Article Text
Abstract
Background The aim was to determine how the learning about protective factors from previous pandemics was implemented and the impact of this on nurses’ experience.
Methods Secondary data analysis of semistructured interview transcripts exploring the barriers and facilitators to changes implemented to support the surge of COVID-19 related admissions in wave 1 of the pandemic. Participants represented three-levels of leadership: whole hospital (n=17), division (n=7), ward/department-level (n=8) and individual nurses (n=16). Interviews were analysed using framework analysis.
Results Key changes that were implemented in wave 1 reported at whole hospital level included: a new acute staffing level, redeploying nurses, increasing the visibility of nursing leadership, new staff well-being initiatives, new roles created to support families and various training initiatives. Two main themes emerged from the interviews at division, ward/department and individual nurse level: impact of leadership and impact on the delivery of nursing care.
Conclusions Leadership through a crisis is essential for the protective effect of nurses’ emotional well-being. While nursing leadership was made more visible during wave 1 of the pandemic and processes were in place to increase communication, system-level challenges resulting in negative experiences existed. By identifying these challenges, it has been possible to overcome them during wave 2 by employing different leadership styles to support nurse's well-being. Challenges and distress that nurses experience when making moral decisions requires support beyond the pandemic for nurse’s well-being. Learning from the pandemic about the impact of leadership in a crisis is important to facilitate recovery and lessen the impact in further outbreaks.
- COVID-19
- analysis
- communication
- healthcare planning
- nurse
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Data availability statement
All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.
Footnotes
Contributors NP, RMT and FP-C developed the protocol. LH, AP, LAF and RMT coordinated the running of the study; LH, AP and RMT were responsible for data acquisition. All the authors contributed to the analysis, drafted, critically revised and approved the final manuscript. RMT acts as guarantor.
Funding The CNMAR is funded through UCLH Charity; RMT was a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Senior Nurse Research Leader; LAF is funded through Teenage Cancer Trust.
Disclaimer The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of UCLH Charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.