Challenges Faced by Dialysis Unit Staff during COVID −19 times-A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Introduction
The novel SARS COV2-Covid −19 has become a global pandemic since January 2020 and has been spreading exponentially. Dialysis patients with lowered immunity are at high risk. The dialysis patients come for repeated treatment. Hence the dialysis staffs are also at great risk of contracting COVID-19.
Objective
To study the challenges faced by the dialysis staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural hemodialysis unit.
Material and Methods
The study was conducted in the hemodialysis unit of Sri ManakulaVinayagar Medical College Hospital, Puducherry, India. We did free list and pile sorting to understand the salient problems and its structure as perceived by the team members. We found Smith’s S value for free list. Multidimensional scaling and Hierarchical cluster analysis were done to pile sort data. Data was analyzed using Anthropac 4.983/X. In addition, group interview was done to get in-depth information and validate the findings obtained from the free list and pile sort exercise.
Results
Twelve salient items were generated from the free list. In pile sort, we got three broad domains-the shortage of personal safety equipment, the lack of personal safety and presence of logistical and operational problems. Relative to other items, testing by RT-PCR was surprisingly not perceived to be important for them.
Conclusion
Addressing the shortage of personal safety equipment, impediments to personal safety and giving credence to the feelings, fears and needs of the dialysis staff in a dialysis unit during COVID −19 pandemic are paramount in ensuring their safety and improving working dynamics.
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