Anesthesiologists’ occupational wellbeing and support during COVID-19 pandemic

Anesthesiologists have been at the forefront of COVID-19 pandemic and are particularly at risk of suffering both physical and emotional effects. There have been several individual and organizational strategies that can be put in place to tackle their well-being. Self-strategies that are recommended are adequate rest and sleep, consistent work breaks, help seeking behavior, emotional control and acceptance of limitations of their own competence and healthcare systems. Several online training programs are available for individual guidance. Organizations can also support their staff in different ways. It is important to recognize those who are more vulnerable physically and emotionally. Institution should implement stress reduction strategies, provide adequate PPE, should be able to communicate with their employees in a clear and honest manner and enforce infection control policies. In addition, institutions must take other physical measures where resources permit, like provision of negative pressure rooms and to provide updated and accurate information. Both personal and psychological support is needed. Several different models have been suggested for emotional support. One particularly vulnerable group that requires additional assistance are those in quarantine. Last but not least, in addition to the implementation of all these measures it is imperative to sustain these activities.