Experiences of contact tracing teams in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic and Implications for social work

In this research, the aim is to examine the experiences and life situations of healthcare professionals assigned to contact tracing during the Covid-19 pandemic in Turkey. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, specifically employing the phenomenological approach. The study was conducted with 20 participants, and the data were collected between May and August 2022. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals who had been involved in contact tracing in Ankara. The findings revealed that before participating in contact tracing teams, the participants experienced uncertainty, fear, and confusion. During the fieldwork, individuals had feelings of anxiety, insensitivity, pride, and honor. After the completion of their duties, participants expressed thoughts of unfair treatment and unmet expectations. Overall, the results indicated that healthcare workers require social work interventions throughout the entire process, covering aspects orientation to the task, psychosocial support, grief counseling and advocacy.