The Effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Technique on COVID-19 Induced Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Quality among Emergency Nurses

Abstract

Background:COVID-19 is an acutely fatal disease as a consequence of progressive respiratory complications. So, the researchers recommended effective strategies should be established to improve medical front-line medical staff's mental health. This study aimed to examine the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing technique on COVID-19 Induced anxiety, depression, sleep quality among emergency nurses. Method: A quasi-experimental research one group pre-test and post-test design were used with baseline data collected from emergency nurses working in emergency departments in Menoufia University Hospital and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital, Shebin El-Kom City, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Four instruments were utilized; a constructed interview questionnaire, COVID-19 Induced Anxiety Scale, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Sleep Quality scale. Result: the current study's findings proved there was a highly significant improvement (p<0.0001) in the mean total scores of anxiety, as well as depression (P<0.0001) from pre-application to post-application. Also, there was significantly improvement in nurses' sleep quality post-application than pre-application. Conclusion: This study showed the importance of the application of the EMDR technique for medical staff in various health settings for decreasing COVID-19 induced anxiety and depression and improvement of quality of sleep. Recommendation: Based on the study's findings, it was recommended that medical staff and the healthcare policies should use the EMDR technique as a non-pharmacological method for decreasing anxiety and depression and improving quality of the sleep.