Investigating the Strategies Adopted by Emergency Nurses to Address Uncertainty and Change in the Event of Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Grounded Theory Study

Stanley K.K. Lam, Enid W.Y. Kwong, Maria S.Y. Hung and Wai-tong Chien
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Stanley K.K. Lam: School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Kowloon HKG, Hong Kong
Enid W.Y. Kwong: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon HKG, Hong Kong
Maria S.Y. Hung: School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Kowloon HKG, Hong Kong
Wai-tong Chien: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories HKG, Hong Kong

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Emergency nurses frequently encounter uncertainty and changes during the management of emerging infectious diseases, which challenge their capability to perform their duties in a well-planned and systematic manner. To date, little is known about the coping strategies adopted by emergency nurses in addressing uncertainty and changes during an epidemic event. The present study explored emergency nurses’ behaviours and strategies in handling uncertainty and practice changes during an epidemic event. A qualitative study based on the Straussian grounded theory approach was established. Semi-structured, face-to-face, individual interviews were conducted with 26 emergency nurses for data collection. Adapting protocol to the evolving context of practice was revealed as the core category. Four interplaying subcategories were identified: (1) Completing a comprehensive assessment, (2) continuing education for emerging infectious disease management, (3) incorporating guideline updates and (4) navigating new duties and competencies. The nurses demonstrated the prudence to orientate themselves to an ambiguous work situation and displayed the ability to adapt and embrace changes in their practice and duties. These findings offer insights into the need for education and training schemes that allow emergency nurses to acquire and develop the necessary decision-making and problem-solving skills to handle a public health emergency.

Keywords: emerging infectious diseases; emergency nurses; nursing; uncertainty; change; grounded theory; qualitative study; epidemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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