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Exploring staff perspectives on caring for isolated hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
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posted on 2023-03-31, 05:28 authored by Robin DigbyRobin Digby, I Hopper, L Hughes, D McCaskie, M Tuck, K Fallon, P Hunter, Tracey BucknallTracey BucknallBackground: Strict isolation of COVID-19 patients to prevent cross infection may inadvertently cause serious adverse outcomes including psychological harm, limitations to care, increased incidence of delirium, deconditioning and reduced quality of life. Previous research exploring the staff perspective of the effect of isolation on patients is limited. The aim of this study is to understand staff perceptions and interpretations of their experiences of the care and treatment of isolated patients and the impact of isolation on patients, families, and staff. Method: This qualitative, exploratory study is set in a major metropolitan, quaternary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Data was collected in focus groups with clinical and non-clinical staff and analysed using content analysis. The hospital ethics committee granted approval. Each participant gave informed verbal consent. Results: Participants included 58 nursing, medical, allied health, and non-clinical staff. Six main themes were identified: 1) Communication challenges during COVID-19; 2) Impact of isolation on family; 3) Challenges to patients’ health and safety; 4) Impact on staff; 5) Challenging standards of care; 6) Contextual influences: policy, decision-makers and the environment. Conclusion: Isolating patients and restricting visitors resulted in good pandemic management, but staff perceived it came at considerable cost to staff and consumers. Innovative communication technology may facilitate improved connection between all parties. Mental health support is needed for patients, families, and staff. Further research using a co-design model with input from patients, families and staff is recommended to determine appropriate interventions to improve care. Preventing the spread of infection is essential for good pandemic management, but the cost to consumers and staff must be mitigated. Preparation for future pandemics must consider workforce preparedness, adapted models of care and workflow.
History
Journal
BMC Health Services ResearchVolume
23Article number
208Pagination
208-Location
EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
1472-6963eISSN
1472-6963Language
enIssue
1Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLCUsage metrics
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Keywords
Acute hospitalCOVID-19Clinical careClinical decision-makingCommunicationPatient isolationPerson-centred careStaff perceptionHumansPandemicsQuality of LifePatient IsolationCross Infectionpatient isolationacute hospitalstaff perceptionclinical carecommunicationperson-centred careclinical decision-makingPreventionHealth ServicesBehavioral and Social ScienceClinical Research8.1 Organisation and delivery of services8 Health and social care services research7.1 Individual care needs7 Management of diseases and conditionsInfectionMental health3 Good Health and Well BeingLibrary and Information StudiesPublic Health and Health Services not elsewhere classifiedNursing not elsewhere classified
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