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How did nurses cope with the fast, comprehensive organisational changes at Danish hospital wards during the COVID-19 pandemic? An interview study based on nurses' experiences.
Thude, Bettina Ravnborg; Primdahl, Jette; Jensen, Hanne Irene; Elkjær, Mette; Hoffmann, Eva; Boye, Lilian Keene; Specht, Kirsten.
  • Thude BR; Medical Research Unit, University Hospital of Southern Jutland, Region of Southern Denmark, Sonderborg, Denmark bettina.ravnborg.thude@rsyd.dk.
  • Primdahl J; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark.
  • Jensen HI; Hospital of Southern Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Region of Southern Denmark, Sonderborg, Denmark.
  • Elkjær M; Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sonderborg, Denmark.
  • Hoffmann E; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark.
  • Boye LK; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark.
  • Specht K; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark.
BMJ Open ; 11(12): e049668, 2021 12 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1598698
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced hospital work and healthcare workers all over the world. We explored how Danish nurses coped with the fast, comprehensive organisational changes in their workplace and identified barriers to and facilitators for organisations ensuring the best possible conditions for nurses to meet these challenges. The study focuses on the organisational setting and how it did or did not support the nurses in their work.

METHODS:

A qualitative explorative design was used in interviewing 23 nurses who had worked at a COVID-19 ward in one of three hospitals. Data were collected in the summer of 2020, and the analysis was inspired by Paul Ricoeur's theory of narratives and interpretation.

RESULTS:

The presence of managers in the wards helped the nurses in the form of psychological and practical support. Working within an organisation that provides a safe environment was essential for nurses. The experience of a safe environment allowed nurses to ask questions, which supported them in finding solutions to specific tasks in the new and critical working environment. Barriers to handling the new situation were an absence of managers and a lack of a sense of belongingness and trust.

CONCLUSION:

This study highlights the need for management to be present in the ward and for organisational support to be available to nurses so they can provide optimal treatment and care when working in new and unknown conditions during a pandemic. Practical assistance from managers to ease the job is beneficial. Furthermore, the presence of management is essential to provide psychological support and create a safe environment because this allows nurses to ask questions about how to better manage new and critical tasks.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Nurses / Nursing Staff, Hospital Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BMJ Open Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjopen-2021-049668

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Nurses / Nursing Staff, Hospital Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BMJ Open Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjopen-2021-049668