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FRONT-LINE doctors are at “breaking point” due to the coronavirus pandemic and cannot continue working in highly stressful environments without mental health support, clinical psychologists have said.
The stark warning comes in response to a study published today which suggests that a “significant” number of doctors are still suffering stress from their experiences during the first wave of Covid-19.
Researchers from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and psychologists from the University of Bath carried out a series of surveys during the build-up, peak and post-peak of the first wave.
The results put the prevalence of psychological distress at 44.5 per cent of respondents during the build-up, 36.9 per cent at the peak and 31.5 per cent as it declined.
About one in 10 doctors surveyed were also found to be suffering from probable post-traumatic stress disorder.
Clinical psychologist Dr Jo Daniels said: “It is now a pressing and urgent concern. Doctors are at breaking point and cannot continue to work effectively in these very high-pressured, high-risk environments without psychological support to address their mental health needs,” she said.
