Free paper: Psychological impact of second wave COVID 19 pandemic on medical and nursing staff in a tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is one of the most devastating global health crisis that has led to stressed healthcare systems around the world. Early studies of mental health symptoms during the current pandemic had shown evidence of depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health needs of medical and nursing staff can help to alleviate mental health impact and secure sustained delivery of health care services. AIMS: To understand impact of COVID 19 pandemic on current psychological status of medical and nursing staff and to know the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was done to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics using validated tools (self-reported stress, anxiety and depression scales) from March 15, 2021 to 15 July, 2021 at SVS medical college and hospital, Telangana. DASS 21 and PSS4 were used in the study to assess anxiety, depression and perceived stress. RESULTS: A total of 125 medical and nursing staff were recruited in the study and sociodemographic data, DASS 21, PSS4 scores have been collected. The data will be analysed using appropriate statistical tools and results will be compiled. CONCLUSION: Covid-19 is found to increase stress, depressionand anxiety and has psychological burden on hospital staff. Understanding the psychological burden can improve mental well-being of healthcare workers and improve the healthcare system.