Experiences Experienced by Emergency Nurses with Natural and Traditional Medicine in People with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: With the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of natural and traditional medicine in many countries was one of the most timely treatment options.

Objective: To understand the experiences of nurses with the use of natural and traditional medicine in people with COVID-19.

Methods: Qualitative, descriptive phenomenological research, carried out with 13 of 30 emergency nurses from the Efrén Jurado López hospital, Ecuador, during the year 2022. A theoretical sampling was carried out until data saturation was achieved, which was obtained through an in-depth interview, the testimonies obtained were analyzed from Giorgi's perspective. To guarantee the quality of the study, the COREQ recommendations were followed.

Results: Two categories emerged: knowledge of the nurses and practices of the nurses on natural and traditional medicine, three units of meaning corresponded to each category, which allowed their understanding, the first category were; acquisition of knowledge, nutrition, preparation and administration of natural elements, the second were the use of natural products, preventive practice and the combination of natural and traditional medicine with conventional medicine.

Conclusions: Natural and traditional medicine was experienced and experienced by emergency nurses as a possibility of caring for people with COVID-19, they used scientific knowledge and practical skills based on theories, beliefs, and their own experiences and those of other cultures.