Covid-19 Healthcare Providers Experiences in Kumakwane
K. Mhaladi
Department of Social Work, University of Botswana, Botswana.
K. Maripe *
Department of Social Work, University of Botswana, Botswana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The covid-19 risk was more amongst healthcare providers because of the risk factors they face daily at work. The risk was complicated by the shortage of personal protective equipment, lack of access to information, and exposure daily to Covid-19 patients / suspected cases. The experiences of the Covid-19 crisis and associated risks by healthcare providers at the A.S. Dada Kumakwane clinic are crucial to describe the roles of stakeholders and identify interventions necessary to support healthcare providers in their line of duty. This study adopted qualitative descriptive and exploratory designs to analyze factors that contributed to the experiences of Covid-19 crisis healthcare providers. It used a judgmental (purposive) sampling technique to identify, select, and collect data from thirteen (13) participants. Furthermore, the study was grounded on stress theory [1]. It was found that during Covid-19, healthcare providers experienced severe stress, increased workload, shortage of personal protective gears, and stigmatization. The concern was the fear of contracting the disease and inadequate safety measures and treatment. The following strategies: counseling, provision of risk allowance, availability of personal protective equipment, and increased workforce are necessary to reduce the stress experienced by healthcare providers.
Keywords: Risk factors, experiences, interventions, strategies, stigmatization
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