Impact of Emergency Situations on Healthcare Professionals Experiencing Work-related Stress in the NCR

Description

Page: 1146-1149

Nirmal¹ and Nisha² (Baba Mastnath University, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak, Haryana¹ and Faculty of Management and Commerce, Baba Mastnath University, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak, Haryana²)

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have been significantly impacted by emergency situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and mass casualty events. This is especially true for HCPs who work in high-pressure urban areas like India’s National Capital Region (NCR). This review paper critically analyses the psychological, emotional, and occupational repercussions of such events on healthcare professionals, emphasising stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research examines significant stressors, including resource shortages, prolonged work hours, ethical issues, personal safety concerns, and job ambiguity, utilizing empirical studies, national surveys, and international literature. It shows how these things get worse during emergencies, especially in places with a lot of people and a lot of demand, like the NCR. The review also looks at how healthcare professionals deal with stress, such as peer support, organisational interventions, and behaviours that help them build psychological resilience. Gender disparities, hierarchical pressures, and systemic obstacles in Indian healthcare systems are given special emphasis. Additionally, the article assesses policy responses and institutional frameworks designed to enhance the mental health of healthcare workers, pinpointing substantial deficiencies in implementation and awareness. The results show that there is an urgent need for organised mental health assistance, changes to workplace safety, and long-term policy commitments to lower stress levels among HCPs during and after catastrophes. The study ends with suggestions that can be put into action to improve healthcare infrastructure and protect the mental health of frontline personnel. These ideas aim to guide forthcoming research, health policy, and institutional practices throughout India and analogous growing urban areas.