Nurses' Views on Caring for Lonely Patients During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: The implementation of safety measures in hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including family visitation restrictions, forced the family to be absent during the patient's hospitalization. Nurses were confronted with new roles and responsibilities, as caring for lonely patients was a new phenomenon that emerged during the pandemic. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the nurses' views on caring for lonely patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative research method based on an inductive content analysis approach was used. Data collection was carried out using semi -structured interviews. The sample consisted of 11 nurses who worked in COVID-19 wards and units. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results: The analysis of the data revealed three main themes: 1) caring for the patient and the family; 2) extending conventional care; and 3) developing supportive mechanisms for better care. Caring for lonely patients brought about changes in patients's management and care and significantly affected communication patterns as well as nurses' roles and responsibilities. Providing care beyond limits, supporting care through the utilization of new technologies, and transforming organization and care were mentioned as areas of challenge for nursing practice. Conclusions: Maintaining communication and supporting the family's involvement in patient care are considered to be equal to healing for the lonely patient. Reshaping working conditions and caring practices to meet the needs of the nurses, the patients, and their families during health crises may contribute positively to the provision of holistic care for patients and their families.