PloS one
Experiences and challenges of healthcare professionals in oncological surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
By Stengler AL, Mattern E, Ronellenfitsch U and 1 others.
Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges not only to healthcare systems but also to healthcare professionals. This study explores the experiences, perceptions, and perceived burdens of healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing oncological surgery during the pandemic, with a particular focus on clinical staff working in hospital-based care in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Methods
A qualitative, interpretive-hermeneutic approach was employed using one focus group and one individual semi-structured interview. Participants were healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing oncological surgery. The focus group included 12 participants, and one additional participant took part in an individual interview. The transcripts were independently coded and analytically annotated by two researchers and systematically analyzed in an iterative process using MAXQDA. The analysis combined deductively informed codes derived from the interview guide with inductively developed codes emerging from the data. The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) reporting statement.