IPSICO survey on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers in obstetrics: A study design

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is giving rise to a relevant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of several Health Care Providers (HCPs). Among HCPs, those who work in the field of obstetrics repre-sent a particular group of HCPs who are susceptible to stressful events, given the stress derived from a physically, emotionally, and intellectually demanding work, the difficulty in reschedul-ing and postponing daily activities during a health emergency, and the special ability to develop personal resilience. Based on this background, the aim of the present study is to assess the acute psychological and professional impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on this group of HCPs at four University Hospitals in Italy (Verona, Roma Policlinico Gemelli, Varese, Brescia). For this purpose, a 104-items survey named Impatto PSicologico Covid in Ostetricia (IPSICO) has been developed and administered with a web-based platform. This survey, divided into four sections, will collect demographic data and information about past personal and mental health history, the impact of the epidemic on the personal and professional life, and the outcomes of this health care emergency. The results of this survey will help to plan effective strategies in order to face the psychological consequences of possible future new health care emergencies of this type.