The experience of caregivers of chronically ill patients during the COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to identify the difficulties that caregivers of chronically ill patients experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide directions for future studies. Methods Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus Full Text, EMBASE, and Scopus, were systematically searched from January 2019 to February 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were employed for the literature screening, inclusion, and exclusion. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was adopted for qualifying appraisal. Results Six studies met the study criteria, including three quantitative studies, two qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study. Mental health, personal experience, financial problems, physical health, and improvement approaches were the major five themes that participants reported regarding the impact of COVID-19 they encountered during the pandemic. Discussion The results could heighten healthcare providers, stakeholders, and policy leaders' awareness of providing appropriate support for caregivers. Future research incorporating programs that support caregivers’ needs is recommended.

Family caregivers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study.

“…Research undertaken in Europe highlights the negative impact on physical and mental health caused by the pandemic in those caring for family members [32]. Our caregivers' discourses point to changes in their eating, exercise and relaxation habits, with increased physical inactivity and time spent looking at the screens of computers and mobile devices, described by Greaney as an unequal impact between subjects [33].…”

“…In our research we saw how access to this tool differed depending on the characteristics of the caregiver, with it being harder for older people with a lower socioeconomic level. Ruksakulpiwat's systematic review [32] also stressed the effects of the digital divide and the inequality that exists in terms of access to computer resources, which has meant that not everybody can bene t from these tools. This same research suggests that caregivers who had previously take care on their own did not experience the effects of isolation as much, as they were used to keeping in touch with others via social media [32].…”

Family Caregivers’ Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study

“…Research undertaken in Europe highlights the negative impact on physical and mental health caused by the pandemic in those caring for family members [33]. Our caregivers' discourses point to changes in their eating, exercise, and relaxation habits, with increased physical inactivity and time spent looking at the screens of computers and mobile devices, described by Greaney as an unequal impact between subjects [34].…”

“…In our research, we saw how access to this tool differed depending on the characteristics of the caregiver, with it being harder for older people with a lower socio-economic level. Ruksakulpiwat's systematic review [33] also stressed the effects of the digital divide and the inequality that exists in terms of access to computer resources, which has meant that not everybody can benefit from these tools. This same research suggests that caregivers who had previously taken on caring on their own did not experience the effects of isolation as much, as they were used to keeping in touch with others via social media [33].…”

Double-duty caregivers enduring COVID-19 pandemic to endemic: “It’s just wearing me down”

“…The majority (84%) of family caregivers have a personal family connection to the care recipient, while 16% are not related [ 22 ]. The mental and physical health of care recipients deteriorated at an accelerated rate during the pandemic, [ 23 ] leading to increased caregiving hours and intensity [ 24 , 25 ], amplifying the emotional and physical challenges of providing care [ 26 , 27 ]. Family caregivers faced the dual concern of keeping their vulnerable loved ones and themselves safe from COVID-19, while also experiencing limited access to acute care, primary care, home care, and social care programs.…”