Dr. Stacey L. Knight, Dr. J.T. Seaman & Judson La Grone
Restrictions on visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic had major implications for patients and families, impacting health care outcomes. Eden, et al., (2021) found emotional anguish for family members who were not allowed to physically visit their loved ones or received limited information on the patient’s status. The lack of visitation added to the impact of the pandemic on the mental and social health of society.
Methods
Individuals who experienced separation from hospitalized family members due to the “no visitor policies” during the COVID-19 pandemic were asked to participate in a qualitive study to elicit their perceptions. Participants were recruited using social media, the Sigma platform, and through personal contacts and referrals. Audiotaped and transcribed interviews were conducted in person, via telephone, or virtually using a Primary Investigator (PI) developed interview guide. Using the Colaizzi method of analysis, themes were derived.
Results
Interviews were completed for those who had loved ones admitted to acute care facilities only. Of the eleven completed interviews, one hundred percent of participants were female, and all were residents of Texas. Themes derived from this pilot project were of advocacy, communication, emotional upheaval, isolation and abandonment.
Discussion/Conclusions
Findings from patient interviews support previous published studies. “Patients, families and healthcare professionals were impacted by restrictive visitation policies in acute care settings during COVID-19” (Moss, et al., 2021) and severe mental health problems for those who have experienced quarantine and isolation were identified (Hossain, et al., 2020). Ideas for improved patient and family experience discussed by the authors.
