Resumen

MPETSHU, Mandisa  y  MARITZ, Jeanette E.. Registered nurses' management of depression in general wards. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2023, vol.28, pp.1-8. ISSN 2071-9736.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2328.

BACKGROUND: During and in the aftermath of the COVID-19, the rate of depression increased globally. A significant number of patients found in a general hospital or ward with physical conditions often have depression AIM: This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of registered nurses' experiences managing patients with depression in a general medical ward SETTING: The study took place in two general medical wards of a private hospital in the Gauteng province, South Africa, in 2021, with COVID-19 lockdown levels three to one prevailing METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was used, and data were collected through 10 in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic approach RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a bidirectional influence, affecting both patients diagnosed with depression while admitted to a general ward and the nurses caring for them. This mutual impact added an additional layer of complexity to patient management CONCLUSION: For optimal care of patients with depression in general wards, nurses need comprehensive training, confidence and a safe environment, bolstered by sufficient resources and robust management support CONTRIBUTION: The study highlights critical challenges in detecting and caring for patients diagnosed with depression in a general medical ward and the compounding effect of COVID-19. These findings underscore the importance of addressing clinical and psychosocial needs in a healthcare setting, especially amid a global pandemic

Palabras clave : COVID-19 pandemic; depression; death anxiety; general medical ward; patients; nurses.

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