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01-12-2021 | COVID-19 | Research

Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods approach

Authors: Clare Mc Keaveney, Joanne Reid, Claire Carswell, Ann Bonner, Ilaria de Barbieri, William Johnston, Alexander P. Maxwell, Julien O’Riordan, Veronica Strini, Ian Walsh, Helen Noble

Published in: BMC Nephrology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Globally, renal healthcare practitioners provide intensive and protracted support to a highly complex multi-morbid patient population however knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on these practitioners is extremely limited.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the experiences of COVID-19 with renal healthcare practitioners during the first global lockdown between June 2020 and September 2020.

Methods

A multi-methods approach was carried out including a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. This was a multinational study of renal healthcare practitioners from 29 countries. Quantitative: A self-designed survey on COVID-19 experiences and standardised questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire-12; Maslach Burnout Inventory). Descriptive statistics were generated for numerical data. Qualitative: Online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data was subjected to thematic analysis. Renal healthcare practitioners (n = 251) completed an online survey. Thirteen renal healthcare practitioners took part in semi-structured interviews (12 nurses and 1 dietician).

Results

The majority of participants surveyed were female (86.9 %; n = 218), nurses (86.9 %; n = 218) with an average 21.5 (SD = 11.1) years’ experience since professional qualification, and 16.3 years (SD = 9.3) working in renal healthcare. Survey responses indicated a level of preparedness, training and satisfactory personal protective equipment during the pandemic however approximately 40.3 % experienced fear about attending work, and 49.8 % experienced mental health distress. The highest prevalence of burnout was emotional exhaustion (35.9 %). Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis highlighting the holistic complexities in managing renal healthcare, a neglected specialist workforce, and the need for appropriate support at work during a pandemic.

Conclusions

Results have highlighted the psychological impact, in terms of emotional exhaustion and mental health distress in our sample of renal healthcare practitioners. As the pandemic has continued, it is important to consider the long-term impact on an already stretched workforce including the risk of developing mental health disorders. Future research and interventions are required to understand and improve the provision of psychological support for specialist medical and nursing personnel.

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Title: Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods approach
Authors: Clare Mc Keaveney
Joanne Reid
Claire Carswell
Ann Bonner
Ilaria de Barbieri
William Johnston
Alexander P. Maxwell
Julien O’Riordan
Veronica Strini
Ian Walsh
Helen Noble
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19
Burnout Syndrome
Published in: BMC Nephrology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2369
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-021-02500-0

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