The new COVID-19 virus has resulted in major disruptions to commercial and personal affairs over the world. From the fears over the infection to transportation bans, it would appear this infection has touched many aspects of our lives. In particular for businesses, it can impact the emotional well being of the staff.

We can draw on the experience of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Medical Psychology Research Center of the Second Xiangya Hospital, and the Chinese Medical and Psychological Disease Clinical Medicine Research Center have in their responses to the psychological pressures on staff.

These institutions found that whilst their staff did not worry about getting infected once they began work but did worry about infecting their families and did not want their families to worry about them.

Staff voiced their worries about using protective equipment and inability to treat severely ill patients. Furthermore, they were unsure over how to deal with patients unwilling to comply with medical advice.

In response they had organised the following responses:
Designated rest place where staff could separate themselves from their family.
The institutions also ensured adequate food and daily living supplies.
Arranged training to address patients issues in response with COVID-19.
Made available, trained hospital security staff to deal with uncooperative patients.
Developed detailed rules on usage of protective equipment.
Arranged relaxation training and activities for staff.
Arranged for regular psychological counsellors to visit staff regularly
Most of these arrangements can be instituted in a practical and cost effective manner in many healthcare organisations and may help to alleviate the emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

References:
Mental health care for medical staff in China during the COVID-19 outbreak
The Lancet Psychiatry, February 18, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30078-X