To the Editor:
Dubey et al bring attention to the emotional and other difficulties of family members of the medical staff, especially those serving in the front line of the coronavirus disease-2019 battle. This demonstrates that these difficulties, if left untreated, may bring about significant stress and emotional difficulties to both medical employees and their families.
A recent survey among physicians working in coronavirus disease-2019 departments in Israel demonstrated significant difficulties, such as burnout, anxiety, and depression; one of the major concerns was transmission of the infection to high-risk family members.
We believe that this matter may provoke initiatives to establish and organize peer support to the staff and their families, regular sessions of discussions with the staff members to help them to cope with their difficulties, and also to instruct them how to address the concerns, fears, and emotional difficulties of their family members. These measures may prevent further burnout and decreased motivation of the staff, mitigate absenteeism, and build resilience. We should also aim to create a sense of pride in both the medical personnel and their families regarding their central role in the "corona fight."
Footnotes
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.