Psychosocial support of nurses working in the frontline during COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction The psychological well-being of nurses during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an essential element in assisting nurses to fight the spread of the virus. The large scale of COVID- 19 infections has caused the nurse and other health care workers to be under psychological pressure. The psychological effects on Nurses or Health Care Workers associated with COVID-19 pandemic are caused by various factors such as: possible shortage of health care resources for example personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of approved treatment or vaccine, not being sure how long will the pandemic last and the possibility of personal or family infection (Wu, Styra and Gold, 2020:1). Mental health interventions include teaching nurses coping strategies as well as psychosocial support being provided by psychologists. This would assist in reducing the psychosocial problems encountered by the nursing staff.

Aims The overall aim of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the psychosocial support received by nurses during COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane district, Gauteng Province.

Objective The objectives of this study is: To explore and describe the psychosocial support of nurses working in the frontline during COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane district, Gauteng Province, and to propose recommendations to improve the psychosocial support for the nurses working in the frontline during COVID-19 pandemic based on the findings of this study and with reference to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.

Research design This study will use the qualitative, explorative and descriptive research design.

Research Method Unstructured or open ended questions will be used through personal interviews as the researcher will be conducting a qualitative research.

Dissemination of results The researcher will use different platforms including the following: dissertation, presentation in the conferences and workshops, to disseminate the results of the study.