The lived experience of healthcare workers in quarantine : Findings of a systematic review, meta-synthesis and meta-summary

AIMS: In pandemics, infection exposure and quarantine represent critical occupational risks for healthcare workers (HCWs). However, while the psychological consequences of HCWs' quarantine have been reviewed, other potential implications of quarantine on HCWs, such as those that are work-, professional-, social- and private-related, have not been summarised to date. Summarising quarantined HCWs' experiences in the current and past pandemics, as investigated with qualitative studies, might improve awareness of their needs, concerns, and the consequences of quarantine on their personal lives. Therefore, the lived experience of quarantined HCWs was reviewed and subjected to meta-synthesis and -summary.

METHODS: A systematic review of qualitative studies followed by a meta-synthesis and -summary allowing an interpretative integration of the findings of qualitative studies, was performed. PubMed, CINHAL and Scopus databases were explored up to 31 January, 2021, without any limitation in time. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Methods and findings are reported according to the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research statement.

RESULTS: A total of 635 records were retrieved and five studies were included. Overall, five themes summarised the lived experience of quarantined HCWs: 1) Being emotionally challenged; 2) Living the quarantine limitations; 3) Losing freedom; 4) Accepting the quarantine; and 5) Staying away from me. The most frequent categories across studies were 'Feeling stressed' and 'Being constrained' (both 100%). The least frequent were 'Feeling sad' (20%), 'Enjoying my family' (20%) and 'Being refused as a family member' (20%).

CONCLUSIONS: The lived experience of HCWs is multidimensional, the implications of which also affect private spheres of life: the immediate family and wider relatives. Understanding and learning from HCWs' lived experiences might support policymakers, public health authorities and managers with the goal of maintaining the highest physical and mental health of staff during outbreaks. Timely services supporting HCWs, both during and after episode(s) of quarantine, are suggested to prevent additional burdens on frontline professionals.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:52

Enthalten in:

Scandinavian journal of public health - 52(2024), 1 vom: 04. Feb., Seite 95-107

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Bressan, Valentina [VerfasserIn]
Danielis, Matteo [VerfasserIn]
Caruzzo, Davide [VerfasserIn]
Mansutti, Irene [VerfasserIn]
Moreale, Renzo [VerfasserIn]
Longhini, Jessica [VerfasserIn]
Palese, Alvisa [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Healthcare workers
Journal Article
Meta-summary
Meta-synthesis
Pandemic outbreak
Qualitative studies
Quarantine
Review
Systematic Review
Systematic review

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 06.02.2024

Date Revised 06.02.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1177/14034948221128158

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM348151691