Working conditions among Mental Healthcare workers at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic highlights the different difficulties that healthcare workers have to face in this context. In order to quantify some aspects of the current working situation, the Asociación de Psiquiatras Argentinos (APSA) designed a survey for Mental Healthcare workers. The goal was to: measure and know what are the working conditions of those working in Mental Health in Argentina, in this pandemic context. Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study. Convenience sample. The survey was designed and sent in a digital format, thru APSA means of communication. The survey had 27 questions and one comments option. Questions explored sociodemographic variables, worked related aspects and discrimination suffered by participants. Results: The survey, in its digital format, was answered by 710 participants. 32% of those in the public sector pointed out that people needed to bring their own personal protective equipment, compared to 56% in the private sector. For protocols in place, nearly 82% of public sector responses said there is a protocol for COVID-19 compatible symptoms in patients, compared to 58% in the private sector. And for new patients in an inpatient facility, responses showed that more than 50% had a protocol in the public sector, vs less than half in the private setting. Conclusions: This survey and the results allows to know and have evidence on which were the working conditions at the beginning of the pandemic. Having a plan considering what is known and what is available, allows a more appropriate approach, for both the workers and those who depend on them for care.