Introduction
The stable work of the healthcare system has always been the only way to deal with pandemics that threaten the well-being of mankind. COVID-19 has become a serious challenge since the virus can cause complications that have not yet been studied. The psychological health of the patients is under significant threat. Therefore, it is necessary to understand whether people develop depression by receiving thorough medical care. It is assumed that psychological complications are more likely to develop in patients who have not been provided with proper medical assistance.
The Pico Question
Do individuals suffering from COVID-19 generate responsiveness against depression once they undergo thorough nursing care compared to those who are unattended frequently?
Worrying Statistics
To understand the seriousness of the problem of increasing the number of psychological problems after suffering COVID-19, it is necessary to turn to statistics. WHO (2022b) reports a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms since 2019. Most countries had to spend more than 2% of their funds to address newly emerging widespread psychological problems in the population (WHO, 2022b). It is likely that the stress experienced by people during the pandemic has a serious negative impact on the psychological well-being of the population. Due to the increased cases of mental health deterioration, it is necessary to develop a clear program that will help people overcome mental problems. Nursing care is supposed to make it easier for people to cope with psychological difficulties.
Summary of Findings
The Psychological Effects of Nursing Interventions on Patients with Suspected COVID-19 During Isolation
The importance of the problem of strengthening the psychological problems of the population determined the emergence of a large number of studies. The most relevant study for the chosen topic is Niu et al. (2021), examining the psychological implications of nursing interventions for patients with COVID-19. A study by Niu et al. (2021) argues for the importance of the role of nursing care in managing the mental health problems of patients with COVID-19. Patients’ anxiety and depressive symptoms were reduced after quality nursing intervention (Niu et al., 2021). Psychological support offered by nurses can be critical for patients coping with the virus.
The Unfolding COVID-19 Pandemic
Other studies were used to prove the importance of the problem under the research. Holman et al. (2020) study population mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is not only a global stressor; it also affects the human ability to withstand the psychological pressure of circumstances (Holman et al., 2020). Since stress is a major cause of anxiety disorders, the levels of psychological problems have increased dramatically. COVID-19 contributed to an increase in symptoms in patients who were already experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders. One of the stressors was the uncertainty during the early stages of the pandemic. The nurse, as an experienced medical worker, can help manage stress by keeping patients informed.
Practical Guidelines for Intervention
The mental health issue of patients with COVID-19 is addressed in the clinical practice guidelines proposed by the WHO. The document highlights the importance of increased psychological health problems in patients with COVID-19 (WHO, 2022a). If the problems that appeared during or after the illness are not resolved, it is impossible to talk about a complete recovery. The role of the nurse in managing patients experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 is recognized as critical (WHO, 2022a). Psychological help and support are paramount in recovering from the virus. A nurse can become a specialist providing psychological assistance to patients with COVID-19.
Proposed Initiative
In connection with previous research, the importance of an intervention to reduce the rate of increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with COVID-19 is understood. An initiative is proposed to raise nurses’ awareness of the elevated risks of anxiety and depressive disorders. It is essential that nurses are aware of the importance of the psychological care of patients with COVID-19 and can provide psychological assistance. The main stress factors are uncertainty, physical deterioration, and fear. The nurse should inform the patient in order to reduce the stress of the patient and provide psychological assistance.
Intervention Plan
In order for nurses to be able to help patients cope with stress, they need additional training in dealing with patients experiencing problems caused by COVID-19. It is necessary to conduct open educational lectures to increase understanding of the importance of the problem. Nurses should review the guidelines for working with patients suffering from the psychological effects of COVID-19. Nurses should work as informers for patients to reduce fear. The nurse must bring certainty to the situation for the patient. A full explanation of the treatment plan and stages of the disease will ease the patient’s stress. An open dialogue about the patient’s fears will reduce the level of fear of the unknown. Every nurse should know the fundamentals for psychological work with patients with COVID-19.
Conclusion: Key Points
Since the beginning of the pandemic, anxiety and depressive episodes have been shown by more people. The main factor in increasing anxiety and depression is stress. People are afraid of the unknown and the deterioration of their physical condition, and a nurse can help reduce these fears. Nurses should be further instructed in dealing with the psychological health of patients with COVID-19. By providing psychological assistance and informing patients, nurses contribute to the overall fight against the pandemic.
References
Holman, E. A., Thompson, R. R., Garfin, D. R., & Silver, R. C. (2020). The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic: A probability-based, nationally representative study of mental health in the United States. Science Advances, 6(42), 53-90. Web.
Niu, W., M, X., Zhang, & Sun, Z. (2021). The psychological effects of nursing interventions on patients with suspected COVID-19 during isolation. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 10(6), 6344-6450. Web.
World Health Organization. (2022a). Clinical management of COVID-19. Living guideline. Web.
World Health Organization. (2022b). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Web.