Abstract
The pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought significant pressure on nurses globally as they are the frontline of care. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of nurses who worked with hospitalised patients with COVID-19. In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 14 nurses participated in in-depth telephone interviews. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Five key themes emerged: (1) physical and psychological distress of nurses, (2) willingness to work, (3) the essential role of support mechanisms, (4) educational and informational needs of nurses and (5) the role of modern technology in COVID-19 care. Although the provision of care led to physical and psychological distress among nurses, with their commitment and professional obligation, it is a new experience that leads to personal satisfaction. Guilty feeling related to inefficiency of care, witnessing the suffering of patients, discomfort associated with wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), work-related issues (e.g., long hour shifts), negative impact to the family and rejection by others are the leading distress factors. Religious beliefs, including keeping trust in good and bad merits, have become a strong coping mechanism. Addressing distress among nurses is essential. The reported learning needs of nurses included skills related to donning and doffing PPE, skills in performing nursing procedures and breaking bad news. Nurse managers need to pay special attention to expanding training opportunities as well as support mechanisms, for example, welfare, appreciations and counselling services for nurses. Modern technology, particularly robots and telecommunication, can perform an essential role in COVID-19 care. The establishment of timely policies and strategies to protect health workers during a national disaster like COVID-19 is needed.
Highlights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease caused by a newly identified coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 [1, 2]
This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses who cared for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the initial period of the crisis in Sri Lanka
Nurses who cared for at least one patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in public sector hospitals, who could speak in Sinhala, volunteers who were willing to participate in this study, and who were able to articulate their experiences were included
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease caused by a newly identified coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 [1, 2]. Caring patients with COVID-19: Nurses’ perspectives play a significant role in combating this health problem on both preventive and curative sides. A recent systematic review identified that nurses have a pivotal role in healthcare when responding to infectious disease pandemics and epidemics [3]. Caring for patients with COVID-19 demands more knowledge and training [5]; the literature supports that nurses provide this care without adequate expertise [6]. Nurses need continuous support and training to improve their preparedness and efficacy of crisis management as well as to cope with psychological problems and safeguard their well-being [3, 6]
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