CONCLUSION
A pandemic is, without a doubt, an extremely stressful situation for everyone. It is especially difficult for healthcare workers who are responsible for the provision of safe and effective care to those who have become infected.
The general population is faced with many mental health challenges, including fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Healthcare professionals are faced with overwhelming demands to provide care for others, care for their families, and care for themselves.
It is important to remember, however, that for healthcare providers who risk their lives for the good of many, there is a reciprocal obligation that society keep them safe and ensure they are provided with everything they require to maintain their own safety. At the same time, it is important for everyone to be involved in actively caring for their own well-being.
RESOURCES
Emergencies: disease outbreaks (WHO)
Pandemic planning and preparedness resources (CDC)
Resources to support the health and well-being of clinicians during the COVID-19 outbreak (National Academy of Medicine)
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NOTE: Complete URLs for references retrieved from online sources are provided in the PDF of this course.
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