Perceptions and Experiences of Healthcare Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Kosovo

The purpose of this chapter is to know the impact of the pandemic on the health system in Kosovo, and perception and experiences of health professionals during the pandemic with COVID-19. Healthcare workers experienced exposure to constant media coverage (so-called “infodemic”). They had doubts and uncertainties surrounding the right treatments to give patients. They were at risk of contamination at work and at home, and experienced serial lockdowns and social restrictions.

This is a cross-sectional, online survey based on study, administered to healthcare workers in three health care institutions; Regional hospital in Peja, Regional hospital in Gjakova as a secondary level and UCC which is the only tertiary level in Pristina, to participate in this survey from 15 March 2020 to 30 July 2020.An online survey questionnaire was used to gather information on the participants' characteristics, asking them about things like gel hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, masks, and facial protective shields as well as things like: did they receive information about COVID-19, do they experience stress at work, and did they know about public health policies and measures.

The frustration was that if they become infected, the possibility of transmitting the virus to other family members will increase. Accurate, reliable and trustworthy data and information is an essential resource in times of crisis, such as that created by COVID-19. This includes both the dissemination of information about the virus and measures to contain it, and ensuring that any collection of personal data – in particular health data – complies with data protection standards.

Our study made clear how crucial it is to address the pandemic experiences and worries of front-line employees. Age, gender, chronic illnesses, and trainings may all serve to shield healthcare professionals from dread during pandemics. There was a pandemic major public health and economic impact globally. Disease prevention and control measures include the provision of protective equipment, disinfection, hygiene rules, isolation and vaccination as the best measure for its prevention.