Experiences of Healthcare Providers in Providing Care for Patients with COVID‑19: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The COVID‑19 pandemic put enormous pressure on healthcare providers and patients. Exploring the experiences of healthcare providers involved in this crisis can help prevent potential complications and manage similar crises in the future. This study aimed to explain the experiences of healthcare providers in providing care for patients with COVID‑19. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 20 healthcare providers from three hospitals who cared for patients with COVID‑19 in 2021 in Isfahan, Iran. Purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. Data were collected by conducting face‑to‑face interviews with the participants. The place and time of the interview was arranged considering the willingness and comfort of the participants. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis approach based on the criteria proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: Analysis of the participants’ narratives led to four categories, including unexpected exposure, spiritual health as an agent of victory over the disease, corona phobia as the cause of exhaustion and impaired concentration in healthcare providers, and proper management as the requirement of disease control. Conclusions: During crises caused by infectious diseases such as COVID‑19, timely and appropriate planning, prediction and allocation of material, equipment, and human resources on the one hand, and attention to all aspects of employees’ health, including spiritual health, and the use of various ways to enhance their motivation and provide comprehensive support for the personnel on the other hand, can lead to the delivery of high‑quality patient care and effective control of the crisis.