Paper #14

COVID-19 Pandemic: Innovative Digital Tool Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation to Promote Mental Health Among Frontline Healthcare Workers

Valerie Ross and Abid Amir

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused adverse social, economic, physical and psychological repercussions to mankind. Global healthcare systems are pushed to breaking points. Lockdowns and movement control orders imposed by the Malaysian government and many other nations on its citizens have necessitated home-based solutions to manage rising stress and anxiety due to personal, professional, financial and work-related uncertainties. Frontline healthcare workers bear the brunt of the crisis. This study responds to mental issues caused by the virulent pandemic and recognizes the increasing need for psychosocial rehabilitation among healthcare workers. It aims to create an effective, on-demand, mobile and pleasurable tool based on original music and progressive relaxation techniques that empower users to foster mental health and wellness. A combination of practice-based and user-centred design methodologies was adopted in this interdisciplinary study. Spectral analysis using Raven-Pro sound analysis offers insights into the sonic content of the tool. The result of the study is a prototype model of an innovative digital tool crafted and narrated in the English Language and Malay Language using Bespoke Music and Narration to promote mental health among COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers.

Keywords: Bespoke Music and Narration; COVID-19 pandemic; mental health; progressive muscle relaxation.