ABSTRACT
Healthcare providers have a huge responsibility for ensuring health and well-being of the masses. However, amidst COVID 19 their health and well-being was also adversely affected. This study was conducted after the COVID-19 second wave in India to examine the difference in the mental health of doctors, nurses and community health workers (CHWs). This study was conducted on a sample of 300 healthcare providers after the COVID-19 second wave. Doctors, nurses and CHWs who were working in Primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and district hospitals (DHs) voluntarily participated in the study. Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38) comprises of six subscales (anxiety, depression, loss of control, emotional ties, general positive affect, & life satisfaction), and two global scales psychological distress and psychological wellbeing and overall mental health index was used to measure healthcare providers' mental health. ANOVA results revealed a statistically significant difference in mean scores of doctors, nurses and CHWs on anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Furthermore, the mean score of anxiety, depression and psychological distress revealed that doctors and nurses were experiencing higher symptoms of these mental health problems in comparison to CHWs. The observed difference in the mental health of doctors, nurses and CHWs might be due to their engagement, role and responsibilities. To achieve optimal patient-level outcomes, healthcare organization needs to keep their workforce physically and mentally healthy, which requires evaluation of healthcare providers' mental health and determining other work environmental-related factors that can be associated with healthcare providers' mental health.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in healthcare technology, digital health solutions - especially those for serious mental illnesses - continue to fall short of their potential across both clinical practice and efficacy. The utility and impact of medicine, including digital medicine, hinges on relationships, trust, and engagement, particularly in the field of mental health. This paper details results from Phase 1 of a two-part study that seeks to engage people with schizophrenia, their family members, and clinicians in co-designing a digital mental health platform for use across different cultures and contexts in the United States and India. METHODS: Each site interviewed a mix of clinicians, patients, and their family members in focus groups (n = 20) of two to six participants. Open-ended questions and discussions inquired about their own smartphone use and, after a demonstration of the mindLAMP platform, specific feedback on the app's utility, design, and functionality. RESULTS: Our results based on thematic analysis indicate three common themes: increased use and interest in technology during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), concerns over how data are used and shared, and a desire for concurrent human interaction to support app engagement. CONCLUSION: People with schizophrenia, their family members, and clinicians are open to integrating technology into treatment to better understand their condition and help inform treatment. However, app engagement is dependent on technology that is complementary - not substitutive - of therapeutic care from a clinician.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted ongoing clinical trials globally resulting in the suspension, cancellation or transition to entirely remote implementation of studies. In India, the first countrywide lockdown was imposed in phases starting from March 2020 to June 2020, followed by a continued restriction on in-person activities including study procedures, which halted the ESSENCE (Enabling translation of Science to Service to ENhance Depression CarE) trial activities such as recruitment, consenting, baseline assessment, digital training orientation, face to face training and end-line assessment evaluation. This situation made it imperative to amend procedures in order to mitigate the risk and address safety requirements for participants and the research team. This paper summarizes the need, development and implementation of the protocols focused on risk reduction and safety enhancement with an objective to resume and continue the research activities while ensuring the safety of study participants and research staff. These protocols are comprised of guidelines and recommendations based on existing literature tailored according to different components in each arm of the trial such as guidelines for supervisors, travellers, training/recruitment venue safety procedures, individual safety procedures; and procedures to implement the study activities. These protocols can be adapted by researchers in other settings to conduct research trials during pandemics such as COVID-19.