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Trettin B, Munk NT, Egmose B, Agerskov H. Nurses on shacking ground-A qualitative study of Danish dermatology and allergology nurses' experiences of relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2242. [PMID: 38992993 PMCID: PMC11239953 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate dermatology and allergology nurses' experiences of relocation from an outpatient clinic to a newly established COVID-19 infectious disease ward. DESIGN A phenomenological-hermeneutical approach was applied. METHODS Three focus groups with nurses were conducted from June to August 2020. Data were analysed in accordance with Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. RESULTS The relocation represented a challenging period that involved uncertainty and evoked feelings of excitement and dedication towards the nursing profession. Nurses felt obligated to help; however, they also experienced that they did not have a say in the relocation. The placement on the infectious disease ward was characterized by adaptations in three areas: unfamiliar working environment, unfamiliar team competencies and inadequate nursing training. E-learning training was experienced as insufficient, as it did not enhance the nurses' specific competencies or confidence in caring for patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION The relocation of nurses from an outpatient clinic to a new COVID-19 infectious disease ward created a dilemma between nurses' sense of duty and their right to self-determination. A prompt relocation into a newly established unfamiliar field caused frustrations because there were no unspoken rules to rely on. Managers should take nurses' experiences and perceptions under careful consideration and strive for more involvement in future scenarios. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Trettin
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy CentreOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Nadja Trier Munk
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy CentreOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Britt Egmose
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy CentreOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Hanne Agerskov
- Clinical Institute, Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of NephrologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
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2
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Anderson H, Scantlebury A, Galdas P, Adamson J. The well-being of nurses working in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study (The GenCo Study). J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1574-1591. [PMID: 37902132 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
AIM Exploration of experiences of nurses working in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate the impact on nurses' professional well-being. DESIGN An exploratory qualitative study comprised of case studies of three general practice sites in England and a nationwide interview study of nurses working in general practice and nurse leaders. The study was funded by The General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust. University of York ethics approval (HSRGC/2021/458/I) and Health Research Authority approval was obtained (IRAS: 30353, Protocol number: R23982, Ref 21/HRA/5132, CPMS: 51834). METHODS Forty participants took part. Case site data consisted of interviews/focus groups and national data consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data collection took place between April and August 2022. Analysis was underpinned by West et al.'s The courage of compassion. Supporting nurses and midwives to deliver high-quality care, The King's fund, 2020 ABC framework of nurses' core work well-being needs. FINDINGS The majority of participants experienced challenges to their professional well-being contributed to by lack of recognition, feeling undervalued and lack of involvement in higher-level decision-making. Some participants displayed burnout and stress. Structural and cultural issues contributed to this and many experiences pre-dated, but were exacerbated by, the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS By mapping findings to the ABC framework, we highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of nurses working in general practice and contributing workplace factors. The issues identified have implications for retention and for the future of nursing in general practice. The study highlights how this professional group can be supported in the future. IMPACT The study contributes to our understanding of the experiences of nurses working in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Findings have implications for this skilled and experienced workforce, for retention of nurses in general practice, the sustainability of the profession more broadly and care quality and patient safety. REPORTING METHOD Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (O'Brien et al. in Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 89(9), 1245-1251, 2014). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION As this was a workforce study there was no patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Anderson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Paul Galdas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Joy Adamson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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3
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Swall A, Hammar LM, Boström AM. Listen to the voices of nurses: the role of community chief nurses and registered nurses in the provision of care for older people in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic - a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:127. [PMID: 38308241 PMCID: PMC10835959 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04652-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the pandemic in Sweden, the aim was to protect older people, especially those among them who were sick, frail and vulnerable in residential care facilities. A ban was put on visits at all residential care facilities in March 2020 to prevent the spread of infection among the older people. This study aims to describe the experiences of Community Chief Nurses and Registered Nurses who provided medical and nursing care for older people in residential care facilities and home care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine factors associated with the quality of care. METHODS The study has a mixed method cross-sectional design (STROBE). Data were collected using a web-based survey that comprised two questionnaires, for Community Chief Nurses and Registered Nurses developed for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, as well as qualitative content analyses. RESULTS The majority of Community Chief Nurses reported adequate opportunities to work with management to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. The Registered Nurses reported that the quality of care, as well as the person's safety, was negatively affected during the pandemic. Factors associated with good care were as follows: information-sharing; ability to comply with hygiene practices; competence in how to care for older persons with COVID-19; a physician at bedside assessing their health; and support from frontline managers. CONCLUSION The study highlights crucial facets that care organizations must address to enhance their readiness for future pandemics or disasters, ensuring the security and well-being of the older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Swall
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Högskolan Dalarna, 791 88, Falun, Sweden.
