Open Access

ARTICLE

The Interaction and Life Experiences between the Patient and the Nurse Caring for the Patient with COVID-19 in Turkey: A Qualitative Dyadic Approach

Nuran Dudaklı¹, Hilal Altundal Duru^2,*, Mualla Yılmaz², Serpil Türkleş²

1 Department of Psychiatric Service, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, 33240, Turkey
2 Department of Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mersin University, Mersin, 33343, Turkey

* Corresponding Author: Hilal Altundal Duru. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2022, 24(4), 511-525. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2022.020703

Received 07 December 2021; Accepted 21 February 2022; Issue published 27 May 2022

Abstract

Previous research and observations have shown that COVID-19 affected both patients’ and nurses’ mental health. Even in the best times, one of the best ways to improve patients’ experiences is to improve the health workers’ experience. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the patterns of interaction between patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and the nurses caring for them and to help them recognize the strengths of their relationship. In this study, we aimed that purposed to discover the interaction and life experiences between the COVID-19 patients and the nurses who provided care for them in Turkey. With the dyadic approach, a qualitatively descriptive design has been used. The research examples consisted of 12 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 selected by purposeful exemplification and 12 nurses who provided care to them. Semi-structured individual in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals. The study adheres to the COREQ guidelines. As a result of the content analysis, four main themes came forward: life change, pandemic journey, getting strong together, new horizons. Institutions should focus on appropriate psychological interventions in order to fortify the relations and mental health of dyad members. Institutions should focus on appropriate psychological interventions in order to fortify the relations and mental health of dyad members. In our research, it is expected to guide related public institutions and non-governmental organizations on formulating policies related to protecting and maintaining the mental health of nurses and patients, extending the scope of existing information, providing patient-health worker security, to assess the problems on the field through the eyes of patients-health workers and to take necessary precautions. This study, which deals with the interaction and life experiences of patients with COVID-19 and nurses who care for them, will shed light on patients, families, communities, organizations, health policies and systems.

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Keywords

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