Enrolled nurses' experiences of caring for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa

Abstract

Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) has increased healthcare practitioners' awareness of workplace hazards. Adherence to infection control measures is important but not foolproof in halting the spread of communicable diseases such as TB and MDR TB in hospital settings. Nurses are the frontline workers in providing direct care to patients and might be fearful of contracting communicable diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of enrolled nurses while caring for patients infected with MDR TB in a TB hospital in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. A qualitative exploratory, descriptive approach was followed. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with five purposively selected enrolled nurses who were caring for MDR TB patients. Data were analysed following Colaizzi's steps. The research findings revealed four themes: the working context, fear of contracting MDR TB, problems impacting on the quality of nursing care and enrolled nurses' needs. The findings of this study indicate that the enrolled nurses worked in a challenging environment and needed support whilst caring for MDR TB patients.