86 STAFF EXPERIENCES OF COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN IRELAND

Abstract

Abstract Background Long term care (LTC) facilities for older people have been challenged by COVID-19 in an unprecedented manner. The impact of COVID-19 on health care professionals working in LTC facilities for older people is emerging as a crucial topic. Healthcare workers in LTC for older people were already pre COVID-19 experiencing high levels of stress and compassionate fatigue. The aim of the study was to capture the experiences of staff working during COVID-19 pandemic in a LTC facility for older people in Ireland. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants who were staff members, both clinical and non-clinical, in a LTC facility for older people in Ireland. Informed consent was obtained from all participants in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Data were interpreted using thematic analysis which allows for patterns of meaning to emerge by creating themes. Results 21 clinical and 7 non-clinical staff members participated in interviews conducted between June and September 2021. Through analysis four main themes were identified: ‘Fear of COVID-19’, ‘Coping’, ‘Crisis and communication’ and ‘Teamwork’. Themes were interlinked with each other and mainly highlights the high level of adaption by staff in various roles during a time of uncertainty. Conclusion The findings are supported by previous studies into staff experiences of COVID-19 in which the level of uncertainty and stress caused by COVID-19 impacted staff on both professional and personal levels. Although positive examples of strong teamwork and a sense of working together were found, there was also fatigue as the pandemic continues. Future studies into staff stress levels and coping with COVID-19 should include the voices of healthcare professionals in LTC facilities for older people.