What were the experiences of Health and Social Care workers who cared for residents in care homes during the initial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this research proposal is to gain an understanding into the experiences of Health and Social Care (HSC) workers who cared for residents in a care home during the initial outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel COVID-19 disease a worldwide pandemic on the 11th of March 2020. Healthcare workers who were working on the frontline may have a higher prevalence of physical and psychological distress from caring for patients with COVID-19 (Nie et al, 2020). The literature review showed that more evidence is needed to observe how these changes have affected staff in both clinical and social care settings, and how healthcare managers can support staff to cope better now and in the future. Design: Working within the qualitative paradigm, this proposal uses descriptive phenomenology to understand the experiences of Health and Social Care workers (HSCW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Using a person-centred approach, semi-structured interviews will be carried out for up to 20 HSCW, who have experience of caring for COVID-19 residents. With the participants consent, the interviews will be recorded and analysed using Colaizzi’s (1978) seven-step approach to descriptive phenomenology. The study will include a range of professionals ranging from care home managers, nurses, healthcare support workers and volunteers.