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SARS: caring for patients in Hong Kong
Betty Pui Man Chung1, Thomas Kwok Shing Wong, Esther Suk Bing Suen
1School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China. hsbchung@inet.polyu.edu.hk
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|April 6, 2005
Summary
Nurses caring for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients experienced significant emotions and uncertainty. This study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems to prepare nurses for future infectious disease crises.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Infectious Diseases
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) poses a significant global health threat.
- Existing literature on SARS primarily focuses on biomedical aspects or psychological impacts on healthcare workers.
- There is a lack of published research on the lived experiences of nurses caring for SARS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an in-depth exploration of nurses' experiences caring for SARS patients in Hong Kong.
- To understand the multifaceted challenges and emotional landscape faced by nurses during the SARS outbreak.
Main Methods:
- A phenomenological research design was employed.
- Eight Registered Nurses from three Hong Kong hospitals participated.
- Data were collected through shared lived experiences and analyzed using Colaizzi's approach.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified include the range of emotions experienced by nurses.
- The pervasive concept of uncertainty emerged as a significant factor.
- Nurses revisited and re-evaluated fundamental aspects of their practice.
Conclusions:
- The study illuminates the core essence of the nursing experience during the SARS crisis.
- Findings underscore the critical need for extensive and ongoing support for nurses.
- This research provides insights for nursing education and support strategies for future outbreaks.