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