COVID-19 Outbreak: Burnout and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, a Harmful Chronology for Health Caregivers in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units

In most cases, the progression is toward recovery, although the disorder can become chronic for some patients. [...]the COVID-19 outbreak, which lasts over time, has exposed health care teams to different kinds of stressors leading to a significant increase in mental disorders impacting the management of human resources and organizations. In a short period, it was necessary to restructure the hospitals and create dedicated care sectors, reassigned staff who are sometimes reluctant as needed, and urgent implementation of specific procedures. 11 In addition, on a global scale, there has been a shortage of protective equipment, consumables, and certain pharmaceutical products, which have led to an adaptation of practices, perceived as a deterioration of working conditions and sometimes an imposed risk-taking. 12 Finally, the physical workload of caregivers has increased considerably with the implementation of decontamination measures, the number of patients requiring nursing care, the increase in weekly working overtime, and the lack of human resources over a while at an unprecedented length. 13 Indeed, traumatic stress was dominant during the first period of the epidemic. While the health crisis seems far from being managed, it is urgent for field managers to better understanding its mechanisms and to define control strategies adapted to their environment. [...]it seems necessary to set up training focused on team management similar to what is done in the industrial environment.