Working in psychiatric clinics during the Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Introduction and Aim: This study aims to investigate the difficulties and impacts experienced by nurses and psychiatrists working in psychiatry clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: This study was designed as a qualitative study. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 16 psychiatrists and nurses working in psychiatry clinics in Turkey in 2021. The data were analysed using the MAXQDA 20th program. Results: The three themes that were established during the analysis were the changes made during the COVID-19 process, the difficulties experienced, and recommendations about the problems. Conclusion: The study clearly defined the precautions and changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic process and revealed the impact and difficulties faced by healthcare personnel. It was determined that the process can be managed better by strengthening the physical conditions of the clinics, increasing the number of protective equipment, organizing the working conditions, and providing therapeutic interventions for the staffs by the managers.