The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge to health systems worldwide and nursing professionals have been on the frontline of this battle. The proximity of nurses to patient deaths in the exceptional conditions experienced during this period is the starting point for this research, which seeks to analyse the experiences and attitudes of nurses in relation to patient deaths from COVID-19.
To better understand this phenomenon, the researchers conducted a synthesis of qualitative studies, analysing in depth the narratives of nursing professionals collected in international publications. This approach has allowed to identify recurring themes in nurses’ experiences, revealing the deep emotional impact the pandemic has had on these professionals.
How has the pandemic transformed perceptions of death among nursing professionals?
The experience of witnessing a high number of deaths, often in particularly difficult circumstances such as patient isolation, has generated feelings of fear, stress, anxiety and obsessive thoughts. The absence of family members during the final moments of patients' lives has been a particularly painful factor. These professionals have faced the difficult task of providing emotional support to patients and, at the same time, facilitating communication with families through video calls, when it was possible.
In addition to the emotional impact, the study also highlights concerns about the quality of care provided to COVID-19 patients. Lack of staffing, unclear protocols and inadequate training have been identified as factors contributing to the feeling of helplessness in this healthcare community.
In response to this challenge, professionals have developed a variety of coping strategies. These include avoidance behaviours, selective remembrance of episodes, increasing resilience and even, in some cases, leaving the profession.
The results of this research underline the importance of preparing health professionals for critical situations, such as future pandemics by providing them with the necessary support and training to cope with highly emotionally situations. It also highlights the need to develop interventions that promote the emotional well-being of nurses, recognising the crucial role they play in patient care.
References
Gómez-Brufal-Flores, M., Hueso-Montoro, C., Esteban-Burgos, A. A., Montoya-Juárez, R., Mota-Romero, E., Capilla-Díaz, C., & Puente-Fernández, D. (2024). Attitudes and experiences related to the deaths of COVID-19 patients among nursing staff: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Journal of advanced nursing, 80(2), 580–596. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15815
Contact
Rafael Montoya-Juárez (rmontoya@ugr.es)
César Hueso-Montoro (cesarhueso@ugr.es)