Preprints in nursing research: Our experiences of preprint publication

As COVID-19 spread across Australia, our research team undertook a rapid research project to capture the experiences of nurses working in primary healthcare during the pandemic. We were hearing stories of nurses losing their jobs, not having enough personal protective equipment, and concerns for patient care. We wanted to provide a voice for nurses working in primary healthcare who were otherwise invisible in the policy decision making and rapid changes occurring in health services. This research sought to quantify and document the workforce, professional and personal issues facing primary healthcare nurses to inform government, policy makers, and local managers both during the time of crisis and in the longer term.