Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-national doctors in Ireland
Hailey K Carroll1, Stephen Moore2, Abdul R Farooq3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. hailey.k.carroll@gmail.com.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted international doctors in Ireland, affecting careers and well-being. Enhanced support is crucial for these essential healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- International doctors form a significant part of Ireland's physician workforce.
- The COVID-19 pandemic created a global health emergency, restricting travel and family support.
- National lockdowns impacted healthcare professionals' ability to travel and access familial support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the professional, psychosocial, and financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-European Economic Area (EEA) doctors in Ireland.
- To understand the pandemic's impact on the well-being and career progression of international medical practitioners.
- To evaluate the financial resilience and support needs of non-EEA doctors during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- An 88-item online survey was distributed nationally to non-EEA doctors in Ireland.
- Data collection occurred between November 2021 and January 2022, covering demographics, well-being, and financial resilience.
- Survey results were analyzed using statistical software including RStudio and Microsoft Excel 365.
Main Results:
- 47% of doctors reported career impacts due to the pandemic; 73% missed significant home country events.
- Over 50% experienced mental health issues, with few seeking professional help; 15% faced financial anxiety.
- Poor financial resilience was noted: 20% had only a 1-month reserve, and few had pensions or wills.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a multifaceted negative influence on non-EEA doctors in Ireland.
- Multidimensional support is necessary for this group, who are vital to the Irish healthcare system.
- Addressing the professional, psychosocial, and financial challenges faced by international doctors is essential for healthcare system stability.
Background:
International doctors make up nearly half of the physicians working in Ireland and are an integral part of the health service. The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020 led to a global healthcare emergency. Resulting national lockdowns precluded travel at a time of need for family support.
Aim:
We aimed to measure the professional, psychosocial, and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-EEA doctors working in Ireland.
Methods:
An 88-item online survey of demographics, well-being, and financial resilience was circulated nationally between November 2021 and January 2022. The results were analysed using RStudio and Microsoft Excel 365.
Results:
One hundred thirty-eight responses were received. Sixty-two percent of responders reported wishing to stay in Ireland long-term and 44% had applied for citizenship. Despite 80% of responders working in their desired speciality, only 36% were on a specialist training scheme. Forty-seven percent felt their career was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported missing significant events in their home country. Over 50% reported significant mental health issues personally or in their families; however, only a minority sought professional help. Financial issues were a source of anxiety for 15% of respondents. Financial resilience was poor, 20% of respondents cited a 1-month financial reserve, 10% had a personal pension, and 9% had made a will.
Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multifactorial negative impact on non-national doctors working in Ireland. More must be done to offer multidimensional support to this cohort who are a crucial part of the underserviced Irish healthcare system.
More Related Videos
06:29Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
09:36Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
01:27Nurses' Legal Responsibilities I
The legal responsibilities of a nurse regarding informed consent include the following:
01:16Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III
Cultivating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among nurses transcends mere enhancement...
01:23International Nursing Organizations I
ICN member organizations work to advance the field of nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, lobbying, professional...