The experiences of health care staff working in health centers during the covid-19: A phenomenological study

Objectiv (s): 

This study aimed to explore the experiences of health care providers working in health centers during the Covid-19 disease using a phenomenological method.

A qualitative study using phenomenological method was conducted on a sample of health care staff in Hamedan, Iran. Inclusion criteria were physicians and health care providers involved with individuals with or suspected of having corona virus disease. Exclusion criteria were concealment of information in the interviewee or his / her unwillingness to participate in the research. The sampling method was purpose full and continued until data saturation (30 people). In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used to collect information. The average interview time was 40-60 minutes. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

The findings indicated 4 main themes, 9 categories and 59 sub-categories. The main themes included negative emotions, positive emotions, self-efficacy, and health system problems. Sub-themes included psychological responses, lack of good outlook, unappreciative system, altruism, voluntary work, social self-efficacy, individual self-efficacy, violations of instructions, and equipment supply problems.

The present study showed that health service providers experienced inappropriate mental, emotional and occupational conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results obtained from this study can be used to formulate support and strategies for emerging epidemics.