Project Overview
This project focused on identification and enhanced understanding of the stressors, challenges, and supports experienced by Ghanaian frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic through a qualitative study design. This study fills a gap in the literature by exploring the daily pandemic-related experiences of HCWs in an under-resourced country and includes recommendations for how they can be better supported during health crises.
Data and Data Collection Overview
Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, we conducted individual, semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of Ghanaian healthcare workers during the pandemic. People with direct patient care experience or people who held leadership roles in their healthcare organizations for at least two years were recruited to take part in the study.
A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews lasting 60-90 minutes each was used to gain insights into the lived experiences of frontline nurses and community healthcare workers from Ghana, a leader in healthcare reform among African nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open-ended questions were used which prompted participants to reflect on the stressors they faced at home and work while navigating the changes brought about by the pandemic.
The interviews were conducted between April and May 2021 by a US-based team via Zoom. All interview transcripts were produced by Landmark Associates, Inc. (https://thelai.com).
Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: challenges and stressors, government support, overcoming challenges, and recommendations for leadership in healthcare organizations.
Selection and Organization of Shared Data
The data files shared here encompass the 20 de-identified interview transcripts with Ghanaian healthcare workers.
The documentation files shared consist of the original informed consent used, the interview questionnaire, a Data Narrative and an administrative README file. |
