The immune cells in our bodies working diligently to fight off a virus is almost analogous to the healthcare workers in our society working tirelessly to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, the rising cases in the South and the West mean that hospitals and healthcare workers are taking the brunt of the influx of new cases. Problems range from shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, and ICU beds to overfilled waiting rooms and overworked healthcare workers. 

Although we are about four months into the pandemic and have adapted  to this change in lifestyle, we have to remember not to become desensitized to the situation. It is important to remember the individuals taking on the challenge of treating patients while they themselves undergo stress from not only work, but also other factors such as isolating from their own families. Becoming educated about their conditions can help us better empathize with them and foster discussion among friends and family about what we can do to help. 

Strain on Hospitals and How People are Helping

As states like Florida, Texas, and California are seeing significant rises in COVID-19 cases, hospitals in these areas are also feeling a tremendous strain. The CDC reported increases in the percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in the last two weeks. California had an increase of 3.4%, while Nevada and South Carolina had an increase of 6.4%. The highest reports are in Florida and Texas with an increase of 6.8% and 8.7%, respectively. The Harvard Global Health Institute estimates that in some areas of California only 6 people per 10,000 can be hospitalized at a given time with the resources currently available. In addition to the stress on hospital capacities, the American Hospital Association also reported a $202.6 billion financial loss due to COVID-19 expenses and lost revenue from March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. The costs can be attributed to COVID-19 hospitalizations, canceled procedures and services, and additional purchases of PPE.

Through this crisis, people have been stepping up to help alleviate some of the burden hospitals are facing. The Army, Navy and Air Force have deployed about 740 Department of Defense medical and support professionals to Texas and California in order to provide aid and resources. The military has been of great help to communities with dwindling staff and equipment as they work to rapidly form makeshift facilities and take on some of the patient load. State governments have been taking steps as well and requiring all residents of California, Nevada, and Texas (states where cases have been on the rise) to wear masks in public to help prevent spread and help with the hospital strain. 

Moreover, members in the community, such as builders, designers, and engineers, are using 3D printers to make face shields and N-95 masks for hospital staff. An artist in Maryland is using his expertise and equipment for sculpture making to create masks, while a retired Air Force electrical engineer in Baltimore is making use of plastic water bottles collected from the neighborhood to make face shields. Even students and teachers are stepping up to help at Kent State University in Ohio, which has a team of 81 people who help make 3D shields and even hand sewn masks. Members in the community, whether it be professionals who can directly treat patients, or individuals at home who are inspired to help in small ways have been coming together to take some pressure off hospitals.

3-D printing face shields 

Directions on how to make face shield out of plastic bottle 

Mental Strain on Healthcare Workers and Resources for Support

71.5% of healthcare workers have reported distress, while 50.4% had symptoms of depression, 44.6% had anxiety, and 34% had insomnia.

For everyone going to work, whether it is virtually or in person, it is important to realize the importance of mental health in the workplace. Taking on an unprecedented pandemic and dealing with all of its multifaceted challenges, however, can especially have a toll on those working in hospitals. A recent article published in a psychiatric journal reviews numerous cross sectional (snapshot) studies of healthcare workers in hard hit countries such as China and India. Findings state that healthcare workers had a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and stress. Reasons for this are due to increased workload and work hours, exhaustion, insufficient PPE, “over-enthusiastic” media news, and inadequate support. This can all lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, fear of discrimination among staff, and adjustment issues. Medical staff were greatly impacted by worries of infecting family and witnessing patient death. While no nationwide mental health statistics of healthcare works are available for the United States, JAMA, a medical journal, looked at 1,257 healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients in China. 71.5% of the workers reported distress, while 50.4% had symptoms of depression, 44.6% had anxiety, and 34% had insomnia.

The data clearly depicts just how much these frontline workers are impacted by the pandemic and the exhaustion, pain, and death they are dealing with on a daily basis. Results, however, also show that social support and motivational factors such as proud family and coworkers, positive role models, and appreciation by patients and the community ease stress levels and increase self-efficacy. Additionally, the CDC, World Health Organization, and American Medical Association have all written guides on how to tackle this issue and provide numerous links to websites for support, tips, and therapy. A government developed program, PTSD Coach, is an app that provides cognitive behavioral therapy and helps cope with feelings of anger, anxiety, hopelessness, and sleep problems. Healthcare workers experiencing any of these symptoms can turn to these forms of support and seek further assistance from their respective hospitals with child-care, housing, and transportation.

Key Takeaways

• Strain on hospitals are due to COVID-19 related expenses and shortage of PPE, medical equipment, staff, and space

• Healthcare workers are facing anxiety, depression, and insomnia due to numerous factors such as increased workload, exhaustion, stress about infecting family members, and witnessing death

• The military, government, universities, and individuals at home are all finding unique ways to help hospitals and their medical staff

How can we help:

• Show appreciation to healthcare workers by being kind and compassionate

• Send positive, thoughtful messages to workers at your local hospital

• Donate meals to hospitals or medical centers in your area 

• Donate PPE - gather items you have at home, buy masks, or make them yourself! 

• Sign petitions that support causes healthcare workers are fighting for

• Follow state guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks

Getting creative and gathering a group of friends or family members can be a great way to brainstorm ideas and help out locally. Big or small, any step towards helping and any kind action can have an impact on these brave healthcare workers! 

For more about COVID-19 and its impact around the world, sign up for our newsletter here