Impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde atuantes em uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos do município de Araguari-MG: um estudo fenomenológico.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the population’s mental health. Coping with the disease contributed to several psycho-emotional demands. Health professionals were particularly affected, as they acted at the front lines to combat the virus. Given this scenario, the LSIE suffered several impacts, causing damage to the mental health of both residents and health professionals. Objectives: This research aimed at investigating the possible impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health professionals who work with institutionalized elderly. Methodology: We used a qualitative approach and the phenomenological research method proposed by Giorgi. The sample analyzed was health professionals working in an LSIE, located in the city of Araguari - MG .Results: Based on the interviews, we identified three main topics: the psychological impacts on their personal lives; the effects of changes at work that were triggered by the pandemic context and the coping mechanisms they used. Conclusion: The research showed that the pandemic context caused negative impacts on the mental health of health professionals. It caused several emotional changes both in the personal and professional areas. The development of coping mechanisms helped professionals to deal with the challenges imposed by this new way of life. The importance and need for the development of actions to care for the mental health of health professionals is also highlighted.