The experiences of doctors in Lesotho during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased pressure on healthcare staff who were trying to manage and adjust to the novel situation. For many healthcare workers, this came at a cost to their wellbeing. However, as research is predominantly focused on the Western world, less is known about the experiences of healthcare staff in places such as Africa. Using qualitative interviews, this study investigated the experiences of seven doctors in Lesotho regarding their wellbeing during the pandemic. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, five themes were identified: under pressure, unprepared and out of control; constant uncertainty and threat; isolation and connection; attempts to cope independently and new perspectives. These results indicate that these doctors experienced multiple challenges whilst working during the pandemic which extended beyond the work environment and negatively impacted their wellbeing. Despite this, they experienced support from friends, family and colleagues, found ways to support themselves, and found points of learning from the experience. Implications for how doctors are supported at a national and local level are discussed. Further research should continue to explore doctors' wellbeing in relation to any long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and during more typical work.