Experience of Hospital Staffs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Phase of Initial Crisis to Phase of Adaptation

Abstract

Introduction: Across the globe, health care staffs on the frontlines of battle against COVID-19 faced a multifaceted challenges. The situation was more critical for resource constraint countries. Although, the concern was focused in providing protective devices and vaccination, it is more important to take account of mental health of the hospital staff. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the experience of staff working in a tertiary level government hospital during the pandemic.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 29 staffs of Bheri hospital, Nepalgunj. Data was collected from 23 to 25 July, 2022 through three focus group discussions using semi structured focus group discussion guideline. Qualitative content analysis method was used to analyze the data.

Results: Content analysis of the data revealed the in-depth experiences of hospital staff i.e., from the initial stage of crisis and chaos to the final stage of acceptance and adaptation. Four main themes were generated: 1) crisis and fearful working environment; 2) impact on personal, family, social and professional life; 3) stage of acceptance and adjustment; 4) future recommendations.

Conclusion: The whole story started with a journey from the stage of extreme fear, stress, feeling of threats, and anxiety to the final stage of acceptance and adaptation including feeling pride and satisfaction. Lack of knowledge about newly emerged disease and uncertainty of its prognosis was the reason behind intense fear among the hospital staffs. Therefore, the support to staffs including addressing the emotional wellbeing and mental health of healthcare staffs during any pandemic is very crucial.