J Korean Med Sci.  2021 Jun;36(23):e170. 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e170.

The Experiences of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: a Qualitative Study

• Lee JY
• Lee Jy
• Lee SH
• Kim J
• Park HY
• Kim Y
• Kwon KT

• KMID: 2516681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e170

Abstract

Background
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) have faced multiple physical and psychological challenges while carrying out their duties. In this study, we examined the experiences of specific groups of HCWs during the pandemic.
Methods
From 18 November to 30 December 2020, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with four groups of 14 HCWs in three cities (Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju) in South Korea. The HCWs who participated in the focus groups included physicians, nurses, medical practitioners, and cleaning staff who directly or indirectly cared for patients during the COVID-19 epidemic. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the consensual qualitative research approach.
Results
Our qualitative data analysis revealed four main domains: work-related struggles, personal life-related struggles, psychological stress, and health-related struggles. Health care providers were challenged by working in critical situations and were overwhelmed by heavy workloads, fear of infection, lifestyle changes, and psychological and physical struggles.
Conclusion
Our findings could serve as a foundation for establishing health care systems and policies that help HCWs cope with occupational stress, thus increasing their ability to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Keyword

COVID-19 Pandemic; Healthcare Worker; Stress; Qualitative Study

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