Limitations
This study utilises a self-designed eleven-domain survey form designed
to assess the emotional and psychological stress. This survey is not
standardized nor validated thus may limit its ability to reliably
identify issues. As our department sees patients with suspected COVID-19
infection with only gynaecological or obstetrical issues, the overall
psychological distress reflected in this paper may be underestimated
when compared to physicians in the emergency
department18.
In addition, this study did not adjust for possible comorbidities among
participants, which may affect their resilience and ability to handle
additional stress and workload during a pandemic. Mealer M et al
reported a significant negative relationship between resilience and
mental disorders19. When comparing the intensive care
unit HCW, those with high level of resilience had less post-traumatic
stress disorder, anxiety symptoms and depression. As one in nine of our
study respondents had low resilience scores, the department should
develop ways to manage and follow up the potential long-term health
issues that may affect HCW following the pandemic.
Moreover, resilience can be affected by numerous factors. The department
has more female than male staff thus the comparison between gender may
increase Type 1 error rates.