Psychological effects, coping strategies, and challenges of patient deaths on nurses at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study

Abstract

Nurses frequently encounter patient deaths, which can lead to psychological stress, yet little is known about these effects in Ugandan healthcare settings. Without institutional support, nurses may experience grief, emotional fatigue, and burnout, affecting their wellbeing and performance. The current study explored the psychological effects, coping strategies, and challenges of patient deaths on nurses working at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. This was a qualitative, exploratory study involving six individual interviews and one focus group with eight nurses (14 participants in total). Data were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to identify emotional effects, coping strategies, and challenges. Nurses reported immediate distress, anger, sadness, feelings of inadequacy, and eventual emotional desensitization. Coping strategies included peer support, prayer, acceptance, and avoidance. Challenges included a lack of psychological support, high workloads, and emotional exhaustion. Patient deaths significantly impact nurses, who rely on informal coping mechanisms. Healthcare facilities should integrate psychological support systems, resilience training, and policies allowing recovery time.