Experiences of nurses providing maternity care in a public hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: A qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000322
• Publication Date: 2022-05-05T17:34:46Z
• Authors: Bidhya Basnet; Pratiksha Chapagain; Sabitra Subedi; Tulasha Dahal; Saraswati Neupane; Ranjita Khanal; Richard J. Pinder; Don Eliseo Lucero...; Shyam Sundar Budh...
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Pandemic; Postnatal Care

Maternity service providers have struggled to provide high-quality services women and newborns during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has substantially impacted health systems disrupted maternity globally. Nepal is a resources-limited country that reported significant impact of on maternal services. It therefore important understand better perspective care professionals in this context. This study intends explore experiences nurses providing public sector Nepal. A qualitative using phenomenological design was conducted. Altogether ten working were selected purposive sampling technique. Data collected by face-to-face in-depth interviews semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis conducted Clarke Braun 2006 The findings organized into codes, sub-themes themes. six themes identified fear at work, challenges changes work services, motivations stigma due COVID-19, Participants described how could not be stopped pandemic. They had experienced decreased utilization antenatal as consequence ‘lockdown’ thereby leading an increase neonatal mortality. Respondents ineffective human resource management compromising quality care. professional responsibility cope with adverse circumstances serve society major source motivation workers relied upon get them through period. wide range faced requires action support all levels government, institutions society-at-large assure continued provision safe such protracted period challenging work.