Italian nurses' COVID-19 experiences from mass media interviews: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global healthcare systems, with nurses at the forefront of patient care.
• Previous research has documented nurses' responses to crises, but direct media accounts offer unique insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of Italian front-line nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To gather insights from nurses' media interviews for policymakers and stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study design was employed.
• Data comprised 21 television interviews with Italian nurses conducted between March 7-29, 2020.
• Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Four macro-themes emerged: psycho-social effects, altered patient relationships, personal safety concerns, and professional recognition.
• Nurses experienced significant psychological distress and challenges in maintaining patient relationships.
• Concerns regarding personal safety and the need for professional recognition were prominent.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic exacerbated existing issues like nurse shortages but also increased public awareness of the nursing profession.
• Nurses' crucial role as public health allies was highlighted.
• The study underscores the importance of valuing and supporting nurses, especially in crisis situations.