Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals are usually employed in civilian inpatient and outpatient settings but can also work in countries experiencing military conflict. AIMS: To explore the lived experiences of healthcare professionals during the operation "Ancient Babylon" in Iraq to understand their feelings and problems encountered. METHODS: Hermeneutic phenomenological study. In-depth interviews of nine nurses and one physician who took part in the operation between 2003 and 2006 were performed. Data from the collected narrations were analyzed to identify recurrent themes. RESULTS: Seven main themes emerged: "Living in an extreme setting," "Living in a theatre of war," "Strong emotions," "The team as a family," "A professional development experience," "An eye-opening experience," and "Advice for anyone who wants to join such a mission". The experience was perceived as physically challenging and emotionally difficult. The relationship between colleagues was strong. It was based on reciprocal trust, enthusiasm, and compensated for the sense of distance that the participants felt from their own families. CONCLUSION: Advice and recommendations for those who are interested in pursuing similar experiences: they must develop decision-making skills, be able to rely on one's own abilities, have good professional training to fall back on, participate in exercises and simulations before the mission, and also be adaptable and innovative, flexible and able to stay mentally grounded.