Abstract
The Novel Coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) has been dominating the world since its discovery in November 2019. The continuing rise in the number of COVID-19 related cases and deaths, secondary to its unpredictability and infectious nature, has put more pressure on the overall health and social care services globally (Labrague and De los Santos, 2020; Maben and Bridges, 2020). Some of this pressure caused additional expectations to be placed upon the healthcare workforce which resulted in an increase in burnout rate and psychological distress (Labrague and De los Santos, 2020; Maben and Bridges, 2020; Sperling, 2021; Sun et al., 2020; Xiong and peng, 2020).
Aim: This situation has prompted a number of studies relating to staff welling and self-care to be conducted globally (Maben and Bridges, 2020). However, there is still a clear gap for research especially around the perception of self-care for the unregulated workforce (Sun et al., 2020; Xiong and peng, 2020). Most studies were also completed in acute care settings and overseas (Labrague and De los Santos, 2020; Maben and Bridges, 2020; Sperling, 2021). The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore the perception of self-care in caregivers working in Aged Residential Care during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design, together with purposive sampling, were used for this study. Data from three caregivers were collected between June and November 2021, using semi-structured interviews and online surveys using Google Form. Since no similar research has been done on this topic, there were no predetermined set questions that could be adapted for this study. Questions were therefore developed by the researcher based on information that is already known about the topic so far and feedback from the Kaihautū Māori. Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was used as part of identifying, analysing and reporting patterns developed from the data, through following six phases within RTA. However, due to a low number of online survey respondents, descriptive statistical data cannot be accurately generated.
Results: A total of five themes were derived from the data synthesis. These are identified as the following: Negative feelings about the pandemic; practical self-care strategies; The impact of the second lockdown; The use of social networks to connect with families and friends and Residents coping with pandemic related changes. Each theme is substantiated and evidenced with reference to the data.
Conclusion: This study provides a good starting point to identify caregivers' knowledge and understanding about self-care. However, there are a number of barriers which prevent them from incorporating these self-cares into their daily lives. The ongoing nature of COVID-19 has also intensified some of these issues, including changes in the way the residents presented to caregivers, resulting in higher workload which worsened caregivers' physical and psychological health. This highlights the importance of better self-awareness, the application of self-care strategies, and prioritising self-care education in all healthcare sectors.