Concerns and desires of healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 in April and July 2020 in Japan: a qualitative study of open-ended survey comments

Abstract

ObjectivesThe prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to have a serious impact on healthcare workers. We described and compared the experiences of healthcare workers in Japan during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from March to May 2020, and during the lull from June to July 2020.DesignIn this qualitative study, we used a web-based survey to obtain comments from healthcare workers about their experiences during the pandemic, and explored these using inductive content analysis.SettingA tertiary emergency hospital in Tokyo, in April and July 2020.ParticipantsParticipants were staff in the hospital, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, radiological technicians and laboratory medical technicians. Many, but not all, had directly cared for patients with COVID-19.ResultsIn total, 102 participants in the first survey and 154 in the second survey provided open-ended comments. Three themes were extracted: concerns, requests and gratitude. There were four subthemes under concerns: the hospital infection control system, fear of spreading infection to others, uncertainty about when the pandemic would end and being treated as a source of infection. There were 53 requests in the first survey and 106 in the second survey. These requests were divided into seven subthemes: compensation, staffing, information, facilities, leave time, PCR tests and equitable treatment. The theme on gratitude had two subthemes: information and emotional support, and material support. The fears and desires of healthcare workers included two types of uncertainty-related concerns, and requests were very different across the two surveys.ConclusionsIt is important to apply a balance of information to help staff adjust to their new work environment, as well as support to minimise the burden of infection and impact on their families.

Perceived Barriers in Delivering Optimal Healthcare Services in a Dedicated COVID-19 Hospital: Perspectives of Health-Service Providers

“…This gives us an insight that the question of problems and hurdles faced by HSPs is a matter of concern globally. The participation rate in this study is higher in comparison to a study done by Kayama et al where the participation rate was 75.6% [ 7 ]. In this study, females (68.18%) outnumbered males (31.82%) and the greater number of female HSPs in such surveys is substantiated by studies in Saudi Arabia and Japan where female respondents were 70% and 71.5%, respectively [ 5 , 7 ].…”

“…The participation rate in this study is higher in comparison to a study done by Kayama et al where the participation rate was 75.6% [ 7 ]. In this study, females (68.18%) outnumbered males (31.82%) and the greater number of female HSPs in such surveys is substantiated by studies in Saudi Arabia and Japan where female respondents were 70% and 71.5%, respectively [ 5 , 7 ]. This may be because nurses comprise a sizeable proportion of our health workforce.…”

“…The number of nurses (56.06%) was higher than that of doctors (41.8%) in this study. Studies to evaluate the concerns of healthcare workers have been conducted in different parts of the world and the numbers have been similar [ 7 , 9 ].…”

Experiences of nurses providing care for patients with COVID‐19 in acute care settings in the early stages of the pandemic: A thematic meta‐synthesis study

“…I used at work will increase the chance of infection. For example, using one mask for three days.” (Kayama et al, 2022)…”

“…“The support through donations was very much ap‐preciated. It was very encouraging.” (Kayama et al, 2022)…”