Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS, cilt.20, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Objective Health care workers (HCWs) are vital in disaster response. This study explores HCWs' experiences delivering care in the earthquake-affected zone in T & uuml;rkiye.Methods A qualitative study with a phenomenological design was conducted. Eighteen HCWs, including physicians, nurses, and National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) members, were selected through maximum variation sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's 6-phase approach, following COREQ guidelines.Results Three periods (pre-arrival, in the earthquake zone, and post-departure) and 8 themes were identified. In the pre-arrival phase, emotional symptoms and general organization were the main themes. In the earthquake zone, physical symptoms, basic needs, health care organization, health care delivery, and other services were prominent. The post-departure phase focused on emotional symptoms and return to routine work. Overall, emotional difficulties persisted throughout all phases, while organizational problems were concentrated in the pre-arrival and in the earthquake zone periods.Conclusion HCWs experienced emotional challenges across all periods and organizational problems in the pre-arrival and in the earthquake zone period. Clear information before arrival, structured orientation upon arrival, balanced staff distribution, and continuous psychological support throughout all phases are essential to protect HCWs' well-being and sustain health care delivery during disasters.