We did our Best!: The Experience of Frontline Workers in Long-Term Care during COVID-19 Outbreaks

In Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects for those living in long-term care (LTC) homes, yet little is known about the experiences of the frontline workers who endured in those settings with COVID-19 outbreaks. Specialized knowledge will improve our understanding of the effects of the pandemic on frontline workers (FW), enabling the development of stronger practices. The purpose of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of FW caring for residents in LTC homes during a COVID-19 outbreak, using narrative inquiry. The methods used for data collection include interviews, field notes, and photovoice. Participants were asked to capture photographs representing their experience working during the COVID-19 outbreak at their LTC home. Participants' stories were collected through reflection on their photographs in interviews. The setting for this research was LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. Data analysis followed Frank's hermeneutic method of analysis of stories. Psychosocial effects, support, loss of normalcy, increased workload, and altruism and dedication resonated throughout the three participants' stories. The burnout, stress, and mental exhaustion, as detailed by the participants, emphasizes the importance of protecting the mental health of the FW during outbreaks. Equipping FW with relevant knowledge helped them to feel prepared and confident in protecting the residents, themselves, and their families. Support from management personnel influences the experience of FW during infectious outbreaks.