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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Doctoral School of Health Sciences, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Moawiah Khatatbeh & Fadwa Alhalaiqa & Aws Khasawneh & Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi & Haitham Khatatbeh & Sameera Alhassoun & Omar Al Omari, 2021. "The Experiences of Nurses and Physicians Caring for COVID-19 Patients: Findings from an Exploratory Phenomenological Study in a High Case-Load Country," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9002-:d:622617
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    1. Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan & Olanrewaju Ibigbami & Maha El Tantawi & Brandon Brown & Nourhan M. Aly & Oliver Ezechi & Giuliana Florencia Abeldaño & Eshrat Ara & Martin Amogre Ayanore & Passent Ellaka, 2021. "Factors Associated with Financial Security, Food Security and Quality of Daily Lives of Residents in Nigeria during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Stacy M. Carter & Patti Shih & Jane Williams & Chris Degeling & Julie Mooney-Somers, 2021. "Conducting Qualitative Research Online: Challenges and Solutions," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 14(6), pages 711-718, November.
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    1. Maysa H. Almomani & Wejdan A. Khater & Laila M. Akhu-Zaheya & Aladeen Alloubani & Safa A. AlAshram & Mohammed Azab & Adeeb K. Al-malkawi, 2022. "Nurses’ Experiences of Caring for Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(4), pages 21582440221, December.
    2. Antonio Lasalvia & Luca Bodini & Francesco Amaddeo & Stefano Porru & Angela Carta & Ranieri Poli & Chiara Bonetto, 2021. "The Sustained Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Workers One Year after the Outbreak—A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in a Tertiary Hospital of North-East Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Ghaith Salameh & Debbi Marais & Rawan Khoury, 2023. "Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health among the Population in Jordan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-21, July.
    4. O-Jay B. Jimenez & Sheilla M. Trajera & Gregory S. Ching, 2022. "Providing End-of-Life Care to COVID-19 Patients: The Lived Experiences of ICU Nurses in the Philippines," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-21, October.

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