• Khola Noreen, Muhammad Umar, Syed Arshad Sabir, and Rehana Rehman.
• Dr. Khola Noreen Assistant Professor Community Medicine Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
• Pak J Med Sci. 2020 Nov 1; 36 (7): 147814831478-1483.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to explore factors that can impact psychological health and coping strategies to help health care professionals (HCPs) to perform their duties.MethodsA cross sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaire electronically shared with the participants after ethical approval. Descriptive statistics were calculated for socio demographic variables. Chi squared χ2 test was used to compare the responses between different groups of HCPs.ResultsSurvey was completed by 250 participants. They performed their duties diligently during outbreak but were concerned about their safety, had fear of infecting themselves and their family members. Lack of evidence-based guidelines for patient management, news about pandemic situation through media and to deal with uncooperative patients not willing for quarantine added to their stress. receiving honour and respect from general public in recognition of services, monetary benefit, adequate training to treat COVID-19, provision of personal protective equipment from government were reported as coping strategies for psychological impact.ConclusionsCOVID-19 outbreak had psychological impact on HCPs, yet they continued to perform their duties carefully as moral obligation. Continued moral with financial support and acknowledgement of their services by government, organization and general public was reported to have psychological benefit.Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.

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