Psychosocial Experiences of Front-Line Nurses Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hubei, China: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

BackgroundA large number of nurses across China joined the anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) front-line in Hubei province, where the local healthcare system faced unprecedented challenges in the early 2020. Few studies have reported the psychological experiences of nurses from other regions who voluntarily participated in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei province.AimTo describe the psychological experiences of nurses who were involved in the anti-COVID-19 pandemic battle in Hubei province from January to April 2020.MethodsThis was a qualitative descriptive study using purposive and snowball sampling strategies for participant recruitment. Twenty-four nurses were approached and twenty-one of them completed telephone interviews in April 2020. The interviews took an average of 75 min (range 34–140 min). Data were analyzed thematically after verbatim transcription of the interviews.ResultsOur analysis generated three primary themes: (I) Contexts; (II) Psychological responses; and (III) Coping strategies (most participants identified suitable coping strategies including relaxing activities and seeking social support). Participants' psychological responses varied in four phases of the journey through the experience: (i) initiation phase: obligations and concerns/fears; (ii) transition phase: from overwhelmed to increased confidence; (iii) adaptation phase: a sense of achievement and exhaustion; and (iv) completion phase: professional and personal growth.ConclusionNurses had concerns, fears, and faced challenges working on the COVID-19 front-line. However, they were motivated by a strong sense of professional commitment. Most nurses successfully achieved personal and professional growth as they identified a range of coping strategies. Future research is needed to explore the long-term impact of the COVID-19 related working experiences on these nurses.

Impactos Causados Pela Pandemia Da Covid-19 Na Saúde Mental: Revisão De Literatura

“…A eclosão da pandemia da COVID-19 promoveu aumento da carga de trabalho devido a falta de mão de obra, falta de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) que aumentam a possibilidade de exposição 3 , apreensão devido a falta de conhecimento acerca da doença e risco de infecção para si e outros 7 . Segundo Pan et al, na China, entre novembro e dezembro de 2020, foi evidenciado que 13,7% dos profissionais de saúde da linha de frente foram considerados portadores de TEPT, dos quais 61,1% pretendiam pedir demissão do serviço 1 .…”

“…Devido a sua imprevisibilidade e grande capacidade de infecção, a COVID-19 tem o potencial de causar profundo impacto psicológico 7 , fato igualmente relatado em outras epidemias ao redor do mundo, como a epidemia da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS), em que indivíduos que experimentaram a quarentena cursaram com aumento dos sintomas de depressão e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) 8 . Relatos sobre impactos na saúde mental de epidemias graves prévias concentram-se em indivíduos mais afetados pela doença, como os sobreviventes, amigos, familiares e profissionais de saúde 4 .…”

Experience of Frontline Nurse Working in Hospital-Based Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Nurses have to treat more patients than usual, have more tasks to complete, have to work long hours to treat patients and most of the nurses feel tired due to overwork (Wang et al, 2022). Nurses also experienced changes in sleeping habits, felt discomfort, experienced headaches, shortness of breath due to the use of PPE, fever, cough, weakness, chest distress, hemoptysis, headaches, and diarrhea.…”

“…Nurses make video calls with family or friends every day and share information and experiences. For nurses, talking to family or colleagues is a good approach to relaxing and letting go of worries (Wang et al, 2022).…”

“…This surrogate family provides a lot of support including meeting daily needs, providing psychological support, acting as an intermediary between the patient and the doctor, developing an individualized rehabilitation plan, and follow-up after discharge. The development of nurses includes strengthening willpower, having a more positive attitude, and awareness of the importance of health and family (Wang et al, 2022).…”