Lived Experiences of Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: A Qualitative Exploration

Lived Experiences of Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: A Qualitative Exploration

Rajbala Singh, Anu Malik
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 23
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8813-0.ch001
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Abstract

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with nine physicians and 11 paramedical staff. The analysis is summarized into five superordinate themes: initial reaction, perceived challenges, existential distress, the building of support mechanisms, and growth in adversity. While the first three themes broadly reflect the difficulties encountered by HCPs while serving COVID-19 patients, the last two themes demonstrate the scope of finding meaning in work and personal growth during this unprecedented public health emergency. This study also highlights the heavy toll of the physical and psychological burdens on HCPs due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The insights gained from this study can be utilized in designing an effective intervention program to promote resilience and well-being among HCPs.
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Background

HCPs are essential for any healthcare system. During the times of health emergencies, apart from treating the patients, it is also expected that HCPs will be involved in public health education, epidemiological surveillance, quarantine management, fever clinics, staging facility operation, and more' (Seale et al., 2009, p. 2). However, they are also the people who remain on the frontline, making themselves vulnerable to get infected (Ives et al., 2009).

The Coronavirus outbreak in the world has left the healthcare system overwhelmed. The unexpected surge of heightened workload for HCPs has posed many questions ranging from managing occupational workload to maintaining mental health amid the crisis. According to Pollock et al. (2020), HCPs are at a greater risk for developing mental health and well-being related issues that include:

…concern about exposure to the virus; personal and family needs and responsibilities; managing a different workload; lack of access to necessary tools and equipment (including personal protection equipment, PPE); feelings of guilt relating to the lack of contribution; uncertainty about the future of the workplace or employment; learning new technical skills; and adapting to a different workplace or schedule (p.8).

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