The Challenges Experienced by ICU Nurses in Kuwait during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented global healthcare challenges.
• Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses were central to patient care during the pandemic.
• Limited research exists on ICU nurses' pandemic experiences in Kuwait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the intensified pressures experienced by ICU nurses in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To understand the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on ICU nurses in Kuwait.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Interviews conducted between January 2021 and June 2022 with 25 ICU nurses from three Kuwaiti ICUs.
• Grounded theory methodology (Charmaz) for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Intensified ICU pressure resulted from increased patient numbers, staff shortages, and stringent infection control measures.
• Nurses experienced impaired recovery due to cancelled leave and reduced autonomy, leading to strained relationships.
• Compromised care, moral distress, and mental health symptoms (stress, anxiety, exhaustion) were reported.

Conclusions:

• Findings align with global research on the pandemic's mental health toll on healthcare workers.
• Identified stressors were consistent with other studies, with unique Kuwaiti context-specific factors noted.
• The study highlights the significant impact of pandemic-related stressors on ICU nurses in Kuwait.