Psychosocial and Professional Experiences of Emergency Physicians in Trinidad and Tobago during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of life. Moreover, emergency physicians working on the frontlines during the height of the pandemic have faced unprecedented challenges that have impacted their psychological well-being. Few studies in the Caribbean examine emergency physicians and their experiences working through the pandemic. This qualitative study aims to understand emergency physicians’ experiences during 2020–2021 in the small island developing state of Trinidad and Tobago. Ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with emergency physicians working at the local public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. A phenomenological research approach was used to understand the lived experience of emergency physicians working on the frontline during the pandemic, using a thematic inquiry to analyse the data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically using NVivo 12 software. Our findings suggested that emergency physicians have several challenges. The analysis revealed four primary themes: (a) frustration with procedures, protocols and the organisation; (b) work and financial matters; (c) mental health distress and (d) transmission concerns. This study is among the first qualitative studies in the Caribbean region to explore emergency physicians’ experiences at public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was unique in highlighting the consequences of the illness on their finances.