Exploring Experiences of Nurses Who Underwent Quarantine and Isolation Due to Covid-19 Infection: A Phenomenological Study at Critical Care Unit, of Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Empirical studies indicated that quarantine and Isolation of nurses who worked in CCU during COVID-19 pandemic caused significant shortage of nursing personnel. Compounded with negative psychological, emotional, and socio-economic impacts contributed to their ill-health further compromising patient care. Exploring lived experiences of CCU nurses at KNH provides valuable insights into the challenges they faced and broader effects on healthcare quality. Objective: To explore lived experiences of nurses in CCU, KNH who were either quarantined or isolated or both due to COVID-19 infection. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted with twenty purposively selected nurses from CCU, KNH. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data were collected for 8 weeks using semi-structured interviews and recorded with digital audio recorder. Field notes were taken for non-verbal behaviors. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim in English, and transcripts were manually coded. Incomplete and irrelevant data were excluded during data cleaning process. Final dataset was entered into a secure computer system, stored, and protected with a password. Data analysis followed Colaizzi’s seven-step method for phenomenological research. Sub-themes and themes were then identified through iterative analysis. Findings: From the nurses’ responses, days spent in quarantine and Isolation ranged between 14-56 days. Three key themes emerged, reflecting both positive and negative aspects: (1) Personal experiences (psychological, emotional and social-economic), encompassed intrusive thoughts of complications, death, fear of infecting family members, feelings of anxiety and depression; (2) Work-related experiences involved stigmatization, discrimination, and lack of teamwork; and (3) Post-quarantine and/or Isolation growth, manifested in changes in spirituality, cultural perspectives, and life priorities Conclusions: Lived experiences of CCU nurses during quarantine and Isolation were both positive and negative. Some used metaphors of war like it were bombshell to express themselves. Negative psycho-social and financial experiences reported included depression, anxiety, and financial loss and positively spiritual and culture change and strong family relationships were reported.

Recommendations: From the study findings, I recommend counselling services among CCU nurses to minimize the fear experienced for their mental/ psychological wellbeing; and a standard operative procedure of re-integrating nurses back to work be put in place for future pandemics. Significance of the study: The findings inform the need for a structured approach to promote psychological health of nurses during pandemics