On National Doctors’ Day 2023, Dr Jitendra Choudhary, Consultant-Intensive Care and Critical Care, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi talks about the challenges that doctors on the frontline face when dealing with pandemic and public health emergencies
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging and unprecedented public health crises in recent history. It has affected millions of people around the world, putting immense pressure on the healthcare systems and the frontline workers who are risking their lives every day.
We will explore some of the experiences and challenges that doctors on the frontline face when dealing with pandemic and public health emergencies. We will also share some of the lessons learned and best practices that can help improve the preparedness and response of the medical community in the future.
What were some of the challenges that doctors on the frontline face?
Doctors on the frontline faced a multitude of challenges when responding to pandemic and public health emergencies. Some of these include:
Lack of resources: Many health facilities were overwhelmed by the surge of patients and lack adequate supplies, equipment, staff, and space to provide quality care. This led to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, oxygen, testing kits, medicines, and beds. Doctors had to make tough decisions about in reference to allocating scarce resources.
Exposure to infection: Doctors were exposed to the risk of infection from the patients they treated and from their colleagues. They also faced stigma and discrimination from their families and communities who feared contracting the virus from them. Doctors had to isolate themselves from their loved ones to protect them, which affected their mental and emotional well-being.
Burnout and stress: Doctors worked long hours under high pressure and uncertainty, often without adequate rest and support. They witnessed suffering and death on a daily basis, which took a toll on their physical and mental health. They experienced fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, anger, guilt, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They also felt helpless, frustrated, or disillusioned by the lack of effective interventions or coordination among different stakeholders.
Ethical dilemmas: Doctors experienced ethical dilemmas when dealing with pandemic and public health emergencies. For example, they had to balance their duty to care for their patients with their duty to protect themselves and their families. They had to weigh the benefits and risks of using experimental treatments or vaccines that have not been fully tested or approved. They had to respect the autonomy and preferences of their patients while following the public health guidelines and regulations.
How can doctors on the frontline cope with these challenges?
Doctors on the frontline need to adopt various strategies to cope with these challenges and maintain their resilience & professionalism. Some of these include:
Seeking support: Doctors should seek support from their colleagues, supervisors, mentors, peers, friends, family, or professional counselors. They should share their feelings and experiences with others who can empathize and offer advice or assistance. They should also seek help when they feel overwhelmed or need medical attention.
Practicing self-care: Doctors should take care of themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They should eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, relax, meditate, pray, or engage in hobbies or activities that bring them joy and meaning. They should also set boundaries and limits on their work hours and responsibilities and take breaks when needed.
Learning from others: Doctors should learn from the experiences and best practices of other doctors who have dealt with similar situations in the past or in other contexts. They should seek guidance from experts or authorities who can provide reliable information and recommendations on how to handle pandemic and public health emergencies. They should also participate in training or education programs that can enhance their knowledge and skills.
Adapting to change: Doctors should be flexible and adaptable to the changing circumstances and needs of pandemic and public health emergencies. They should be open to new ideas and innovations that can improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They should also be prepared for possible scenarios and contingencies that may arise.
What are some of the lessons learned and best practices that doctors on the frontline can share?
Doctors on the frontline can share some of the lessons learned and best practices that can help improve the preparedness and response of the medical community in the future. Some of these include:
Strengthening health systems: The pandemic has exposed weaknesses and gaps in many health systems around the world. There is a need to strengthen the capacity and resilience of health facilities, staff, supplies, equipment, infrastructure, governance, financing, surveillance, communication, coordination, and accountability. There is also a need to ensure universal health coverage and access for all people regardless of their location, income, or status.
Promoting public health: COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of public health measures such as prevention, detection, containment, mitigation, vaccination, education, awareness, behavior change, social distancing, hygiene, and sanitation. There is a need to promote and implement these measures at the individual, community, national, and global levels. There is also a need to address the social and environmental determinants of health such as poverty, inequality, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Fostering collaboration: The pandemic has demonstrated the interdependence and interconnectedness of all people and countries in the world. There is a need to foster collaboration and solidarity among different stakeholders such as governments, health authorities, international organisations, civil society, private sector, media, academia, and the public. There is also a need to share information, resources, expertise, and best practices across borders and sectors.
Conclusion
Doctors on the frontline are the heroes of the pandemic and other public health emergencies. They face many challenges and difficulties but also show courage and dedication. They need to cope with these challenges and share their lessons learned and best practices. They also need to receive recognition, appreciation, and support from all of us. Together, we can overcome this crisis and build a healthier and safer world for everyone.