Final Year Project

Project Title

COVID-19 and Mental Health: "The Lived Experience of Urban Frontline Healthcare workers"

Description

This is an exploratory research studying the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) in urban hospitals. The study employs semi-structured online, and telephone interviews with frontline healthcare workers working in Karachi. A review of existing literature on the experiences of frontline healthcare workers during past and present pandemics was undertaken. This study attempted to uncover the lived experiences of health care workers, thus allowing us to understand their needs and requirements. This will enable the formulation of inclusive and efficient policies to allow healthcare systems to better respond to future crises. The study’s key findings included factors such as uncomfortable PPE causing stress and anxiety; fear of transmitting the virus to a loved one; female roles as primary caretakers of the elderly or children often exacerbate the mental health consequences of frontline work; finally hierarchical disconnect and a lack of foresight contribute to mismanagement, and worsen the experience for frontline workers.