Conceptual Framework for the Psychosocial Support of Nurses Caring for Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 Infection in North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: A conceptual framework provides the detailed components or concepts identifying the interrelationships in and across a project’s components. Due to a lack of psychosocial support, nurses caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are physically, psychologically and socially affected. However, there are no conceptual frameworks for the psychosocial support of nurses caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in North West Province, South Africa. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for the psychosocial support of these nurses. Design: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological and contextual research design was followed to conduct this study. Six questions were used to classify concepts and develop the proposed framework. These six crucial questions are based on the agent, recipient, context, procedure, dynamics and terminus. Findings: The results of the framework involved the mobilisation of effective managerial support, the provision of adequate human medical healthcare resources and the mobilisation of support from nurses working in non-COVID wards and family members in the provision of psychological support systems (procedure). The newly developed conceptual framework aims to support nurses caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in North West Province (terminus) and to improve their wellbeing. Conclusion: The developed framework provides information that can assist nurses in providing quality care to patients. Contribution: The framework will provide solutions for healthcare institutions to respond effectively to similar pandemics in the future, improving the psychosocial wellbeing of nurses caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19.