The Experiences of Nurses and Physicians Caring for COVID-19 Patients: Findings from an Exploratory Phenomenological Study in a High Case-Load Country

Moawiah Khatatbeh, Fadwa Alhalaiqa, Aws Khasawneh, Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi, Haitham Khatatbeh, Sameera Alhassoun and Omar Al Omari
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Moawiah Khatatbeh: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
Fadwa Alhalaiqa: Faculty of Nursing, Philadelphia University, Amman 19392, Jordan
Aws Khasawneh: Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid 22110, Jordan
Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi: Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Haitham Khatatbeh: Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Sameera Alhassoun: Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid 22110, Jordan
Omar Al Omari: College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, Muscat 123, Oman

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Various changes have affected health services delivery in response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may exhibit unprecedented effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to explore the lived experience of physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Jordan. An interpretative phenomenology approach was used, and sampling was purposively performed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an online meeting platform (Zoom ® ). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. The data were obtained from 26 physicians and nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 29.41 years (SD = 2.72). Six main themes and 17 subthemes were identified: (i) emotional reactions; (ii) preparation; (iii) source of support; (iv) extreme workload; (v) occupational challenges, and (vi) work-related concerns. The results showed that nurses and physicians caring for COVID-19 patients in Jordan were experiencing mental and emotional distress and were practicing under inadequate work conditions. This distress could be multifactorial with personal, organizational, or cultural origins. Our findings may guide policymakers to consider the potential factors that significantly affect working environment in healthcare settings, the physical and mental wellbeing of HCWs, and the required professional training that can help in enhancing resilience and coping strategies amidst crises.

Keywords: COVID-19; HCWs; health professionals; Jordan; lived experience; pandemic; phenomenology; support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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