The perceptions of health care workers on the provision of services amidst COVID-19 pandemic in a maternity care hospital: Qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 infection is still spreading throughout the world despite vaccination and control measures. The health care worker is overburdened with the increased workload. It is a challenge to work with the emerging disease with ever-changing protocols. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare workers in a maternity unit of a Sri Lankan Hospital on the provision of services during the pandemic. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 participants representing different health care worker categories during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. The sample size was determined by the achievement of the saturation point. The interview guide allowed exploration of work-related issues, health system-related issues, logistical issues, and psychological concerns. The manual inductive content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: Analyzed data revealed 15 themes which include a sense of duty/ self-satisfaction, concerns toward the loved ones, concern towards themselves, doubts about the disease, care for the patient during the pandemic, changes in managing emergencies during the pandemic, support from other HCWs, work-related burn-out, pandemic related barriers to serving patients, support from the administration, discrimination by the others, awareness programmes for COVID 19, PPE related issues, the ambiguity of national guidelines and equality for all. Conclusions: COVID-19 has affected the lives of all personnel, including the HCWs. They are requested to continue providing services amidst multiple concerns, including the scarcity of medical equipment and cadre. Policymakers and government should investigate the possibility of financial assistance and psychological support programmes to boost the spirit of the health care workers.