The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Emergency Department Nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the countries affected by Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) and has reported human and economic losses following the emergence of the pandemic. By the end of July 2020, more than 200,000 people had tested positive, with more than 2,800 deaths (Saudi Ministry of Health, 2020a). From January to June 2020, around 600 nurses globally died from the infection. The nurses who work in the Emergency Department (ED) are considered frontline professionals at risk of contracting the virus. Numerous challenges such as a shortage of nursing staff, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of appropriate supplies has caused ED nurses to feel unsafe. The psychological impact of COVID-19 on ED nurses in the KSA is not yet understood and there is a need to explore their psychological feelings and what strategies could be used to cope.

Aim: To explore the psychological impact of COVID-19 on ED nurses in the KSA.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory method will be used. ED nurses in the KSA who have experience of working in the COVID-19 pandemic period will be interviewed using semi-structured interviews to explore their feelings and the psychological impact of COVID-19.