Assessment of the Influence of Stress on the Professional Readiness of a Doctor

Abstract. The aim of the study is to determine approaches to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic stress on the professional preparedness of a physician.

Materials and research methods. Working hypothesis of the research is based on K. Maslach’s model of three-dimensional structure of professional burnout. The physicians of Volgograd medical organizations took part in the study — N=112, mean age — (40,2±1,4) years, mean length of service — (6,2±1,7) years. As psychodiagnostic testing methods “Diagnosis of psychological rigidity” and “Determination of neuropsychological resistance and risk of maladaptation to stress” (“Prognoz”) were used. The express interview, in which physicians of Volgograd city and Volgograd region, whose professional activity is connected with rendering of medical aid to patients with COVID-19 took part, was conducted on the basis of Google electronic platform using Google Forms (N=236). An additional questionnaire was developed for the model group of doctors, the purpose of which was to subjectively assess the respondents’ opinion on the necessity of determining the preparedness of physicians for professional activity in extreme conditions.

Research results and their analysis. The results of the research showed the relevance of socio-psychological support of physicians working under extreme conditions in order to improve the quality of medical care.