HOW CAN I SURVIVE THIS? Coping during COVID-19 pandemic

Garros, Daniel; Austin, Wendy; Dodek, Peter

Worldwide, healthcare professionals are experiencing unprecedented stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to a new virus for which there is no effective treatment yet and no vaccine, is beyond challenging. Moral distress, experienced when clinicians are unable to act in the way that they believe they should, is often experience when dealing with end-of-life care issues, as well as insufficient resources. Both factors have been widespread during this pandemic, particularly when patients are dying alone, and lack of personal protection equipment plague many overburdened healthcare systems. We explore here, guided by evidence, the concept and features of moral distress, as well as individual resilience. Mitigation strategies involve individual and institutional responsibilities, and the importance of solidarity, peer support, psychological first aid and gratitude are highlighted.