Exploring staff perspectives on caring for isolated hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

被引：1

作者：

Digby, Robin ^{[1
]}

Hopper, Ingrid ^{[1
]}

Hughes, Leanne ^{[1
]}

McCaskie, Doug ^{[1
]}

Tuck, Michelle ^{[1
]}

Fallon, Kethly ^{[1
]}

Hunter, Peter ^{[1
]}

Bucknall, Tracey ^{[1
,2
]}

机构：

[1] Alfred Hlth, POB 315, Melbourne, Vic 3181, Australia

[2] Deakin Univ, Ctr Qual & Patient Safety Res, Alfred Hlth Partnership, Sch Nursing & Midwifery,Fac Hlth, Melbourne, Vic, Australia

来源：

BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 2023年 / 23卷 / 01期

关键词：

Patient isolation; Acute hospital; Staff perception; COVID-19; Clinical care; Communication; Person-centred care; Clinical decision-making; CONTACT PRECAUTIONS; OUTCOMES;

D O I：

10.1186/s12913-022-09000-3

中图分类号：

R19 [保健组织与事业（卫生事业管理）];

学科分类号：

摘要：

BackgroundStrict 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.MethodThis 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.ResultsParticipants 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.ConclusionIsolating 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.

引用

页数：10