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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-national doctors in Ireland.

Authors :
Carroll, Hailey K.
Moore, Stephen
Farooq, Abdul R.
Iqbal, Shahid
Hadi, Danial K.
O'Reilly, Seamus
Source :
Irish Journal of Medical Science; Oct2023, Vol. 192 Issue 5, p2033-2040, 8p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Background: International doctors make up nearly half of the physicians working in Ireland and are an integral part of the health service. The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020 led to a global healthcare emergency. Resulting national lockdowns precluded travel at a time of need for family support. Aim: We aimed to measure the professional, psychosocial, and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-EEA doctors working in Ireland. Methods: An 88-item online survey of demographics, well-being, and financial resilience was circulated nationally between November 2021 and January 2022. The results were analysed using RStudio and Microsoft Excel 365. Results: One hundred thirty-eight responses were received. Sixty-two percent of responders reported wishing to stay in Ireland long-term and 44% had applied for citizenship. Despite 80% of responders working in their desired speciality, only 36% were on a specialist training scheme. Forty-seven percent felt their career was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported missing significant events in their home country. Over 50% reported significant mental health issues personally or in their families; however, only a minority sought professional help. Financial issues were a source of anxiety for 15% of respondents. Financial resilience was poor, 20% of respondents cited a 1-month financial reserve, 10% had a personal pension, and 9% had made a will. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multifactorial negative impact on non-national doctors working in Ireland. More must be done to offer multidimensional support to this cohort who are a crucial part of the underserviced Irish healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00211265
Volume :
192
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Irish Journal of Medical Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
172345703
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03220-6