Individual and working experiences of healthcare workers infected with COVID‐19 : A qualitative study

Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Shali ◽  
Amir Hossein Behnoush ◽  
Enayat A. Shabani ◽  
Zahra Khazaeipour
Author(s):  
Betsy Seah ◽  
Ben Ho ◽  
Sok Ying Liaw ◽  
Emily Neo Kim Ang ◽  
Siew Tiang Lau

COVID-19 has caused a shortage of healthcare workers and has strained healthcare systems globally. Pre-registered healthcare students with training have a duty of care and can support the healthcare workforce. This study explored factors influencing the willingness of final-year nursing students to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of professional identity in volunteering as healthcare workers, and strategies to improve future volunteering uptakes and processes. A qualitative study using focus-group discussions was conducted. Final-year nursing students who volunteered, students who did not volunteer, and lecturers who supervised student volunteers were recruited. Interviews were conducted online, video-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was used. The themes were “wavering thoughts on volunteering”, “bringing out ‘the nurse’ in students through volunteering” and “gearing up to volunteer”. Findings suggested the need to look beyond the simplicity of altruism to the role of professional identity, operational, and motivational factors to explain nursing students’ decision to volunteer and their volunteer behavior. Providing accommodation, monetary and academic-related incentives, supporting the transitionary phase from students to “professional volunteers”, promoting cohesive and positive staff–student volunteer relationships, and establishing a volunteer management team are strategies identified to improve volunteering uptake and operational processes. Our findings advocate strategic partnerships between hospitals/communities and academic institutions in providing various healthcare services during pandemics.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 848-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willyane de Andrade Alvarenga ◽  
Giselle Dupas

OBJECTIVE: to learn about the experience of caregivers/mothers providing care to infants exposed to HIV through vertical transmission.METHODS: this qualitative study used Symbolic Interactionism as the theoretical framework. A total of 39 caregivers of children exposed to HIV in follow-up at a specialized service were interviewed. Data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.RESULTS: four categories were identified that report on the lonely experience of handling the child's antiretroviral therapy, mainly due to a lack of information or incomplete information; being attentive to required care, such as the use of prophylaxis for pneumonia, vaccines, and other practices restricted to the mother-child interaction; the desire to omit the HIV out of fear of prejudice and fear of the disease, considering future prospects.CONCLUSION: the HIV and the threat this infection may affect the child cause apprehension and feelings such as fear, guilt and anxiety in the caregivers. Healthcare workers need to work together with mothers so they are able to cope with demands and distress. Only then will the treatment to avoid vertical transmission be efficient and will mother and child be supported during the process, despite apprehension with the outcome.


Author(s):  
Sara C. Keller ◽  
Sara Pau ◽  
Alejandra B. Salinas ◽  
Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu ◽  
Sara E. Cosgrove ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Physical distancing among healthcare workers (HCW) is an essential strategy in preventing HCW-to-HCW transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objective: To understand barriers to physical distancing among HCW on an inpatient unit and identify strategies for improvement. Design: Qualitative study including observations and semi-structured interviews over three months. Setting: A non-COVID adult general medical unit in an academic tertiary hospital. Participants: HCWs based on the unit. Methods: We performed a qualitative study in which we (1) observed HCWs activities and proximity to each other on the unit during weekday shifts July-October 2020 and (2) conducted semi-structured interviews of HCWs to understand their experiences with and perspectives of physical distancing in the hospital. Qualitative data were coded based on a human factors engineering model. Results: We completed 25 hours of observations and 20 HCW interviews. High-risk interactions often occurred during handoffs of care at shift changes and patient rounds, where HCWs gathered regularly in close proximity for at least 15 minutes. Identified barriers included spacing and availability of computers, the need to communicate confidential patient information, and the desire to maintain relationships at work. Conclusions: Physical distancing can be improved in hospitals by restructuring computer workstations, work rooms, and breakrooms; applying visible cognitive aids; adapting shift times; and supporting rounds and meetings with virtual conferencing. Additional strategies to promote staff adherence to physical distancing include rewarding positive behaviors, having peer leaders model physical distancing, and encouraging additional safe avenues for social connection at a safe distance.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ives ◽  
Sheila Greenfield ◽  
Jayne M Parry ◽  
Heather Draper ◽  
Christine Gratus ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adjunct Professor ◽  
Frances Furio

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors and industries around the world. Globally, healthcare workers and first responders have found themselves faced with unprecedented challenges, both within and outside of the workplace. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to identify and explore the complex mental health outcomes resulting from the various new challenges experienced by healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted in an effort to understand the mental health outcomes resulting from the various challenges and barriers faced while working during the pandemic. A total of 31 healthcare workers and first responders were interviewed. RESULTS The mental health outcomes described were not isolated to increased stress and anxiety; participants also described complex experiences, perspectives, and feelings related to guilt, stoicism, helplessness, fear, and anger. This paper adds to the current body of literature by further exploring the personal experiences and perspectives of healthcare workers and first responders related to these complex mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Continued exploration, understanding, and awareness is needed in order to continue working towards addressing these outcomes and offering potential solutions.


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