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Caring for patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria in a pandemic: A qualitative, longitudinal focus group study of nurses’ experiences

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The present study aimed to describe registered nurses’ experiences of change in attitudes and self-efficacy when caring for patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria during a pandemic. This qualitative, longitudinal study used serial focus group interviews. It was conducted in a university hospital in southwestern Norway before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 62 registered nurses (RNs) participated in 12 focus group interviews at three time points between March 2020 and March 2023. We employed a diachronic analysis approach, finding four themes. The RNs experienced variable confidence in their infection prevention and control knowledge, and the constantly changing pandemic context and guidelines became obstacles to recommended behaviour. The RNs’ emotional responses when caring for patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria changed during the pandemic, and they became more confident in antibiotic stewardship. Despite these changes as a result of the pandemic, the RNs expressed consistent solution orientation, indicating a steady self-efficacy even through change. Reporting Method: COREQ.

Source: Nordic journal of nursing research

DOI: 10.1177/20571585251335871

Authors: Marte Johanne Tangeraas Hansen, Heidi Syre, Marianne Storm, Anne Marie Lunde Husebø

Institutions: Stavanger University Hospital, University of Stavanger

Language: English

Topic: Infection Control in Healthcare

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100