Ethical context and issues in taking care of COVID-19 patients in Iran: A content analysis based on nurses experiences

Abstract

Healthcare professionals are in the front line during COVID-19 pandemic and among them nurses are the most high-risk group to acquire this infection. The aim of this study was exploring the perspectives and experiences of nurses on care delivery in COVID-19 infected hospitalized patients. We conducted a qualitative conventional content analysis.The method of data collection was interviews and field note. This qualitative study was carried out from June to September 2020. A total of 15 Semi-structured interviews were held with nurses who were delivering care to COVID-19 infected patients. MAXQDA 10 software and Granheim Lundman’s content analysis method was used for data analysis.   One main themes that emerged from the data analysis was “try to appropriate taking care despite the challenges. In addition, four categories extracted consist of “challenging care context”, “negative issues for nurses” “ethical reasons for providing care” and “multi-dimensional care”, besides, 10 subcategories were generated. The nurses are at risk of physical and physiological consequences directly as the result of providing care to patients with COVID-19, and shortages that existed in Iranian care delivery system exacerbate the condition but despite these issues, nurses provide comprehensive care with an empathetic approach.