Improvement of the psychosocial support for frontline nurses in public hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic

Aim The aim of this study was to explore and describe the psychosocial support for frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of psychosocial distress for frontline nurses taking care of COVID-19 patients. The frontline nurses were scared of being infected with COVID-19, or exposing their families and loved ones to the risk of infection. A high number of nurses were infected with COVID-19, and some died due to the virus. Evaluation This study followed a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive research design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and individual interviews were conducted. Seventeen participants, who consisted of all categories of nurses taking care of COVID-19 patients, were interviewed until data saturation was reached. Non-probability sampling method was used as a technique to select the participants. Data were analysed using Tesch's method of open coding. Key issues The following five themes are identified: (1) acknowledgement, appreciation, and recognition of frontline nurses, (2) conducive managerial practices, (3) debriefing and training of frontline nurses, (4) human resources support, and (5) psychological and social support for frontline nurses and their families. Conclusion The implementation of the psychosocial support for frontline nurses taking care of COVID-19 patients is critical in improving patient care. Implications for nursing management The findings of this study should alert nurse managers to plan the best way to support frontline nurses caring for COVID-19 patients.