| | - Lena Marmstål Hammar
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Högskolan Dalarna, 791 88, Falun, Sweden
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Box 833, 721 23, Eskilstuna/Västerås, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Boström
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society Karolinska Institute, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 83, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden
- Medical Unit Aging, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- R&D Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
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op ‘t Hoog SAJJ, de Vos AJBM. Lessons learned from nursing crisis meetings: Qualitative study to evaluate nurses' experiences and needs. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2037. [PMID: 38268247 PMCID: PMC10724613 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to evaluate the nurses' experiences with the Nursing Crisis Meetings and to identify nurses' needs regarding the future governance structure. DESIGN Qualitative study. METHODS Two focus groups were conducted in February 2022 with participants of the Nursing Crisis Meetings (N = 15). We used thematic analysis to describe themes. RESULTS We identified five themes: opportunity to speak up, call for nursing leadership, call for control over practice and autonomy, development of a governance infrastructure and development of the professional nurse role. CONCLUSION Nurses experienced the Nursing Crisis Meetings to be a positive and empowering infrastructure, which facilitates the unique opportunity to speak up and share experiences and concerns. This new infrastructure is a promising strategy to engage nurses during a pandemic and to build on a professional governance structure. IMPACT This paper highlights the need for nurses to speak up and be engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic and gives a practical example of how to put this infrastructure into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemarie Johanna Burgje Maria de Vos
- Academy of Nursing Science and EducationElisabeth‐TweeSteden HospitalTilburgThe Netherlands
- School of People & Healthcare StudiesFontys University of Applied SciencesTilburgThe Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise Health, Care & WellbeingAvans University of Applied SciencesBredaThe Netherlands
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5
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Maghsoodi E, Vanaki Z, Mohammadi E. Nurses' perception of work and life under COVID-19 pandemic conditions: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1292664. [PMID: 38164452 PMCID: PMC10758251 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Although nurses work and live in special and stressful conditions due to the nature of their profession, in periods of crises and pandemics, when the work pressure on nurses and the public's need for professional services increases to extraordinary and incomparable levels compared to customary conditions, their work and life situation becomes entirely different. Therefore, what nurses experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic went beyond the typical challenges of their work environment. This study was conducted to discover nurses' perceptions of work and life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This qualitative study was conducted with a conventional content analysis approach on 16 nurses working in the inpatient wards during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Data were collected through unstructured, individual, and in-depth interviews between August 2020 and June 2023 and were analyzed using content analysis with the conventional (inductive) approach of Granheim and Lundman. Results Data analysis led to the extraction of 11 subcategories, namely, "feeling a lack of support and understanding from managers," "team cooperation and communication challenges in difficult work conditions," "shadow of burnout," "shortage inequity," "dissatisfaction with unfair wages and benefits," "not having their work and sacrifices appreciated," "suffering and fatigue of using personal protective equipment (PPE)," "deprivation of entertainment and rest," "fear of illness and imminent death," "low resilience," and "deteriorating life conditions" These 11 subcategories led to the following themes: "unsafe work environment" and "the shadow of suffering and death." Conclusion Nurses working in COVID-19 wards in Iran worked in an unsafe work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to deal with suffering and fear of death. It is necessary to pay attention to the needs and problems of nurses, and healthcare organizations must provide the required support to maintain the physical and mental health of nurses during epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zohreh Vanaki
