z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
A Qualitative Study Regarding COVID-19 Inpatient Family Caregivers’ Need for Supportive Care
Author(s) -
Angelo Picardi,
Marco Miniotti,
Paolo Leombruni,
Antonella Gigantesco
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.692
H-Index - 48
ISSN - 1745-0179
DOI - 10.2174/1745017902117010161
Subject(s) - feeling , thematic analysis , anxiety , family caregivers , distress , covid-19 , medicine , pandemic , health care , focus group , psychology , nursing , qualitative research , family medicine , psychiatry , clinical psychology , disease , social psychology , social science , business , pathology , marketing , sociology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , economic growth
Background: Family caregivers of COVID-19 inpatients are exposed to multiple sources of distress. These include not only losing friends, colleagues and members of the family, but also the fear of possible losses in sociality, finances and, impoverished communication with sick family members and health care providers. Objective: This study describes the psychological experience of COVID-19 inpatient family caregivers to highlight the main sources of distress, issues, concerns and unmet needs. Methods: Two focus groups were independently organized with COVID-19 inpatient family caregivers and health care personnel of COVID-19 wards in order to highlight family caregivers’ practical and psychological burden and related needs. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. Results: Family caregivers mentioned they needed more information about the patient’s condition with more attention being paid to their own emotional state. Feelings of impotence, concerns about how to deal with patient’s discharge, significant psychological distress, and anxiety were frequently reported by study participants. Conclusion: Study findings suggest the need to strengthen the assistance of COVID-19 patient family caregivers. In the pandemic scenario, family caregivers might represent a crucial resource, which can guarantee rapid discharges, support home health care and thus relieve pressure on hospital systems.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here