Psychological intervention in crisis related to the COVID-19 outbreak epidemic: Theoretical approach

Reports have shown that medical staff involved in treating people with the Coronavirus are more vulnerable to the risk of transmission, and need psychological intervention services to help them overcome fear, anxiety, and psychological pressures. Aims. - This study aims to provide a brief perception of psychological intervention, to provide counseling and psychotherapy for medical staff during the outbreak of the COVID-19. Methods. - This study is based on a theoretical perspective on a program in psychological intervention during crises resulting from the spread of the Coronavirus. Result. - The basic idea in this perspective included: building a psychological intervention team. Training of psychologists to provide counseling and psychotherapy services for medical staff while treating patients with Coronavirus, establish a hotline for counseling and psychotherapy online, and Promote healthy awareness among the population. Conclusions. - The psychological effects of Coronavirus become more rapid and impactful in this time, it may cause secondary disaster due to stress even after the virus has ended. We need to look carefully at the lack of objective measures, such as the lack of specialized and qualified staff in psychotherapy to provide mental health services in these critical times, the small number of facilities equipped for psychotherapy in public hospitals, as well as the absence of the importance of psychological intervention in such cases, and other deficiencies or weaknesses that must be changed. More mental health services must be provided for health care staff to be able to complete their work successfully with minimal fatigue and psychological damage. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.