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Aldiss S, Gibson F, Vindrola-Padros C, Wray J, Kelly P. 'They could not see our eyes, they cannot see our faces, they do not know who we are and that is hard': a qualitative interview study with staff caring for children and families in a UK specialist children's hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070048. [PMID: 37316313 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite lower rates of illness, morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children during the COVID-19 pandemic, their health and well-being has been significantly impacted. Emerging evidence indicates that this includes experiences of hospital-based care for them and their families. As part of a series of multisite research studies to undertake a rapid appraisal of perceptions of hospital staff, working during the pandemic, our study focused on clinical and non-clinical staff perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on aspects of care delivery, preparedness and staffing specific to a specialist children's hospital. DESIGN Qualitative study using a qualitative rapid appraisal design. Hospital staff participated in a telephone interview. We used a semistructured interview guide, and recorded and transcribed all interviews. Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab Rapid Assessment Procedure sheets were used to share data; team-based analysis was facilitated using a framework approach. SETTING Specialist children's hospital in London, UK. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-six staff representing a range of roles within the hospital: 19 (53%) nurses, 7 (19%) medical staff and 10 (28%) other staff groups (including radiographers, managers, play staff, schoolteachers, domestic and portering staff and social workers). RESULTS Three overarching themes relating to staff perceptions of the impact on children and families were identified, each containing subthemes: (1) same hospital but different for everyone, (2) families paid the price and (3) the digital world. They illustrated that providing care and treatment for children and families changed profoundly during the pandemic, particularly during lockdown periods. Adaptations to deliver clinical care, play, schooling and other therapies online were rapidly put into action; however, benefits were not universal or always inclusive. CONCLUSIONS The disruption to a central principle of children's hospital care-the presence and involvement of families-was of critical concern to staff, suggesting a need for the specific impact of COVID-19 on children's services to be accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Aldiss
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Cecilia Vindrola-Padros
- Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL), Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jo Wray
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paula Kelly
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Chiu P, Thorne S, Schick-Makaroff K, Cummings GG. Lessons from professional nursing associations' policy advocacy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: An interpretive description. J Adv Nurs 2023. [PMID: 36876739 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional nursing associations across jurisdictions engaged in significant policy advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic to support nurses, the public and health systems. While professional nursing associations have a long history of engaging in policy advocacy, scholars have rarely critically examined this important function. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine how professional nursing associations engage in the process of policy advocacy and (b) to develop knowledge specific to policy advocacy in the context of a global pandemic. METHODS This study was conducted using interpretive description. A total of eight individuals from four professional nursing associations (two local, one national and one international) participated. Data sources included semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2021 and December 2021 and internal and external documents produced by organizations. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Within-case analysis was conducted prior to cross-case comparisons. FINDINGS Six key themes were developed to illustrate the lessons learned from these organizations including their organization's role in supporting a wide audience (professional nursing associations as a compass); the scope of their policy priorities (bridging the gaps between issues and solutions), the breadth of their advocacy strategies (top down, bottom up and everything in between), the factors influencing their decision-making (looking in and looking out), their evaluation practices (focus on contribution, not attribution) and the importance of capitalizing on windows of opportunity. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the nature of policy advocacy carried out by professional nursing associations. IMPACT The findings suggest the need for those leading this important function to think critically about their role in supporting a wide range of audiences, the breadth and depth of their policy priorities and advocacy strategies, the factors that influence their decision-making, and the ways in which their policy advocacy work can be evaluated to move towards greater influence and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Chiu
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sally Thorne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Greta G Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Brysiewicz P, Chipps J. Out of Chaos Leaders Emerged. Nurs Clin North Am 2023; 58:87-96. [PMID: 36731962 PMCID: PMC9729585 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 had a major influence on nursing with the pandemic resulting in changes in the work environment while experiencing physical and emotional challenges such as moral distress, fear for self and family and dealing with the unknown. However, during this period, nurses demonstrated extraordinary resilience, crafted innovations in clinical practice, communication and support, providing leadership in the health service and in the nursing profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Brysiewicz
