Effects of visit restriction in the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses.

Abstract

The visit restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 precluded the entrance of the patient's family into the confines of the intensive care unit. This study evaluated the experiences of intensive care nurses (ICNs) regarding COVID-19 visit restrictions and their opinions on these restrictions. From May 2023 to July 2023, semi-structured interviews with 15 ICNs from intensive care units in a tertiary public hospital in Türkiye were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Reporting of the study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. The analysis revealed two main themes, 'widespread negative impacts of visit restrictions' and 'adaptive strategies to the visitation ban', and seven sub-themes supporting the main themes. Nurses perceived that the visit restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe negative effect on patients, their relatives, themselves and the care environment. They also did not support visit restriction in future pandemics. The COVID-19 visitation policy weakened the involvement of family members in patient care and created serious challenges in the intensive care setting. The study revealed an urgent need for patient-centred, family-sensitive and consistently applied protocols in future pandemics. In future pandemics, strategies such as the benefit-benefit ratio of the visit, the provision and use of adequate personal protective equipment, and vaccination requirements should be considered in visiting decisions of patients hospitalized because of infection. Participation of nurses responsible for patient care in decisions regarding visitor practices should be supported.