A team of researchers from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC) is participating in an international study, promoted by the Compassionate Mind Foundation, which aims to better understand the emotional experiences of health professionals who have been, or are, at the forefront of treating patients with Covid-19.
To reach as many health professionals as possible in Portugal, the team, coordinated by Marcela Matos, a researcher at the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC) at FPCEUC, is looking for volunteers who wish to participate in the research.
All health professionals who were and/or are directly involved in the treatment of patients with Covid-19 can participate in this study, namely professionals from the Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine (intensive care units, ICUs), Emergency Service and Pulmonology Service, of hospital centers in the country.
To do so, just access this link. The project team informs that “all matters of privacy, confidentiality of information and anonymity of the participants are assured”.
"There is growing evidence that frontline health professionals fighting Covid-19 have experienced adverse emotional reactions, which may be associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, trauma and burnout symptoms," explains Marcela Matos , coordinator of the study in Portugal.
"This study aims to expand understanding of the multifaceted nature of the emotional experience of frontline health professionals in the care of Covid-19 patients."
In addition, adds the CINEICC researcher and FPCEUC professor, “these professionals have been faced with prolonged physical and emotional exhaustion and intense sadness, associated with the specificity of this tragic and unprecedented situation that is the Covid-19 pandemic, which is thus reveals a unique experience that differs from other forms of personal trauma».
Understanding the emotional experiences of these health professionals, stresses Marcela Matos, will help to design 'specific strategies to promote mental health and well-being, in order to try to help them deal with the situation and alleviate some of the difficulties experienced».
Author: Cristina Pinto – Press Office – University of Coimbra – Science Communication
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