Perspectives of interstitial lung disease healthcare professionals during covid-19

ABSTRACT

We examined the impact of COVID-19 on the daily lives, mental wellbeing, training and support needs of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in interstitial lung disease (ILD), and implications for ILD patient care. We invited ILD HCPs to participate in a quantitative survey, following which respondents (n=49) self-selected to participate in structured telephone interviews (n=9). Worry (43%, n=21) and frustration (43%, n=21) were the most commonly reported emotions by survey respondents. Interviewees reported significant impacts on their daily lives and mental wellbeing. Few of the interviewees had received self-care (n=1, 11%) or mental healthcare training (n=2, 22%). Wellbeing supports were available, but interviewees reported deprioritising self-care. Interviewees reported concern about the impact of appointment cancellations on ILD patients. Virtual clinics were considered useful, but interviewees reported some limitations. COVID-19 profoundly impacted the daily lives and mental wellbeing of ILD HCPs and affected ILD care delivery, with implications for occupational health, HCP training and ILD patient services.