RESUMO
AimsThe overall aim of this evaluation was to look at the impact of the changes in working practices during the pandemic on nurses. This secondary analysis provided an evaluation of virtual care and being able/required to work from home. DesignThis was secondary analysis of an evaluation using semi-structured interviews. MethodsConducted at a single National Health Service (NHS) university hospital in the United Kingdom between May-July 2020. Forty-eight operational leads and nurses participated in semi-structured interviews which were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework analysis. ResultsTwo overarching themes emerged relating to the patient experience and nursing experience. There were both positive and negative elements associated with virtual care and remote working related to these themes. However, the majority of nurses found virtual clinics were useful when proper resources were provided, and managerial strategies were put in place to support them. Participants felt virtual care could benefit many but not all patient groups moving forward, and that flexibility around working from home would be desirable in the future. ConclusionVirtual care and remote working were implemented to accommodate the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic. The benefits of these changes to nurses and patients support these being business as usual. However, clear policies are needed to ensure nurses feel supported when working remotely and there are robust assessments in place to ensure virtual care is provided to patients who have access to the necessary technology. ImpactThis was a study of the move to virtual care and remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine and flexible working were not common in the NHS prior to the pandemic but the current evaluation supports the role out of these as standard care with policies in place to ensure nurses and patients are appropriately supported.
RESUMO
AimsTo determine how the learning about protective factors from previous pandemics were implemented and the impact of this on nurses experience. BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to systemic change within healthcare settings and demands placed on frontline nurses has been overwhelming. Lessons learned from previous pandemics indicate that clear communication and strong visible leadership can mitigate the impact stressful events may have on nurses. Conversely, a lack of clear leadership and regulatory protocols in times of crisis can lead to an increase in psychological distress for nurses. DesignSecondary analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts. MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted on data collected during a hospital-wide evaluation of barriers and facilitators to changes implemented to support the surge of COVID-19 related admissions in wave one of the pandemic. Participants represented three-levels of leadership: whole trust (n=17), division (n=7), ward/department-level (n=8), and individual nurses (n=16). Data were collected through semi-structured video interviews between May and July 2020. Interviews were analysed using Framework analysis. ResultsKey changes that were implemented in wave one reported at whole trust level included: a new acute staffing level, redeploying nurses, increasing the visibility of nursing leadership, new staff wellbeing initiatives, new roles created to support families and various training initiatives. Two main themes emerged from the interviews at division, ward/department and individual nurse level: impact of leadership, and impact on the delivery of nursing care. ConclusionsLeadership through a crisis is essential for the protective effect of nurses emotional wellbeing. While nursing leadership was made more visible during wave one of the pandemic and processes were in place to increase communication, system-level challenges resulting in negative experiences existed. By identifying these challenges, it has been possible to overcome them during wave two by employing different leadership styles, to support nurse wellbeing
