Connection and COVID-19
Oh, how life has changed in just over a month. Professional and personal roles have shifted. Plans, events, meeting, and even expectations for the future have been altered. Social distancing is the new way of life. This is a new world for everyone, and, as family physicians, we are right in the middle of it. We understand why we must socially distance to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus and advocate so others know the importance of social distancing.
Professionally, we have quickly adapted our practices to incorporate social distancing whether working on the front lines caring for hospitalized patients or supporting those on the front lines by keeping patients out of emergency rooms and hospitals. Many of us are now practicing telehealth from home or in the office—either way, the nature of the typical workday has become more isolating. Some of us may be even more socially isolated, choosing to live separately from our families to protect them.
In this time of social distancing, it is important to maintain connection. The rise of virtual video meetings and family and friend gatherings—even an increase in the number of regular old telephone calls—has proven what we already knew: social connection is vital to humans. Maintaining this connection during COVID-19 can be even more difficult for family physicians. We are all working toward one goal though and need connection during this time. It is important to know we are not alone.
To that end, some resources for connection with other physicians include the CAFP’s Spark forum (spark.familydocs.org/home) which currently has many ongoing discussions about COVID-19. CAFP is also hosting Community Conversations (familydocs.org/community-conversations) to foster connection during this time. Please reach out to us at LAAFP with any requests for more local family physician connection regarding COVID-19 or shared interests like sports, art, music, books—even just reminiscing about previously in-person gatherings.
It is also important to stay connected to ourselves during this time. What do we need to be well? It is already hard to find time to practice wellness without a concurrent pandemic. The mindfulness app Headspace is offering free access to healthcare professionals through 2020. There is also the Physician Support Line (physiciansupportline.com) made up of volunteer psychiatrists who provide peer support.
We know we trained for this, but it will take enormous effort, strength, and resilience to get through this time. Reach out not only for others but for yourself. Keep it simple and make that telephone call. Send a text. Let’s look forward to meeting again later in the year at a virtual or in-person LAAFP meeting and the CAFP Family Medicine Clinical Forum. Until then, let’s stay safe as best we can whilst also finding the connection we need.
