Dealing with the unknown: perceptions, fears and worries of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospital workers

Objective: This study explores fears and worries regarding SARS-CoV-2 risk of infection and transmission to relatives, co-workers, and patients in relation to non-pharmacological preventive interventions among healthcare workers (including physicians, nurses, aides, cleaners, maintenance, and security staff) in a healthcare institution in Barcelona (Spain), during the first and second waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Method: The research used an explorative qualitative approach. Six focus groups and ten individual interviews were conducted online and audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis and mixed coding. Results: Forty professionals participated in the study. Four common themes emerged in all groups: challenges related to the lack of pandemic preparedness, concerns about personal protective equipment, unclear guidelines for case and contact tracing, and communication-related difficulties. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the key recommendations to improve non-pharmacological preventive interventions to reduce workers' fears and worries about the risk of infection and spreading the infection to others, including families. Above all, these should include ensuring the availability, and correct use of adequate personal protective equipment, improve guidelines on case and contact tracing, and setting effective communication channels for all workers of the organization. These recommendations must be reinforced in maintenance and security personnel, as well as night shift nurses and aides, to also reduce health inequalities.