Experiences of healthcare workers as patients during the Covid-19 pandemic at a private health facility in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background By understanding patient experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, can help the healthcare delivery system prepare and educate healthcare workers on the needs of patients both physical and psychological. Also how to deal with the stresses and reactions to a global pandemic. The effectiveness of care is dependent on the quality of the care delivered by the care providers. Healthcare workers influence the outcome of the treatment not only through their technical expertise, but also the psychosocial support. A patients’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has a lasting impact on the patient as well as their family. Being a COVID survivor post hospitalization, patients often experienced a “new lease on life”. Healthcare workers since the start of the pandemic tried to “dodge the bullet” by taking all precautions not to get infected by the virus. A change in attitude and approach is evident following COVID infection. Feelings are charged with gratitude; which shapes the patients’ beliefs. The researcher aims to illustrate that the patients’ experiences of healthcare workers will shape the delivery of healthcare and their practices on return to work. Specific measures can be implemented to support patients and their families during the pandemic. Also the researcher hopes that this study will improve the delivery of care and mould the organisations’ culture by being proactive agents of change. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of healthcare workers as patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at a private healthcare facility in the UMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu-Natal.

Methodology The research study employed a qualitative design, which used and exploratory descriptive approach. This allowed the researcher to explore the patient perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at a private health institution. The explorative descriptive studies are studies that are conducted with the purpose of detailed exploration and describing the topic of inquiry, and addresses the problem that is in need of a solution. Qualitative research design is an investigation phenomenon. This rich data is obtained through a flexible research design. The study population included fourteen (14) participants who were admitted at the healthcare facility and who worked at the private hospital. The study participants ranged from clinical to non-clinical staff. It is noted that a descriptive research approach is used to develop a multi dimensional picture of the problem, which involves reporting from multiple perspectives. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing twelve (12) participants. The method used drew on the theories of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model. Findings This study investigated the experiences of healthcare workers, as patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a private health facility in the UMgungundlovu District, in KwaZulu-Natal. The study drew on the theoretical framework of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This motivation theory related to the basic human needs of man during the wellness continuum. Following the participant interviews the data analysis revealed three (3) major themes and sub-themes for the healthcare workers who were patients. The study revealed the basic need for physiological and safety needs; and psychological needs for belonging and social security. While some participants fully recovered from the virus, others still experience long COVID and post-traumatic stress. Conclusion A lack of understanding of patient’s experiences, influences patient’s safety, patient engagement and patient outcomes. Despite the barriers during the COVID pandemic; it appears that going back to basics of care was vital. By understanding patient experience, a key step in moving toward patient-centred care is possible. By evaluating patient experience along with other components such as effectiveness and safety of care is essential to providing a complete picture of health care quality and delivery.