Mette Maria Skjøth

Aim To explore how patients with Inflammatory bowel disease experienced encounters with healthcare professionals in two gastrointestinal outpatient clinics to demonstrate what matters in the communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Design This fieldwork study is part of a larger study developing an application for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a framework inspired by Participatory Design. Participatory design consists of three phases and this study focused on the first phase, needs assessment. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach and qualitative methods were applied to obtain an understanding of patients' needs. Methods Three weeks of participant observations and three focus groups with 14 subjects were conducted at two university hospitals in Denmark. Field notes and interview transcripts were analysed using condensation of meaning and interpreted based on interactional nursing practice theory. The reporting method adhered to the EQUATOR guideline: COREQ. Results Four themes emerged: Easy and dependable access to healthcare professionals. Predictability of follow‐up appointments. Importance of privacy during patient exams and Quality of time spent with healthcare professionals. Conclusion Easy, dependable access, privacy, presence and predictability of follow‐up appointments were important to patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Implications for the profession and patient care In communication with patients with inflammatory bowel disease, healthcare professionals must be aware of privacy and the importance of predictable follow‐up agreements. They must be aware that presence and easy, reliable access positively affect patients' self‐care skills. Patient contribution This study is part of a larger project based on Participatory design involving patients and healthcare professionals in the development of technology to support communication.

Internationally, nurses and midwives played a major role in the care of patients with COVID-19. More qualitative studies now exist, but still little is known about the psychosocial impact. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses and midwives in Denmark. A cross-sectional survey completed by nurses and midwives employed at a university hospital in Denmark between May and June 2020 was conducted. Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. A total of 1416 (37.9%) nurses and midwives completed the survey, 61% (n = 843) felt at risk of getting COVID-19, and 27% (n = 377) felt more stressed than usual. Overall, nurses and midwives did not experience psychological distress at the beginning of the pandemic. However, exposure to COVID-19 was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.