approach |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: |
| Pages: 1-3 |
| Keywords: COVID-19, Virtual Health Care, Primary Care, Canada |
| Authors: Nazilla Khanlou |
| File: Frontline Mental Health – Editorial |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/AWXE9980 |
| Title: Canadian Clinicians Adopting Virtual Health Care during COVID-19 Pandemic: Salute to Our Fast Learners |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: With the arrival of COVID-19, the highly contagious virus and the ensuing pandemic, the landscape of virtual health care in the Canadian primary care sector started to change rapidly– an evolution as compared to the lag seen over last few decades. Major push factors include the safety needs of patients and clinicians while ensuring access to care, and policy shifts by the government’s provision of billing codes for virtual care and by the regulatory bodies to allow use of non-clinical virtual tools. Despite challenges associated with such rapid transitions, primary care clinicians are showcasing their skill acquisition in respect to the uptake of virtual tools at an unprecedented pace and in new circumstances. Nonetheless, they are grappling with several ‘backend’ aspects like determining what care to offer and how to ensure patient privacy, security, and consent when using non-clinical virtual tools (e.g. Facetime or Skype). Their efforts are commendable given their professions are known to experience work related stress in pre-pandemic circumstances as well. While their present contributions are creating a new virtual care path for improving the healthcare delivery system, there is an urgent need to better understand their struggles with the delivery of virtual care under the pandemic in order to protect them from burnout by providing better support systems. |
| Pages: 4-7 |
| Keywords: COVID-19, Virtual Health Care, Primary Care, Canada |
| Authors: Farah Ahmad |
| File: NK01_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/KYCT4710 |
| Title: Social Distancing and Client Engagement: The Challenges of COVID-19 For Frontline Workers |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: The primary purpose of this reflection paper is to clarify the processes by which frontline workers confront the paradoxes of distance and engagement at work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reflection piece examines the relationship between safety and service, the impact of the virus in dealing with the problems and prospects of frontline work in the health delivery services. |
| Pages: 8-12 |
| Keywords: social distance, engagement, frontline health delivery services |
| Authors: Negar Alamdar |
| File: NK02_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/PUTU1918 |
| Title: A Psychiatrist’s Experience at a COVID-19 Centre and Teaching Hospital During This Pandemic |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm, and Malaysia is not spared from experiencing this deadly infectious disease since January 2020 at an exponentially increasing rate. As a psychiatrist, I have been witnessing the overwhelming workload experienced by the healthcare front liners at a COVID-19 centre and teaching hospital – during this pandemic. This resulted in many front-liners suffering from psychological and emotional distress. Despite being the first time handling these problems, the teaching hospital has implemented a series of effective guidance and psychological first aid measures to support these Health care workers such as psychosocial response, psychological assistance and medical interventions which yielded very positive feedback. |
| Pages: 13-16 |
| Keywords: Covid-19, Mental Health, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Malaysia |
| Authors: Anne Yee Hway Ann |
| File: NK03_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/MKBM6399 |
| Title: What Is the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Workers? |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: At the start of the 2020 Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Canada, many social workers throughout Canada worked on the frontlines, providing essential services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, shelter systems, the social services sector, and the criminal justice system, as their places of employment were deemed essential services. This presented often confusing situations for social workers; who were faced with the challenges of simultaneously complying with crisis-level provincial and federal safety guidelines and mandates, directives from their regulatory bodies, and protocols from their employers, while keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy as they continued working with clients. The following paper discusses the precarious situations faced by frontline social workers, the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on them, and we offer recommendations to support frontline social workers’ mental health during this and future pandemics. |
| Pages: 17-24 |
| Keywords: frontline social workers, COVID-19 pandemic, psychological impact, vicarious trauma |
| Authors: Hellen Gateri, Donna Richards, & Fiona Edwards |
| File: NK04_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/BVKL2206 |
| Title: Experience of Working at a “COVID Facility” |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: In the month of February and March, I closely followed news about the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), first in other parts of the world, followed by Canada. It was devastating to read about the havoc that the virus was causing. In this manuscript, I will outline my observations starting with the spread of COVID up till 30th of Oct, 2020. |
| Pages: 25-31 |
| Keywords: Covid_19, Canada, facility, PPE, observation |
| Authors: Irfan Aslam |
| File: NK05_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/WQQC2181 |
| Title: Use of Anxiolytics by Health Professionals Facing The COVID-19 Pandemic Scenario |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: The effects of COVID-19 have caused severe damage to healthcare systems worldwide. Its high rate of infection resulted in a vast number of patients requiring hospitalization and intensive medical care. Generally, healthcare workers find themselves exposed to multiple stressors, such as heavy workloads and high demands. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these stressors are amplified, causing fear, uncertainty, and intensification of psychological symptoms. As a result, there has been an increase in the search and consumption of anxiolytic substances, either through medical prescription or self-medication, to cope with the mental health challenges created as a result of COVID-19. Therefore, it is critical to determine the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of healthcare workers and implement prevention strategies that focus on the preservation of their physical and mental well-being |
| Pages: 32-36 |
| Keywords: COVID-19; Anxiolytics; Health care professionals |
| Authors: Ítalo Arão Pereira Ribeiro , Márcia Astrês Fernandes, & Sandra Cristina Pillon |
