What the Past Has Taught Us: Best Practices for OFPs to Manage Stress During a Virus Outbreak

Abstract

OFPs and other health care professionals experience increased rates of stress, anxiety, fatigue and burnout in the face of pandemics. Historically, this has been observed with other pandemics, such as the influenza pandemic, HIV/AIDS, SARS, H1N1, Ebola virus disease and, more recently, COVID-19. Research about physician wellbeing during prior pandemics has informed recent practices and provides more guidance on how larger health care entities can provide for employees and how physicians can care for themselves. Here, we explore best practices for emotional/spiritual wellbeing, physical wellbeing, maintaining a healthy family life and wellness during a virus outbreak.