Abstract
Epidemic outbreaks, such as Covid-19, can cause psychological distress for health workers. This research explored the psychosocial experiences of healthcare workers caring for Covid-19 patients in Kosovo. From June 21 to February 9, 2022, we enrolled 21 physicians and 52 general and head nurses (in total 73 participants) who provided care for Covid-19 patients in secondary and tertiary health care institutions around Kosovo. The interviews were conducted face-to-face. Thematic analysis was used as a method for the analysis of interview transcripts. The psychological experiences of physicians and nurses caring for Covid-19 patients can be summarised into four main themes. First, fear of being contaminated with Covid-19 in the workplace and fear of infecting family members. The second, fear due to the unknown nature of the disease. Third, emotional distress from delivering bad news to the patients and families. And fourth, the death of Covid-19 patients. The research found out that the healthcare workers in Kosovo experienced psychological distress, i.e., feeling overwhelmed, helpless, guilty, fearful, and anxious while providing care services for patients with Covid-19.
Keywords: Covid-19, healthcare workers, Kosovo, patients, psychological distress
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