Presenter of 2 Presentations
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Abstract
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Background and purpose: Erectile dysfunction is associated with a high prevalence worldwide affecting up to 52% of 40–70-year-old men. Erectile dysfunction may drastically affect psychosocial health and have a significant impact on the life quality of patients and their partner's. The aim of this clinical case is to highlight the implication of this disease in the quality of life and the importance of the family doctor in this context.
Methods: The patient was clinically interviewed. Previous hospital reports of this patient, available on the Portuguese health digital platform, were carefully analysed.
Results: The patient was a 42-year-old immigrant living alone in Portugal for 2 years and suffering from progressive and severe erectile dysfunction, secondary to long-term diabetes. Despite being homesick, he was avoiding visiting his family, adopting an escape coping mechanism with the fear of revealing his issue to his wife. The patient did not respond to any specific disease medication. Despite this, the interactions with his family doctor were shown to substantially improve his self-esteem, successfully managing his psychological problems. He finally decided to visit his family and that new strategies for his problem should be discussed with his wife to deal with their intimate relationship.
Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction can be a devastating disease, both for the patient and his partner, and, sometimes, for the entire family. A good physician-patient relation is fundamental for a better communication and management of the patient’s fears and beliefs, in order to improve the family and couple’s quality of life.
ASSESSING THE ANXIETY OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE EARLY COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Abstract
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Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of measures to detect infection and prevent its spread, causing anxiety in the population as a collateral damage. Health professionals have been considered one of the groups most at risk for mental health problems, as observed in previous epidemics. The present study aimed to assess the anxiety in primary healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the factors that influence it.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed through Google Forms platform between March 29 and April 5 2020 to primary healthcare professionals in mainland Portugal. Anxiety levels were obtained applying the Beck Anxiety Inventory, which was related to other variables.
Results: the study included 696 participants, of which 61.9% were physicians, 84.8% were women and 43.8% had mild to severe levels of anxiety. Factors such as personal history of previous mental health disorders, having a family member with risk factors for COVID-19 complications and being an administrative assistant, showed to be related with higher levels of anxiety. Moreover, the existence of a workspace contingency plan was associated with lower anxiety levels; nevertheless, 6.9% considered it inadequate, mainly due to inadequate protective equipment for professionals (79.6%).
Conclusion: The study highlights a baseline high prevalence of anxiety among health professionals even at the early beginning of COVID-19 pandemic and reinforces the need, in future pandemics, to take adequate measures to protect their mental health safeguarding the quality of patient care.