- School of Nursing & Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George Mazisi Kunene Road, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Jennifer Chipps
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 14 Blanckenberg Road, Belville, Cape Town 7041, South Africa
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9
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Luo Y, Feng X, Wang D, Qiao X, Xiao X, Jia S, Zheng M, Reinhardt JD. Experience of clinical nurses engaged in caring for patients with COVID-19: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. J Clin Nurs 2023. [PMID: 36639947 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE This qualitative review summarises and synthesises the available evidence on subjective experiences of clinical nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19. BACKGROUND Nurses are first responders and play a vital role in emerging infectious disease epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, they also face many difficulties and challenges related, for example to the imbalance between extensive demands and low control over work tasks. DESIGN AND METHOD A systematic review of qualitative studies and meta-synthesis focused on the experiences of clinical nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic was carried out. RESULTS A total of 279 findings were extracted, aggregated into 21 categories and combined into seven synthesised findings, namely (1) professional nursing practice during the pandemic, (2) support systems, (3) somatic sensations and psychological experiences, (4) difficulties and challenges, (5) coping strategies and behaviour, (6) impact on life, profession and values, and (7) needs and expectations for the future. CONCLUSION Nurses encountered considerable difficulties and challenges in caring for patients with COVID-19. Nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 need more support from organisations, families and society. It is essential to explore positive coping strategies suitable for working in different cultural backgrounds. Policymakers and decision-makers should pay attention to the experiences and voices of nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE It is critical for nurse managers to consider how to enhance the support system and help nurses develop adaptive coping strategies in response to COVID-19. Nurses' experiences and voices are valuable in improving health emergency response systems. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Luo
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.,Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianqiong Feng
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Qiao
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujia Xiao
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiqi Jia
- West China School of Nursing/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jan D Reinhardt
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
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10
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Fischer T. Home care in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic: A neglected population? J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:215-225. [PMID: 36411519 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older persons and those with pre-existing conditions are at the biggest risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. In Germany, more than 3.3 million people out of this population receive care in their own homes. User representatives and nurses have criticized health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic as inappropriate for the home care setting. This policy analysis, therefore, aims to answer the question, which policy changes should be made following Bardach's framework. PRE-PANDEMIC POLICY Home care in Germany is mainly funded through the statutory long-term care and statutory health insurance funds. It focuses on compensation of physical functioning, selected therapy-related tasks prescribed by a physician and is not well integrated with acute and primary care. POLICY PROBLEMS The pandemic highlighted the following challenges: nurses are excluded from policy decisions; epidemiological data from the home care setting is lacking; nurses do not have prescribing authority for vaccines; user and family education is not made available; home care-specific guidance on infection control and prevention is absent and the home care setting is underprepared to care for acutely ill patients. POLICY ALTERNATIVES Nurses need to be included in policy decision and authorized to adopt more responsibility in home care than currently possible. Home care-specific policies and guidance are needed and integration with primary care should be sought. DISCUSSION Changes to current policy in the identified areas could make the health system more resilient to future crisis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Older persons and those with pre-existing conditions are at the highest risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19 and most of them receive care in their own homes in Germany. Improving health policy governing home care, improving the availability of valid data and evidence, and improving the delivery of home care during the pandemic will contribute to better outcomes.
