Nurses' uncertainty about medical gloves safety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Preparedness of Nurses for Controlling and Preventing the COVID-19 Infection: A Study from Referral Hospitals in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The spread of COVID-19 infection has led to high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Nurses are the frontline health workers in handling COVID-19 infections, so adequate preparedness is needed for them to contribute to controlling and preventing the infections. AIM: This study examines the differences in nurses’ preparedness to control and prevent COVID-19 infection at the two hospitals in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. METHODS: This study is a comparative study with a cross-sectional study approach. The sample were nurses in the COVID-19 ward at hospitals A (n=75) and B (n=36). Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire consisting of 39 items in a 5-point Likert scale through Google form. The questionnaire satisfied the content validity by experts and reliability test using Cronbach alpha (= 0.968). Mann Whitney U-Test was conducted for analyzing the data. RESULTS: The results revealed that no significant difference in the preparedness of nurses in controlling and preventing the COVID-19 infection in both hospitals (p=0.860). CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that respondents' demographic data, such as working experience, nurse education, working experience in the COVID-19 ward, and participation in COVID-19 management training, contributed to the nurses’ preparedness.  

Stress, psychological distress and support in a health care organization during Covid-19: A cross-sectional study

AIM

The main aim of this study was to understand what health and wellbeing initiatives are helpful for health care workers' stress and psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND

Health care workers are at increased risk of poor mental health during health emergencies; understanding support required for health care workers is of paramount importance.

METHODS

Participants were health care workers at a health and social care organization (N = 159). The study included an online questionnaire including an evaluation of health and wellbeing initiatives and measures of perceived stress and psychological distress.

RESULTS

The highest rated resources were counselling, personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 testing. Those who accessed yoga reported significantly less stress and psychological distress than those who did not access yoga.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care workers with higher stress and psychological distress felt less supported by their organization, less listened to and less involved in organizational decisions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Practical implications are discussed such as forward planning for health emergencies (e.g., PPE supply), accessible Covid-19 testing as well as budgeting for counselling services and exercise classes. In addition, targeted support for those diagnosed with Covid-19 is recommended, alongside involvement of staff members in organizational decisions.