Mental health outcomes in physiotherapists in COVID-19 and non-cOVID-19 care units: a cross-sectional survey in Belgium

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapists' mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapists' mental health in Belgium.MethodsA total of 115 physiotherapists from 12 general hospitals in Brussels, working in COVID-19 care units (CCU) or non-COVID-19 care units (NCCU), participated in an electronic survey including validated measurement tools for PTSD, anxiety, insomnia and burnout. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess differences in mental health outcomes between physiotherapists who worked in a CCU and those who worked in an NCCU. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were also performed to assess risk factors for burnout.ResultsResults showed significant levels of PTSD (9.6%), anxiety (33.9%), insomnia (40%) and burnout (33.9%) among participants. However, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups. It was also found that being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic was a risk factor for burnout.ConclusionsAlthough no significant differences were found between the two groups, this study highlights a concerning rate of psychopathological symptoms among participants. Hospitals should therefore invest more time and resources into actions aiming at preserving the mental health of physiotherapists.