COVID-19 arrived in Europe just as a Greek nursing researcher was visiting a Belgian hospital to observe infection control as part of the COST RANCARE Action. The flexible format of her short-term scientific mission (STSM) meant she could quickly switch her focus to find lessons for coronavirus pandemic care.
Dr Eftychia Evangelidou is a nurse and postdoctoral researcher at the ”. In late February 2020, she arrived at University Hospital Leuven to observe infection control as part of the “Rationing – Missed Nursing care: An international and multidimensional problem” (RANCARE) COST Action. The coronavirus pandemic shifted the focus of her 16-day visit dramatically.
Eftychia, her host at Leuven Professor Walter Sermeus, and supervisor Professor Annette Schuermans, explain how they adapted the STSM and what they learned.
Above: Dr Eftychia Evangelidou and Professor Annette Schuermans
What was your experience of this STSM?
Eftychia Evangelidou
It was unforgettable. Professor Sermeus invited me to work at the university under Professor Schuermans, head of the Infection Control Department. The initial plan was to observe infection control practices and programmes and identify factors in missed nursing care – care that is intended but not given for many reasons, such as not being able to dispose of hospital waste properly.
With the COVID-19 outbreak, we adapted the study to the coronavirus crisis. The Infection Control Team, Annette and I created an action plan to observe all the strategies to flatten the virus growth curve.
As the outbreak progressed, I could no longer participate directly in infection control. However, Annette gave me feedback on missed care opportunities from her task force every day. It was really exciting because missed care had not been studied in this crisis before.
Walter Sermeus
It was lucky that Efi arrived at the end of February, before the Belgian lockdown on 14 March. The hospital was already preparing for COVID-19, so we could quickly change her STSM to focus on the most important things we should do. Missed care is important for infection control. It was incredibly helpful for the hospital to look at problems in materials, staff and knowledge.
What lessons did you learn from the STSM?
Eftychia Evangelidou
I stayed in touch with my home hospital and could compare restrictive measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, and national initiatives in Belgium and Greece. I analysed factors contributing to missed nursing care in this crisis for a report at the end of my STSM.
Belgium and Greece achieved impressive results thanks to their strategies of prompt implementation of restrictive measures and an action plan in the face of a pandemic. I have since applied these lessons to the “infections nursing” course that I teach at the University of Athens.
Annette Schuermans
Efi arrived at a crucial turning point in the coronavirus pandemic for Greece and Belgium.
There was not enough time to learn big lessons, but we looked at differences in our hospital guidelines and patient characteristics. Understanding missed care is important not just for health but also for the economy and the functioning of society as a whole.
I would certainly be willing to host other students. Efi knew a lot about infection control – I would like to have her as part of our team!
How important are nurses in the COVID-19 crisis?
Eftychia Evangelidou
Nurses have a leading role, whether in infection control, emergency departments, operating rooms or the infectious diseases ward. They have to be well trained – they are the healthcare workers with the greatest exposure to patients.
Walter Sermeus
They are crucial. Doctors deal with diagnosis and treatment but nurses spend time with patients, keep them alive and are important in coordination and continuity of care. Although doctors might be more visible in the media, the main job in intensive care is performed by nurses.
What are your takeaways on COST and STSMs?
Eftychia Evangelidou
It is a great experience. The exchange of ideas, experiences, practices, policies and strategies is amazing. The contact with nurses from such a well-organised university hospital has expanded my academic horizons. I would like similar opportunities in the future for all nurses.
Walter Sermeus
The support and collaboration with scientists across the world are great! STSMs are crucial. Young researchers learn by doing – not by reading – and by discussion and reflecting. At the same time, they bring their own expertise and experience to the host institution. STSMs are really helpful for the development of science and exchange of research. You cannot overestimate their impact.
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