The perceptions of health care workers on the provision of services amidst COVID-19 pandemic in a maternity care hospital: Qualitative study

Introduction: COVID-19 infection is speading throughout the world increasing the death tolls. Health care workers are overburdened with increased workload and having to work in unknown territory of disease leading to changes in the quality of service delivery. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare workers in a maternity unit of a Sri Lankan Hospital on provision of services during the pandemic. Methods: In depth interviews were conducted with 25 participants representing different health care worker categories during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. The sample size was determined by achievement of the saturation point. The interview guide allowed exploration of work related issues, health system related issues, logistical issues, and psychological concerns. Conventional content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: Analyzed data revealed 15 themes which include sense of duty/ self-satisfaction, concerns toward the loved ones, concern towards themselves, doubts about the disease, care to the patient during the pandemic, changes in managing emergencies during the pandemic, support from other HCWs, work related burn-out, pandemic related barriers to serve patients, support from the administration, discrimination by the others, awareness programmes for COVID 19, PPE related issues, ambiguity of national guidelines and equality for all. Conclusions: COVID-19 has affected the life all personal including the HCWs. They are requested to continue providing services amidst multiple concerns including the scarcity of medical equipment and cadre. Policy makers and government should look into the possibility of financial assistance and psychological support programmes to boost the spirit of the health care workers.