Document Type : Letter to Editor
Authors
1 Urmia Health Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Health Center of Urmia, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
4 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5 Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract
In December 2019, the viral outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China, by a novel virus named COVID-19 1,2. The virus spread worldwide rapidly because of its high contagiousness, infecting almost all countries in a short time 3, 4. COVID-19 can affect multiple organs, including the respiratory system, neurology system, liver, and kidney 5-8. The most important factors impairing the mental health of the COVID-19 patients include the uncontrollable spreading of the disease, unfavorable conditions of the infected patients isolated in the ICUs with acute respiratory problems, lack of effective medications, and the high COVID-19-related mortality rate 9,10. A study by Huang and Rong showed that coping strategies in the patients and nurses in COVID-19-related wards are key determinants of treatment outcome11,12. In general, increased levels of stress can affect health status. Therefore, developing psychological management strategies to maintain and promote the patients’ and healthcare providers’ mental health in COVID-19-related wards are useful. In the present study, we hypothesized that the presence of a psychiatric nurse might speed up the recovery, decrease hospital stay and mortality, and lower mental health maintenance.
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