The Experiences of Canadian Primary Care Nurses Caring for COVID-Positive Patients: A Qualitative Study

Primary care nurses (PCNs) in Canada were instrumental in caring for COVID-positive patients during the pandemic, yet their contributions received little attention in the pandemic preparedness plans published before the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore PCNs' experiences caring for COVID-positive patients and the roles they fulfilled in supporting this patient population. Using a pragmatic, qualitative descriptive design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 76 PCNs from four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador). Participants were asked to describe their actual and potential roles during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as facilitators and challenges they encountered. We applied a thematic analysis approach to the data and analyzed codes related to treating and managing COVID-positive patients. We identified four roles performed by PCNs caring for COVID-positive patients: (1) conducting patient outreach and monitoring initiatives; (2) adapting infection prevention and control protocols; (3) administering medications to treat COVID-19; and (4) supporting patients with post-COVID-19 condition/long COVID. Roles and specific activities varied by nurse designation, consistent with their scope of practice. These findings can be used to inform the development of future pandemic preparedness plans for primary care providers.