The Potential Benefits of DEPOC in Mental Health Management During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

\n Background Poor mental health management is a rising concern among healthcare practitioners, as threats of burnout, self-harm, and suicide are gradually becoming issues in the field and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Acute stress management is increasingly important to prevent the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, and a simplified method for its strategic implementation is essential. Methods Providing a method for healthcare practitioners to manage stressful cases can simultaneously offer support in the critical moments following traumatic events while addressing the origins of burnout. The acronym DEPOC - Debriefing/Defusing, Experience extracted from the event, Personal stress management techniques, Outcome of the event was uncontrollable and Closure/Counsellor - offers a structured framework for healthcare practitioners to address their emotions following distressing incidents. DEPOC is available as a presentation and can be summarized into multilingual poster and pamphlet formats to be posted in high-impact areas. Results DEPOC was presented to nearly 200 medical practitioners and trainees who believed knowledge of the acronym would be beneficial prior to clinical experience, wishing they had known about DEPOC for prior traumatic experiences. The established feedback led us believe we must share the experience and supplementary posters on DEPOC, as it is a vital component in healthcare education regardless of how experienced a healthcare professional may deem themselves in coping. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has left healthcare professionals vulnerable to developing acute stress disorders. DEPOC is a simplified example of a technique used to address stress in healthcare practitioners. By offering a multilingual, standardized method to manage the aftermath of traumatic events, DEPOC addresses this concern.