A stoic and altruistic orientation towards their work: a qualitative study of healthcare professionals’ experiences of awaiting a COVID-19 test result

Abstract

Background Extensive measures to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 are required to control the current outbreak. Special attention is directed at healthcare professionals as reducing the risk of infection in healthcare is essential. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of awaiting a test result for a potential COVID-19 infection. Methods Qualitative interviews with 15 healthcare professionals were performed, underpinned by a phenomenological hermeneutical analytical framework. Results The participating healthcare professionals’ experiences of awaiting a COVID-19 test result were found to be associated with a stoic and altruistic orientation towards their work. These healthcare professionals presented a strong professional identity overriding most concerns about their own health. The result of the coronavirus test was a decisive parameter for whether healthcare professionals could return to work. The healthcare professionals were aware that their family and friends were having a hard time knowing that the COVID-19 infection risk was part of their jobs. This concern did not, however, cause the healthcare professionals to falter in their belief that they were doing the right thing by focusing on their core area. The threat to own health ran through the minds of the healthcare professionals occasionally, which makes access to testing particularly important. Conclusion The participating healthcare professionals had a strong professional identity. However, a discrepancy between an altruistic role as a healthcare professional and the expectations that come from the community was illuminated. A mental health coronavirus hotline for healthcare professionals is suggested.

Testing for COVID-19 regulates behavior in the general population: A qualitative study of experiences of awaiting test result for COVID-19

“…If the participants knew their test result prior to the interview they were excluded. Furthermore, health professionals were excluded from this study as they were included in another study conducted by this research team [8]. Therefore, the first 15 participants who contacted the research team and didn't know their test result nor were working as health professionals were interviewed.…”

Like Soldiers on the Front – A Qualitative Study Understanding the Frontline Healthcare Professionals’ Experience of Treating and Caring for Patients With COVID-19

“…Despite descriptions of disrupted temporal structures regarding work schedules and work hours challenging the work life balance, a metaphor of being in war together highlighted cohesion and team spirit among HCPs. It has been reported that HCPs, despite experiencing strong pressure of fear of infection, exhaustion by heavy workloads and stress of caring for seriously ill COVID-19 patients still present a strong sense of duty and identity as a HCP (15,31). This dedication towards their work should, however, not overshadow and create imbalance regarding a HCPs' family life (27,32).…”

“…The ght against COVID-19 is, however, dependent on extraordinary efforts from, and collaboration between, various HCPs, e.g. nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacists and porters (15). They are currently facing frontline care and treatments for patients with COVID-19.…”

“…These HCPs have to do this job under new working conditions, both due to the physical work environment in newly created COVID-19 departments as well as professionally depending on their previous knowledge, skills and experiences. While research has described how HCPs during the rst phase of the COVID-19 pandemic approached their obligations with a stoic and altruistic orientation towards their work (15), others have reported how questions of who will step up to the plate in this ongoing crisis arise (16).…”

An Investigation into the Estimation of a Positive Case of COVID-19: A Comparative Study between Two Phases of the Pandemic

“…COVID-19 has caused extensive societal, economic, and psychological impacts on humans within a disrupted environment. Additionally, how best t o support stressed and overworked medical staff (Missel, 2020) is a priority. Therefore, further actionable interventions that can establish a safe and secure lifestyle in the 'new normal' era are essential.…”