As of April 27, 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic involved 2,916,338 reported cases and had claimed 205,923 lives.1 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading in almost every country, causing widespread health challenges and social instability. People most vulnerable to COVID-19 include those with underlying health conditions.2 Yet the pandemic is disrupting clinical trials addressing these same health conditions.3 There were more than 300,000 studies being conducted worldwide registered on clinicaltrials.gov.
In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we explore the role of stress, fear, and the impact of positive and negative emotions on health and disease. We then introduce strategies to help mitigate stress within the health care team, and provide a rationale for their efficacy. Additionally, we identify strategies to optimize patient care and explain their heightened importance in today’s environment.
As of April 27, 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic involved 2,916,338 reported cases and had claimed 205,923 lives.1 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading in almost every country, causing widespread health challenges and social instability. People most vulnerable to COVID-19 include those with underlying health conditions.2 Yet the pandemic is disrupting clinical trials addressing these same health conditions.3 There were more than 300,000 studies being conducted worldwide registered on clinicaltrials.gov.