Predicting the Willingness of Nurses to Work with COVID-19 Patients: The Impact of Knowledge and Attitude

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of nurses’ knowledge and attitude toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a predictor for their willingness to work with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Qatar. Design: A cross-sectional study.Methods: A self-administered, 35-item online survey was circulated to the registered nurses and midwives working in Hamad Medical Corporation; the principle healthcare provider in Qatar. Results: A total of 580 attempts to complete the survey. Of them, 377 completed surveys with a response rate of 65%. Logistic regression was used to predict nurses’ willingness to work with patients with COVID-19. Two main factors were found to be significant predictors for nurses’ willingness; knowledge level and the expected remuneration that is associated with the level of exposure to risk. The findings of this study may help nursing leaders design educational programs and remuneration models that may help boost nurses’ willingness to work with high-risk patient groups, especially during crisis situations.