Psychological changes in nurses working in a COVID-19 infectious disease ward over one year

Abstract

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the emotional state and psychological changes experienced by nurses who worked in a COVID-19 infectious disease ward for a year.

[Methods] Group interviews were conducted with five nurses who had been working in the COVID-19 infectious disease ward since its establishment. Responses were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach.

[Results] 90 codes related to nurses' emotional states were extracted and categorized into 35 categories, from which 12 patterns of psychological change were identified. Anxiety was the most frequently reported emotion. "Anxiety amplified by media coverage" and "anxiety about the unknown nature of COVID-19" persisted as "anxiety that the number of infected patients might increase" and "anxiety about ongoing infection". "Anxiety that infection might spread family members" developed into "the burden of working in a COVID-19 infectious diseases ward for more than a year". In contrast, "anxiety about not being able to closely observe patients" and "anxiety about improper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment" changed into "a sense of security from being able to observe patients via cameras" and "a sense of security due to available equipment." Furthermore, "emotional distress caused by discrimination and prejudice from colleagues" and "thoughtless comments from staff in other wards" changed into "the joy of having appropriate infection-control nursing recognized."

[Conclusions] Based on the 12 identified patterns of psychological change among nurses who worked in a COVID-19 infectious disease ward for one year, this study suggests that support for nurses in infectious disease wards should focus on reducing anxiety about infection, enhancing job satisfaction, and providing mental health support.