Abstract:
Objective: The current study aims to collect the experiences of healthcare professionals who recovered from COVID-19.
Study Design: We did a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at HITEC-IMS, Taxila from March to July 2021.
Material and Methods: 15 healthcare professionals were recruited in total, out of which 7 were physicians working in HIT Hospital
and 8 were academicians who were working in various departments of HITEC-IMS. Participants were recruited using nonprobability
techniques of purposive and snowball sampling. We used a self-developed and validated semi-structured interview
guide to collect their lived experiences after recovering from COVID-19. Interviews were transcribed verbatim then thematic
analysis was done during which themes/codes were generated.
Results: A total of twelve themes emerged from data analysis. The majority of participants were of the view that lab workers should
be properly trained on sample collection. They also agreed that there is a need to address the major issue of anxiety and depression
during the isolation period. All of the healthcare professionals concurred in being treated well by co-workers. Participants also saw
vaccination as a positive step towards the prevention of infection and the majority of our respondents were highly satisfied with the
role of the government of Pakistan during this pandemic.
Conclusion: Lab workers should be trained to perform the task and work effectively in a state emergency as they lacked skill for
effective and painless sample collection. Counseling sessions should be organized to deal with anxiety, stress and more campaigns and
social awareness work should be done on strategies to prevent the further spread of infection during this pandemic. Comprehensive
support should be provided by the government for the well-being of healthcare workers.
