The role of psychiatry in treating burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The prevalence of burnout among US registered nurses ranges from 35 to 45%. In one study, nurses had twice the rate of depression compared with other health care professionals. Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, burnout is a major threat to the stability of the workforce on the front lines. Consultationliaison (C/L) psychiatry can provide assistance through liaison meetings, stress management programs, and curbside consults to help reduce the risk of burnout. Narrative medicine programs, mindfulnessbased stress reduction, and meditation apps are additional means to alleviate stress. Given the current challenges facing C/L psychiatry and the mental health field in general, there is an urgent need to overcome stigma and financial barriers to make treatment readily accessible