An Introduction to Cognitive Restructuring for COVID-19 Induced Stress in Post-graduate Trainees

Background: Healthcare professionals have experienced a wide range of psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontline workers and trainees are particularly vulnerable to such effects. This study aimed to share the experience of Cognitive Restructuring workshops for COVID-19 induced Stress in Post-graduate Trainees, highlighting their stress levels and effect of cognitive behavior therapy intervention in processing and managing stress. Methods: Workshops based on a Cognitive Behavior Therapy model were introduced to trainees at the Aga Khan University Hospital to self-assess stress and identify coping mechanisms. We collected data from the stress scale and workshop responses along with a focus group discussion. We performed item analysis of the stress scale and a documentary analysis of participant responses to assess the effectiveness of this intervention. Results: The majority of the participants had moderate stress. A statistically significant relationship was observed between stress level and perceived helplessness ( p value 0.002). The feedback of the workshop was largely positive based on sharing of adverse experiences, developing a different perspective and a newer way of processing feelings; about 10% of the participants did not find this workshop useful. In the focus group discussion, the participants described stress scale to be helpful for stress quantification, ABC tool to be useful with repeated practice and reframing technique to reduce stress over time. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress in healthcare workers and impacted professional and personal lives. Interventions like group cognitive behavior therapy can be useful in recognizing and managing stress in trainees and can be incorporated in training programs to build resilience for similar events.