The Caring Process in Patients with Covid-19: A Grounded Theory Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Care
• Infectious Disease Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated critical nursing interventions.
• Nurses are central to patient care and treatment during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Understanding the nursing care process for COVID-19 patients is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the comprehensive care process for patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
• To identify key nursing strategies and experiences in managing COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing grounded theory methodology.
• Data collected via in-depth semistructured interviews and observations from eleven nurses.
• Participants were purposively selected from COVID-19 wards at Shariati Hospital, Iran (2021-2022).

Main Results:

• A central theme of "protection and support in the shadow of uncertainty" emerged.
• Identified five main categories: "encountering life-threatening crisis," "maintaining safety," "improving the patient's physical health," "encouraging," and "feeling satisfied despite the burden of care."
• Ten subcategories further detailed the nursing care process.

Conclusions:

• Nurses implemented comprehensive care plans to enhance patients' physical and psychological well-being.
• The identified categories represent a primary approach to nursing care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• These findings offer valuable insights for establishing care and education infrastructures for future health crises.