Work

The shock of covid-19 pandemic as an empowering factor of health system in prevention and hygiene: A qualitative study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: COVID-19, a universal crisis and a communicable disease with a super-spreading characteristic, has necessitated crucial prevention and control measures.Identifying the challenges and obstacles in this process can help in addressing and resolving them.Objectives: This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' experiences of the preventive measures and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences in 2020.Data collection was performed by in-depth face-to-face interviews with 23 Healthcare Providers (HCPs) who were recruited purposefully.The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis with the Graneheim and Lundman approach using the constant comparison technique.Qualitative data management was performed in MAXQDA 10. Results:The qualitative data analysis yielded 5 categories, 10 subcategories, 29 ancillary categories, and 1,479 meaning units.Two themes that emerged in this study were "COVID-19 as a Shock" and 'COVID-19 as an empowering challenge".Conclusion: In this study, HCPs perceived the COVID-19 pandemic within the health system as both a devastating shock and a promoting factor, an experience that opened their eyes to the future.According to this lesson, policy and decision makers have to predict other crises like COVID-19 and have a well-defined plan to manage them. Implications for Nursing and Midwifery Preventive Care Nurses should enhance their knowledge and skills to strengthen preventive care approaches against emerging diseases. Hospital managers must empower frontline staff through targeted training programs and regular preparedness drills. Health policymakers should develop proactive policies integrating preventive care strategies to effectively address future emerging disease challenges.

Source: Preventive Care In Nursing and Midwifery Journal

DOI: 10.61882/pcnm.15.2.59

Authors: Fateme Goudarzi, Hossein Goudarzi, Kobra Rashidi, Shirin Hasanvand

Institutions: Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Lorestan University

Language: English

Topic: Public Health Policies and Education

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Lorestan University of Medical Sciences