Primary care nurses during the coronavirus disaster and their struggle: Qualitative research. (1st July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mizumoto, Junki; Mitsuyama, Toshichika; Kumagaya, Shinichiro; Eto, Masato; Izumiya, Masashi; Horita, Shoko
• Is Part Of: Journal of general and family medicine. Volume 23:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 343
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 2022-07-01
• Subjects: COVID‐19 -- family medicine -- occupational stress -- primary care nursing -- qualitative research; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Family medicine -- Periodicals; Family Practice; Primary Health Care; Japan; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2189-7948

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has substantially affected the health and lives of medical professionals. However, the experiences of nurses engaged in primary care remain unclear. We explored how nurses working in primary care were psychologically and socially affected by the COVID‐19 disaster and how they overcame the difficulties experienced. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study of seven Japanese nurses working in primary care. Data collection was performed before, during, and after a workshop based on the Tojisha‐Kenkyu (user‐led research) framework to explore how the COVID‐19 disaster affected the nurses and how they coped. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: effects of the COVID‐19 disaster on nurses, nurses' newly found strength during the pandemic, and their changes and achievements through the Tojisha‐Kenkyu framework. The first theme comprised four subthemes: fear of the unknown; difficulty in adaptation; dysfunction in patient care; and defilement and oppression. The second theme involved feeling in control and professionalism. The third theme, which was based on participants' discovery of "same and different" fellowships, showed work reconstruction and self‐understanding, which alleviated their difficulties. Conclusions: The effect of the pandemic on nurses working in primary care ranges from work‐related frustration to daily life issues. The Tojisha‐Kenkyu method can help nurses to alleviate difficulties. Further research should be conducted to elucidate the constant burden on primary care professionals and establish appropriate occupational and daily life support during pandemics. Abstract : This study focused on nurses engaged in primary care and explored their experiences and how they coped with the coronavirus disaster. The coronavirus disaster imposed various burdens on nurses in their workplaces, communities, and families, but Tojisha‐Kenkyu (user‐led research) alleviated these hardships. This study offers insights for providing support for primary care professionals and maintaining stable healthcare systems in the context of a pandemic.