Nurses' Perspectives and Needs in Delivering COVID-19 Care within Critical Care Units and Hospital Emergency Services
Main Article Content
Keywords
COVID-19, Emergency service, Hospital, Health planning guidelines, Health services research, Intensive care units, Needs assessment, Nursing services
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to present significant challenges to public health systems worldwide, particularly impacting critical care units (CCUs) and hospital emergency services (HESs). Nurses working within these settings have been providing care to COVID-19 patients amidst heightened pressure and uncertainty.
Objective: This study aims to identify the perceived needs of critical care and emergency nurses , concerning safety, organization, decision-making, communication, and psycho-social-emotional support during the acute phase of the pandemic crisis.
Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional study, this research represents the first phase of a mixed-methods approach involving critical care and emergency nurses . Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire.
Results: The study received 557 responses, revealing significant concerns among respondents. These included fears of infection (37.5%), elevated workloads and patient-nurse ratios (28.2%), challenges in disconnecting or resting due to demanding shifts (28.2%), increased responsibilities in managing COVID-19 patients (23.9%), communication deficiencies with middle management (21.2%), limitations in providing psycho-social care to patients and families (53.5%), and emotional exhaustion with difficulties in emotional release (44.9%).
Conclusions: The findings underscore the vulnerability of critical care and emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to explore additional aspects of their experiences during this challenging time.
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