Changes implemented in the work environment of nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic

this qualitative and descriptive research was developed from an online survey with 75 nurses from three Brazilian university hospitals. Data processing occurred through textual analysis with the aid of software IRAMUTEQ.

Results:

five semantic classes were obtained: Organization of units for exclusive care of patients with COVID-19; Adaptations in the use of personal protective equipment; Physical structure adaptation; Care flow institution; Increased number of beds and training courses. Final considerations: the results show the effort of healthcare and nursing professionals/managers in the development of structural adaptations and reorganizations of care processes, in the hospital context, to respond with quality and efficiency to the demands arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Descriptors:
Coronavirus Infections; Pandemics; Hospital Units; Nurses; Hospitals; University

Class	Answers
(1) Organization of units for the exclusive care of patients with COVID-19	Creation of a sector for exclusive care for COVID patients. Separation of sector into clean area and COVID area. Separation of access was performed in specific units for treatment of patients with suspected and/or confirmed COVID. Separation of access from suspicious patients to the sector.
(2) Adaptations in the use of personal protective equipment	The correct use of personal protective equipment. Change in use of mask in common spaces. Adjustments such as use permanent mask and personal protective equipment.
(3) Physical structure adaptation	Change in the physical structure of the units to receive these patients. Change in the physical environment in an attempt to adapt to a new type of patient care. Physical change and structural in sectors. Change in the physical environment for service.
(4) Care flow institution	Institution of a flow in care. Revisions and updates of care flows. In the unit in which work was instituted a flow for care. Team training in the adequacy of care protocols and flows.
(5) Increased number of beds and training courses	Constant training online. Training online and communicated by groups. Increase beds to meet demand. Increase Intensive Care Unit beds.

Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem SGA Norte Quadra 603 Conj. "B" - Av. L2 Norte 70830-102 Brasília, DF, Brasil, Tel.: (55 61) 3226-0653, Fax: (55 61) 3225-4473 - Brasília - DF - Brazil
E-mail: reben@abennacional.org.br

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[1] Corresponding author: José Luís Guedes dos Santos E-mail: santosjlg29@gmail.com