Role of communication in resolving psychological impacts of COVID-19 pandemic

Although the implemented lockdown and social distancing measures are effective in limiting the physical outbreak of pandemics such as COVID-19, these measures have a detrimental effect on the mental health of the population. The psychological distress caused due to isolation and loneliness is even greater for healthcare professionals, thus, deeming it necessary to tackle this issue in order to mitigate its negative impact on the healthcare system. The present cross-sectional survey study was undertaken in order to identify the psychological impact of pandemic and lockdown on residents and academicians in dental institutions of Maharashtra. It also illustrates the nature and frequency of communication amongst residents and academicians along with discussing the importance of various aspects of communication which need to be implemented in order to resolve the psychological and academic problems caused by the present COVID-19 pandemic.