Psychological Distress and Trauma in Doctors Providing Frontline Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Prospective Longitudinal Survey Cohort Study

Background: The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctors is a significant concern. Due to emergence multiple waves, longitudinal data vital ensure an adequate response. The primary aim was assess prevalence and degree distress trauma in Emergency Medicine (EM), Anaesthetics Intensive Care (ICM) doctors during acceleration, peak deceleration first wave. Personal professional factors associated with are also reported.   Methods: A prospective online three-part survey frontline across UK Ireland, administered at the acceleration, Primary outcome measures were trauma, measured using General Health Questionnaire-12 Impact Events-Revised.  Findings: Acceleration response rate 15.9% (n=5440), estimated 34,188 doctors. Peak and rates 71·6% (n=3896) 56·6% (n=3079) respectively. Prevalence was 44·7% (n=1334) acceleration, 36·9% (n=1098) 31·5% (n=918) at the phase. The trauma was 23·7% (n=647) 17·7% (n=484) deceleration. probable post-traumatic stress disorder 12·6% (n=343) 10·1% (n=276) deceleration. Worry family infection due clinical work most strongly both (R2 = 0·06) =0·10).  Interpretation:  Findings reflect pattern elevated acceleration peak, some natural recovery. It essential that policymakers seek prevent future adverse effects through (a)provision equipment mitigate physical harm (b)increased awareness recognition signs (c)the development clear pathways effective care.   Funding: Funding received from Royal College Emergency Medicine. Declaration Interests: Many authors have been working as clinicians pandemic. They no competing interests declare. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval obtained University Bath (UK) Children’s Ethics Committee (Ireland). Regulatory Regulation Authority (UK), Research Wales. Participants provided electronic informed consent for each survey.