Page 115 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 115
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-129-2.113-121
Use of personal protective equipment
during the COVID-19 epidemic in nursing
homes - a students’ perspective
Adriana Kozina1, Jožica Čehovin Zajc2, Marija Milavec Kapun1
1 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
2 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
E-mail: adri.kozina@gmail.com; jozica.cehovin-zajc@fdv.uni-lj.si; marija.milavec@zf.uni-lj.si
Abstract
Introduction: Spreading of the new coronavirus among the community
after spring 2020 considerably impacted the lives of residents and the
work of staff in Slovenia’s nursing homes. Infections were detected in
99% of all nursing homes, with their residents accounting for 58% of
deaths due to COVID-19 in 2020. Even before the epidemic, nursing
homes were understaffed – the epidemic exacerbated this problem
(more work with strict protective measures and less staff due to illness).
Those who were still working also faced a bigger workload following
the introduction of many additional preventive measures. Consistent
and proper use of personal protective equipment is vital for managing
infections and keeping residents and staff healthy, which may prove
challenging for them both. The use of personal protective equipment
and implementation of measures to limit the spread of the virus also
seriously constrains residents’ ability to socialise. The aim of this paper
is to explore the challenges and issues encountered by residents, staff and
students in nursing homes while using personal protective equipment
and implementing other measures to limit the spread of infection.
Methods: In spring 2021, in-depth interviews were conducted with
ten nursing and medical students who had worked or were working
in nursing homes as part of ‘Covid expeditions’. The interviews were
transcribed and then coded using NVivo software. Content analysis was
performed and key findings were supported with interviewee quotes.
Results: Students found the nursing home staff and residents have faced
several challenges in combating COVID-19. They identified the lack
of resources and information, the organisational and psychological
burdens on staff, the social isolation and the lack of personal contact
with caregivers as the biggest problems for residents. Discussion:
While personal protective equipment use and the application of other
measures to limit the spread of the virus is very important to prevent the
Use of personal protective equipment
during the COVID-19 epidemic in nursing
homes - a students’ perspective
Adriana Kozina1, Jožica Čehovin Zajc2, Marija Milavec Kapun1
1 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
2 University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
E-mail: adri.kozina@gmail.com; jozica.cehovin-zajc@fdv.uni-lj.si; marija.milavec@zf.uni-lj.si
Abstract
Introduction: Spreading of the new coronavirus among the community
after spring 2020 considerably impacted the lives of residents and the
work of staff in Slovenia’s nursing homes. Infections were detected in
99% of all nursing homes, with their residents accounting for 58% of
deaths due to COVID-19 in 2020. Even before the epidemic, nursing
homes were understaffed – the epidemic exacerbated this problem
(more work with strict protective measures and less staff due to illness).
Those who were still working also faced a bigger workload following
the introduction of many additional preventive measures. Consistent
and proper use of personal protective equipment is vital for managing
infections and keeping residents and staff healthy, which may prove
challenging for them both. The use of personal protective equipment
and implementation of measures to limit the spread of the virus also
seriously constrains residents’ ability to socialise. The aim of this paper
is to explore the challenges and issues encountered by residents, staff and
students in nursing homes while using personal protective equipment
and implementing other measures to limit the spread of infection.
Methods: In spring 2021, in-depth interviews were conducted with
ten nursing and medical students who had worked or were working
in nursing homes as part of ‘Covid expeditions’. The interviews were
transcribed and then coded using NVivo software. Content analysis was
performed and key findings were supported with interviewee quotes.
Results: Students found the nursing home staff and residents have faced
several challenges in combating COVID-19. They identified the lack
of resources and information, the organisational and psychological
burdens on staff, the social isolation and the lack of personal contact
with caregivers as the biggest problems for residents. Discussion:
While personal protective equipment use and the application of other
measures to limit the spread of the virus is very important to prevent the
