Dr Robin Digby1,2, Dr Ingrid Hopper2, Ms Leanne Hughes2, Mr Doug McCaskie2, Ms Michelle Tuck2, Ms Kethly Fallon2, Associate Professor Peter Hunter2, Professor Tracey Bucknall1,2
1Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
2Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
Introduction: In response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic Australian hospitals introduced strict patient isolation and tight infection control policies including extreme visiting restrictions for families. Work practices and communication channels changed to accommodate restrictions. This study explored staff perceptions of the impact of strict isolation and infection control policies on patients, families, and staff in one Victorian acute metropolitan hospital.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to examine the opinions of frontline nurses, medical staff, allied health, and support staff. Fifty-eight staff were interviewed in eight focus groups. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using content analysis.
Results: Six main themes identified: 1) Communication challenges during COVID-19; 2) Impact of isolation on family; 3) Challenges to patients’ health and safety; 4) Impact on staff; 5) Challenging standards of care; 6) Contextual influences: policy, decision-makers, and the environment. Clear communication was pivotal to successful outcomes. Adapting to rapid change was difficult for staff. Technology including teleconferencing could be effective. Isolating patients from families caused distress for all. Some patient care was perceived as compromised. PPE was a barrier to staff/ patient communication and rapport. Staff were supported by teamwork. Existing infrastructure and equipment were frequently inadequate.
Conclusion: The hospital restrictions resulted in good pandemic management; however, it was perceived as being at considerable cost to patients, families, and staff. Preparation for future pandemics must consider workforce preparedness, adapted models of care and workflow. Further research using a co-design model with consumers and staff is recommended to construct a workable solution.
Biography: Dr Robin Digby is a research fellow in the Deakin University – Alfred Health partnership. With extensive experience in clinical and managerial roles in inpatient care, she obtained a PhD in nursing in 2017. Her research is focused on improving the experience of hospital care for patients and families using qualitative research to understand the motives and underlying issues behind health behaviour and clinical decision-making. Postdoctoral research, ‘Unexpected death and serious patient deterioration in hospital: An examination of communication and decision-making in sentinel events’ analysed coronial inquest transcripts of patients who died unexpectedly in an acute hospital.