Caring for Patients' Mental Well Being During Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Clinicians
Abstract
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the potential for rapid and far-reaching spread of new infectious diseases is a growing threat. Especially in the early stages of an emerging infectious disease outbreak such as Coronavirus (COVID-19), there is frequently a great deal of uncertainty about the nature of the disease, its spread, and its scope and impact. This may lead to significant and understandable emotional distress, even among those who have not been, and don't know if they will be, directly exposed to the disease. During emerging infectious disease outbreaks, both medical and mental health clinicians are likely to encounter patients who are experiencing various levels of emotional distress about the outbreak and its impact on them, their families, and their communities. Providers should acknowledge uncertainty about emerging diseases and help patients understand that there is often an emotional component to potential health concerns. In addition, providers should consider the following recommendations for promoting patients mental well-being during emerging infectious disease outbreaks:
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1096753
Entities
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences