ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the psychological strain experienced by orthopaedic healthcare workers and attributing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We surveyed healthcare workers in an outpatient musculoskeletal clinic with a questionnaire based on the validated Caregiver Strain Index1 . We have previously shown the prevalence of psychological strain during the pre-peak phase of the pandemic.2 The same group was followed up 6 months later (post-peak phase) to evaluate the downstream psychological strain. Results: Of the 57 participants who were followed up, 30 (52.6%) experienced a greater level of strain (Group A), similar to the prevalence in our previous study (51.6%). Significantly, participants in Group A work longer hours per day compared to Group B (8.8±1.6 vs. 8.0±1.5;mean difference, 0.8;95%CI, 0.0 to 1.6;p=0.043). “Family adjustments” (84.2%) garnered the most positive responses. Conclusion: Longer working hours contributes to psychological strain and measures should be designed to mitigate this. Potential impact on family life of healthcare workers is an unrecognised toll which should receive more attention. Health ministries should ensure measures to safeguard the mental health of healthcare workers to avoid reactive strategies during a pandemic. (Figure Presented).