To examine the psychosocial effects on health care workers of being quarantined because of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Method:
We used semistructured qualitative interviews.
Results:
We identified 3 major themes concerning psychosocial effects: loss, duty, and conflict.
Conclusions:
Quarantined workers experienced stigma, fear, and frustration. We highlight the need for clear and easily accessible information on dealing with infectious diseases. Practical advice on coping and stress management techniques for health care workers are needed in preparation for potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Information on author affiliations appears at the end of the article.
References
1.
PoutanenSMLowDEHenryBFinkelsteinSRoseDGreenK.Identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Canada. New Engl J Med2003;348:1995–2005.
2.
MaunderRHunterJVincentLBennettJPeladeauNLeszczM, and others. The immediate psychological and occupational impact of the 2003 SARS outbreak in a teaching hospital. CMAJ2003;168:1245–51.
