A sense of being needed: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of hospital-based allied health professionals’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe outbreak of COVID-19 has led to many hospitalizations in the Netherlands and worldwide. As a result, the work of hospital-based allied health professionals changed rapidly. In such a healthcare crisis, professionals may not be able to fulfill their own professional values regarding good care, resulting in ethical issues and moral distress. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of allied health professionals working in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ethical issues and moral distress these professionals might have encountered.Methods and findingsLived experiences were collected in semi-structured interviews with 39 allied health professionals including dieticians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language therapists, working in four different hospitals in the Netherlands. Interviews were held in June and July 2020, after waning of the first wave of COVID-19 spreading. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed four themes: ‘a disease with great impact’, ‘personal health and safety’, ‘staying human in chaotic times’ and ‘solidarity and changing roles’. Participant experiences show that the virus and COVID-19 measures had a significant impact on the in-hospital working environment due to the massive downscaling of regular care, infection prevention measures and unknown risks to allied health professionals’ personal health. At the same time, participants experienced a certain freedom, which made room for authentic motives, connection and solidarity. Participants felt welcomed and appreciated at the COVID-19 wards and intensive care units, and were proud that they were able to fulfill their roles. The themes and accompanying ethical issues reflect a wide range of situations that were morally complex and led to moral distress.ConclusionsTo diminish long-lasting negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and moral distress, employers should empathize with experiences of allied health professionals and create conditions for ethical reflection. Our data show that allied health professionals value professional autonomy. Creating room for professional autonomy makes them feel needed, connected and energized. However, the needs of allied health professionals may conflict with organizational rules and structures.