Discussion:
Our study shows a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms of major
depressive disorders and generalised anxiety disorders amongst
Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with
this being highest amongst female doctors. Interestingly, respondents
felt that the most significant factor impacting on their mental health
was keeping up to date with frequently changing guidelines, pathways,
and protocols due to rapidly evolving evidence.
The results of this study are important because it re-enforces the
importance of providing mental health support to Obstetrics and
Gynaecology doctors during COVID-19 pandemic. Workplace-based factors
have a clear impact on doctor’s mental health status; therefore, it
would be imperative to provide support platforms that respond to these
contributory factors.
The unknowns surrounding COVID-19 lead to vast volumes of research being
conducted rapidly resulting in frequently updated guidelines, protocols
and pathways. As the most significant factor to affect doctor’s mental
health status, it would be prudent to establish methods of reducing the
impact these changes have. Potential methods of mitigating the impact
could include having clear platforms for easy access to the most-updated
guidelines and protocols with clear summaries of recommendations and
changes from previous versions. In addition, having virtual online
teaching sessions to disseminate updates on guidelines may be
beneficial. Simulation training, although challenging given physical
distancing recommendations, may also be valuable, if kept to the minimum
number of staff.
Less than 40% of respondents agreed that they were able to talk to
their colleagues about their mental health, which demonstrates the
persistent taboo that mental health carries within the speciality. It is
known that fear of stigmatization and discrimination potentially impede
healthcare workers intent to seek support and psychotherapeutic
interventions11Zheng Wei. Mental health and a novel coronavirus
(2019-nCoV) in China. J. Aff. Disord. 2020 published online 21 March
2020. Changing attitudes and perceptions towards mental health has
been an on-going challenge22Bianchi EF, Bhattacharyya MR, Meakin
R. Exploring senior doctors’ beliefs and attitudes regarding mental
illness within the medical profession: a qualitative study. BMJ
Open . 2016;6(9):e012598. Published 2016 Sep 16.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012598
Table 1: Respondent’s demographics