Learning from school nursing practices and new ways of working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

To explore school nurses' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on: methods enabling service delivery, factors affecting school nurses' ability to support children, work with the interdisciplinary team, what pandemic-related practice changes should endure. The study took a pragmatic approach. A purposive sample of 20 school nurses participated across ten virtual focus groups and one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: the impact and legacy of COVID-19 on children and families' health; the rapid restructure of service delivery; workforce challenges; the school nurse profile before, during, and after the pandemic. Recommendations are made for considered use of virtual modes to enhance rather than replace in-person practice, building a robust evidence base that can inform future commissioning, clear guidance regarding the boundaries of school nursing practice in the context of increasing workloads, investing in the school nurse workforce going forwards.