Patients’ Perceptions and Experiences of the COVIDCare@Home Program: Insights from a Mixed Methods Study                    

Abstract

Background Virtual models of health service delivery are being offered to patients diagnosed and recovering from COVID-19 as a key strategy to minimize the spread of the variants. Although evidence is growing in this area, more is needed to understand the experiences and perceptions of patients and their care partners associated with virtual and telehealth care to inform future care delivery efforts beyond our current pandemic. In this context, a study was undertaken to explore a virtual primary home care program led by a nurse practitioner developed for acute and post-acute COVID-19 patients and their care partners. Methods The study employed a mixed methods design that included a cross-sectional patient survey and semi-structured interviews with a sample of COVID-19 patients. Results The CC@H program was reported by study participants to have several positive benefits including needs being met and better able to manage their care at home. Qualitative results further elucidated three key themes easing anxiety by providing emotional support and checking in; 2) providing holistic compassionate care to enable self-management; and 3) viewing virtual care as efficient and convenient. Conclusions Our study provides interesting insights into the experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 patients receiving care through a primary health care nurse practitioner-lead virtual care program that may be useful to other organizational efforts.