Motivations and Emotional Experiences of the First Hospital Multidisciplinary Team Trained to Care for People with Ebola in Andalusia, Spain (2014–2016)

Reference: Casado-Mejía, R., Brea-Ruiz, M. T., Torres-Enamorado, D., Albar, M. J., et al. (2016). Motivaciones y experiencias emocionales del primer equipo multidisciplinario hospitalario entrenado para atender casos de Ébola en Andalucía (2014-2016). Gaceta Sanitaria, 30(4), 242-249. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2016.04.003

Abstract: Objective: The Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR) of Seville was chosen as the reference Andalusian site to treat possible cases of Ebola. After the health alert (WHO, 2014), a voluntary group of healthcare and non-healthcare professionals was set up, which, after being trained, treated a possible case. In this light, the aim is to understand the motivations and emotional experiences of this group and to identify the facilitators of and obstacles to its operation.

Method: Qualitative, interpretative and phenomenological study. Observation unit: professional team of the HUVR trained to treat Ebola cases. Analysis units: teamwork, motivations and emotions. Three interviews with key informants were conducted, as well as three discussion groups involving 23 of the 60 team members (2014–2016). A content analysis of the motivations, emotions and elements affecting the team’s operation was conducted with QSRNUDISTVivo10. Validity: data sources, techniques and disciplinary perspectives were triangulated. The results were presented to the team, which duly agreed with the findings.

Results: Training, professional responsibility, professional self-esteem, risk appetite or loyalty to the leader stood out as motivations to voluntarily join the team. Emotional experiences evolved from fear and stress to self-pressure control, while essential elements for the team’s operation were found to be calmness and confidence based on training and teamwork. Family, source department, resources, communication media and emotional management were facilitators of or obstacles to the team’s success.

Keywords: Ebola virus disease, Multidisciplinary team, Emotions, Motivation, Risk management.

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