METHODS: A qualitative explorative descriptive study was conducted using thematic analysis strategies. Participants comprised: Registered Nurses (n = 18) working in clinical roles in the Emergency Department and Leadership Registered Nurses (n = 6) within the organisation. One on one interviews (n = 21) and one focus group interview were conducted utilising semi-structured, conversational style, in-depth interviews between January 2022 and April 2022.
RESULTS: Two major themes were identified that described the impact on ED team dynamics and longer-term impacts on the ED nursing workforce. The first major theme was: \'Changed Emergency Department team identity and dynamics\' and included four sub-themes: i) PPE is a barrier to team camaraderie; ii) outsiders versus insiders - ambivalence to PPE spotter role; iii) personal safety comes first in a pandemic; and iv) using PPE depersonalises the whole patient experience. The second major theme was: \'This pandemic caught everyone off guard\' and had three sub-themes. The associated sub-themes were: i) People outside ED have no understanding of what it has been like; ii) COVID-19 is here to stay - Permanent changes to care delivery and nursing practice; and iii) tenacity of a true profession.
CONCLUSIONS: Study findings illuminated the dynamics and functionality of ED nursing, encompassing the unique qualities of camaraderie, autonomy, resilience and tenacity.
方法:使用主题分析策略进行了定性的探索性描述性研究。参与者包括:在急诊科从事临床工作的注册护士(n=18)和组织内的领导注册护士(n=6)。一对一访谈(n=21)和一个焦点小组访谈是利用半结构化的,对话风格,2022年1月至2022年4月之间的深度访谈。
结果:确定了两个主要主题,描述了对ED团队动态的影响以及对ED护理人员队伍的长期影响。第一个主要主题是:“改变了急诊科团队的身份和动态”,其中包括四个子主题:i)PPE是团队友情的障碍;ii)局外人与局内人-对PPE观察者角色的矛盾态度;iii)大流行中的人身安全是第一位的;iv)使用PPE使整个患者体验个性化。第二个主要主题是:“这场大流行使每个人都措手不及”,并有三个子主题。相关的子主题是:i)ED以外的人不了解它是什么样子;ii)COVID-19将继续存在-护理服务和护理实践的永久变化;以及iii)对真正的职业的坚韧。
结论:研究结果阐明了ED护理的动力学和功能,包含友情的独特品质,自主性,韧性和坚韧。