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Bloemberg D, Musters SCW, van der Wal‐Huisman H, Dieren S, Nieveen van Dijkum EJM, Eskes AM. Impact of family visit restrictions due to COVID-19 policy on patient outcomes: A cohort study. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:4042-4053. [PMID: 35699245 PMCID: PMC9350069 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the impact of family visit restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions among surgical inpatients with gastrointestinal (oncologic) diseases. DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS This study was conducted among adult inpatients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery in two academic hospitals. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, over a 10-week period, one cohort was subjected to family visit restrictions. Per patient, one person per day was allowed to visit for a maximum of 30 min. This cohort was compared with another cohort in which patients were not subjected to such restrictions during a 10-week period in 2019. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of the restrictions on deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions. RESULTS In total, 287 patients were included in the 2020 cohort and 243 in the 2019 cohort. No differences were observed in the cohorts with respect to baseline characteristics. Logistic regression analyses showed no significant differences in deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers and readmissions between the cohorts. CONCLUSION We cautiously conclude that the family visit restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic did not contribute to deliriums, falls, pneumonia, pressure ulcers or readmissions in surgical patients with gastrointestinal (oncologic) diseases. IMPACT COVID-19 influenced family-centred care due to family visit restrictions. Nurses need to continue monitoring outcomes known to be sensitive to family-centred care to gain insight into the effects of visit restrictions and share the results in order to include nurses' perspectives in COVID-19-decision-making. Re-implementing of family visit restrictions should be carefully considered in policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Bloemberg
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Selma C. W. Musters
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | - Susan van Dieren
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | - Anne M. Eskes
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith UniversityGold Coast, G40 Griffith Health Centre, Level 8.86 Gold Coast campus Griffith UniversityNathanQldAustralia
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12
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Ball J, Anstee S, Couper K, Maben J, Blake H, Anderson JE, Kelly D, Harris R, Conolly A. The impact of COVID-19 on nurses (ICON) survey: Nurses' accounts of what would have helped to improve their working lives. J Adv Nurs 2022; 79:343-357. [PMID: 36177495 PMCID: PMC9538551 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To use nurses' descriptions of what would have improved their working lives during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. DESIGN Analysis of free-text responses from a cross-sectional survey of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce. METHODS Between 2 and 14 April 2020, 3299 nurses and midwives completed an online survey, as part of the 'Impact of COVID-19 on Nurses' (ICON) study. 2205 (67%) gave answers to a question asking for the top three things that the government or their employer could do to improve their working lives. Each participants' response was coded using thematic and content analysis. Multiple response analysis quantified the frequency of different issues and themes and examined variation by employer. RESULTS Most (77%) were employed by the National Health Service (77%) and worked at staff or senior staff nurse levels (55%). 5938 codable responses were generated. Personal protective equipment/staff safety (60.0%), support to workforce (28.6%) and better communication (21.9%) were the most cited themes. Within 'personal protective equipment', responses focussed most on available supply. Only 2.8% stated that nothing further could be done. Patterns were similar in both NHS and non-NHS settings. CONCLUSIONS The analysis provided valuable insight into key changes required to improve the work lives of nurses during a pandemic. Urgent improvements in provision and quality of personal protective equipment were needed for the safety of both workforce and patients. IMPACT Failure to meet nurses needs to be safe at work appears to have damaged morale in this vital workforce. We identified key strategies that, if implemented by the Government and employers, could have improved the working lives of the nursing and midwifery workforce during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and could prevent the pandemic from having a longer-term negative impact on the retention of this vital workforce. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No Patient or Public Contribution, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, urgency of the work and the target population being health and social care staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ball
- University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK,NIHR ARC WessexSouthamptonUK
| | | | - Keith Couper
- Warwick Medical SchoolUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK,Critical Care UnitUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustBirminghamUK
| | - Jill Maben
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
| | - Holly Blake
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research CentreNottinghamUK
| | | | | | | | - Anna Conolly
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
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van den Boogaard M, Zegers M. Mental preparedness for prolonged periods of high workload - what did we learn from the covid-19 pandemic? Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 71:103258. [PMID: 35595605 PMCID: PMC8989870 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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