| File: NK06_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/JMHM1531 |
| Title: Covid-19 and the New Normal of Mental Health Challenges for Nurses at the Frontline |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic poses new unprecedented challenges for the Canadian health care system, including its protracted duration and high risk of mortality. Frontline health professionals functioning in high-pressure work environments are experiencing psychological distress. Nurses, the largest group of professionals, are reporting difficulties in balancing their responsibilities to patients, their families and society alongside their own physical and mental health needs. Like military war veterans, who experience varying levels of psychological trauma, nurses are now becoming ‘pandemic veterans’. Although previous experiences with the SARS pandemic provided some important lessons, more attention to protecting the physical and psychological safety of the health workforce is needed. The provision of holistic, psychological support to promote mental health resilience and prevention of post traumatic stress syndrome must be accessible to health professionals at the frontline throughout and following the pandemic. Further research exploring the effectiveness of evidence-based psychological interventions for nurses, alongside its application to other health professionals would assist in reducing the negative impact of the pandemic. |
| Pages: 37-44 |
| Keywords: Covid-19, Mental health, Nurse |
| Authors: Lillie Lum |
| File: NK07_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/UWYS7639 |
| Title: Fear of COVID-19 and Mental Health Outcomes among Psychosocial Service Providers in Palestine: The Mediating Role of Well-Being |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between fear of coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health outcomes, the mediating role of well-being among Palestinians psychosocial service providers in response to the emergence of COVID-19, and the quarantine system implemented in Palestine. Methods: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test a conceptual model, where well-being was identified as a mediator, fear of COVID19 as a predictor, and mental distress – operationalized in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress – as outcome variables. Participants were comprised of 280 psychosocial service providers, 84 males and 196 females, working at mental health institutes in Palestine throughout the pandemic. Participants were recruited from online advertisements, e-mail campaigns and social media. Results: Results from correlational analyses showed that fear of COVID-19 was positively correlated with mental health indicators (anxiety; r =.22, p < .01), (depression; r =.17, p < .01), and (stress; r =.20, p < .01). Results of structural equation modeling yielded a standardized total effect of well-being on mental health outcomes (βX,M = -.66, p < .001) . However, this effect was composed of a statistically significant indirect effect (via well-being, βX,M, Y = -. 15, p < .01) and a statistically significant direct effect (βX,Y,M = -.51, p < .01). The relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental health outcomes was fully mediated by well-being. Conclusion: The current study supported results from previous findings, demonstrating that fear of COVID-19 is positively correlated with mental health issues (depression, anxiety and stress). In addition, the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress was fully mediated by wellbeing. Further investigation targeting psychosocial service providers aimed to support well-being and alleviate mental health distress are recommended. |
| Pages: 45-60 |
| Keywords: COVID-19; Fear of Disease; Palestine; Mental Health Outcomes; Well-being |
| Authors: Fayez Azez Mahamid & Dana Bdier |
| File: NK08_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/CTYO9044 |
| Title: COVID-19 and Healthcare Workers’ Struggles in Long Term Care Homes |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: Historically, research of long-term care (LTC) has focused on a number of issues, such as management structures, the quality of care for aging residents, and the gendered nature of care work, among other things. However, there is limited knowledge about how care work is relevant to (and embedded within) the realm of public health. The COVID-19 pandemic has recently exposed that residents and staff are both vulnerable to infection, morbidity, and mortality. A closer examination of the issue reveals the deeper and systematic ways in which the occupational and social conditions of health care workers is vital to public health efforts. Our analysis of the issue reveals that the social determinants of health of care workers needs to be at the forefront in management of the COVID-19 public health crisis in Canada. |
| Pages: 61-66 |
| Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, Race, Gender, Care Work |
| Authors: Iffath Unissa Syed & Farah Ahmad |
| File: NK09_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/PPEU5097 |
| Title: The Experience of COVID -19 Among Advanced Practice Nurses Caring for Patients and the Public |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: Nurses have a duty to care for patients, clients and community members. Advanced Practice Nurses are experiencing many concerns as they face new challenges, fear the unknown and are working with extreme shortages in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has spread rapidly, infecting millions of people worldwide. |
| Pages: 67-73 |
| Keywords: COVID-19, Advanced Practice Nurse, Self-care |
| Authors: Suzanne Tinglin |
| File: NK11_FINAL_Jan25 |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/TJOD7284 |
| Title: Why Are We Looking at First Responders and Medical Personnel as Heroes During COVID-19? |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: Healthcare professionals play a critical role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. It is understandable that people all over the world are looking for a hero to cling to, a non-controversial hero that can save the day. In the public eye, the ultimate heroes throughout this pandemic are first responders, who face the virus on a daily basis, risking their own life. |
| Pages: 74-76 |
| Keywords: Covid-19, Healthcare professionals, Heroes, First responders |
| Authors: Oren Wacht & Amit Frenkel |
| File: NK12_FINAL_JAN20 |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/ELKC9601 |
| Title: The other frontline during COVID-19: connecting with patients and families in their homes |
| Volume: 3 |
| Issue: 1 |
| Abstract: COVID-19 has significantly impacted how healthcare is being delivered. In this commentary, we share our clinical experience and perspectives on how technology and virtual connections were quickly adopted and applied to the care of children and youth with developmental disorders. |
| Pages: 77-80 |
| Keywords: COVID-19, Frontline, Family |
| Authors: Mohammad S. Zubairi & Peter Rosenbaum |
| File: NK13_FINAL |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.54127/CGWU2792 |