The Illness Experiences and Psychosocial Support Needs of Healthcare Workers During the Pandemic: The Importance of Social Work Intervention

Authors : Satı Gül Kapısız, Elif Gökçearslan, Aybüke Büyükkağnici

Pages : 123-138

Doi:10.32331/sgd.1844725

View : 97 | Download : 146

Publication Date : 2025-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Pandemics are multidimensional crises that profoundly affect healthcare systems and professionalscworldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in the lives of healthcare workers, not only through its medical consequences but also through its economic, social, and psychological impacts. This study employs a phenomenological approach to examine the illness experiences of healthcare personnel working at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital who tested positive for COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants aged 27–55 from various healthcare professions, and the data were analyzed using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020. Participants’ experiences were categorized under four main themes: emotional reactions upon receiving their test results, challenges during the illness process, post-illness effects, and overall evaluation of the experience. The findings indicate that healthcare workers experienced substantial stress due to heavy workloads, the risk of infection, and fear of transmitting the virus to their families. The study concludes that the pandemic’s psychological effects may persist in the long term and emphasizes the need for psychosocial, workplace, and economic support for healthcare workers. The critical role of the social work profession in addressing these challenges is underscored.
Keywords : Pandemi, sağlık çalışanları, tıbbi sosyal hizmet, psikososyal müdahale

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL