Experiences of nurses and doctors of emergency care units in coping with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Objective: to describe experiences of nurses and doctors of Emergency Care Units in coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with seven doctors and seven nurses working in two Emergency Care Units, reference for Covid-19. The interviews took place between September and November 2020 and were guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. The statements were recorded, transcribed and submitted to Content Analysis. Results: two categories of analysis emerged "We feel exhausted" the experience of nurses and doctors and Strategies to face the mishaps in the pandemic context. Final considerations the professionals experienced several challenges, such as lack of institutional protocol, lack of physical structure, material, human resources and training, difficulty in sensitizing the population and concern to contaminate oneself and the family. However, they relied on different strategies, such as preventive self-isolation, family support, exchange of experiences with other professionals and keeping up to date on the disease. © 2021 Universidade Federal da Bahia. All rights reserved.