Care of the Covid-19 Patients: Experiences of Health Workers in Rivers State Nigeria

Background: Frontline health workers are faced with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for patients infected with the Coronavirus and this has seriously affected their physical and mental health status due to the rapid spread of the disease globally and the unprepared state of health workers who were recruited with little or no skills in infectious disease care. This study describes the experiences of healthcare workers involved in the management of COVID-19 patients.

Methods: A qualitative study design was employed, using a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted by telephone on health workers selected purposively from the four COVID-19 treatment centers. The health workers consisted of seven doctors, three nurses, and two hygienists.

Results: Data collected were transcribed and content analysis was done using Atlas. Ti. Some major highlights identified include; the bravery and commitment of health workers despite their proximity to patients, the anxiety and fear of becoming infected, the inconveniencing nature of the PPEs and its effect on their work efficiency, the patients mental and health status on admission (denial, fear, co-morbidities, need for special attention), and other challenges (boredom, shortage of personal protective equipment and medications, the need for special diet and privacy by some patients). Suggestions that emerged were; training, government action, and installing security cameras in patients’ wards.

Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for training health workers to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, provision of psycho-social support for health workers and patients, and government commitment.