Abstract
Objectives: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, public health nurses and midwives have played crucial roles in providing services, managing outbreaks, and caring for affected populations. Understanding their roles during this crisis is essential for maximizing their contributions and shaping future regional public health strategies. This study highlights healthcare professionals’ contributions, challenges, and evolving responsibilities in managing the pandemic.
Methods: Data were collected using an in-depth interview method with nurse managers and stakeholders, and focus group discussions were conducted with nurses providing care during the COVID–19 pandemic from eight countries in WHO’s Southeast Asia region. The data collection process includes qualitative data analysis, categorizing the data according to the studied issues, analysing the content and consistency, and synthesizing and summarizing the results.
Results: The study found five main roles described in this qualitative research data: 1) clinical roles, where nurses and midwives have been playing crucial roles in providing physical and psychosocial support; 2) education: both receiving capacity building and providing training to the community on Covid-19; 3) managerial roles, through active participation in leadership and policy-making; 4) challenges, due to low nurses and midwives representation in national policy and 5) future/readiness by highlighting the comprehensive approach needed for effective healthcare preparedness and response.
Discussion: This study demonstrates nurses & midwives’ adaptability and resilience in the face of unprecedented COVID-19 response in the WHO Southeast Asia Region. The findings will provide insights into their impact on public health and inform strategies for enhancing their effectiveness in future health crises, ultimately contributing to a stronger healthcare system.
