Family members' experiences of COVID‐19 visiting restrictions in the intensive care unit—A qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe how family members of critically ill patients experienced the COVID‐19 visiting restrictions in Sweden.BackgroundIn Sweden, the response to COVID‐19 was less invasive than in many other countries. However, some visiting restrictions were introduced for intensive care units, with local variations. Although there is a growing body of literature regarding healthcare professionals' and family caregivers' perspectives on visiting restriction policies, there may be inter‐country differences, which remain to be elucidated.DesignThis study has a qualitative descriptive design. Focus group interviews with 14 family members of patients treated for severe COVID‐19 infection were conducted. The interviews took place via digital meetings during the months after the patients' hospital discharge. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the interview transcripts. Reporting of the study followed the COREQ checklist.ResultsTwo categories—dealing with uncertainty and being involved at a distance—described family members' experiences of coping with visiting restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. These restrictions were found to reduce family members' ability to cope with the situation. Communication via telephone or video calls to maintain contact was appreciated but could not replace the importance of personal contact.ConclusionsFamily members perceived that the visiting restriction routines in place during the COVID‐19 pandemic negatively influenced their ability to cope with the situation and to achieve realistic expectations of the patients' needs when they returned home.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study suggests that, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the visiting restrictions were experienced negatively by family members and specific family‐centred care guidelines need to be developed for use during crises, including the possibility of regular family visits to the ICU.Patient and Public ContributionNone in the conceptualisation or design of the study.

The Extent and Impact of COVID-19 Infection among Family and Friends: A Scoping Review

“…During a pandemic, family members, especially caregivers, may feel despondent or overwhelmed with day-to-day responsibilities. They may feel alone or not adequately supported when the COVID-19-infected patient returns from hospitalization or treatment [27,28]. Caregiving for severe or chronic diseases may lead to increased levels of stress [73] or depression [74].…”

Compassion Versus Infection Prevention and Control in Hospital Visiting; A False Dichotomy? A Case Study of Informal Caregiving in a Ugandan Regional Referral Hospital

“…The sister and mother went to the kitchen that is near surgical ward to prepare breakfast [10] There is a small shop at the hospital canteen which some attendants use to buy basic supplies:…”

“…The sister went to wash the patient's clothes near the paediatric ward and hanged them on the wireline near labour suit [10] As noted above, it is not only people who move around. Attendants carry huge volumes of luggage including clothes, bedding, cooking equipment and washing bowls.…”

“…The sister-in-law came from home with the basin, plates and cups to use in the hospital ……The husband came to the hospital from home with bedsheets [10] Attendants play an essential role in supporting patients in hospital. This includes the provision of food and water.…”

“…The sister went outside the hospital gate to buy hot water for bathing and to buy tea [10] It is also common for attendants to go to town to purchase medical supplies not available on site:…”