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.