Open AccessUnderstanding and Improving the Care of Older Adults Living with Dementia Across Four Canadian Provinces during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study to Inform Policy and Practices
Author(s) -
Isabelle Vedel,
Geneviève ArsenaultLapierre,
Howard Bergman,
Susan E. Bronskill,
Yves Couturier,
Claire GodardSebillotte,
Mary Henein,
Julie Kosteniuk,
Vladimir Khanassov,
Carrie McAiney,
Debra Morgan,
Nadia O’Brien,
Megan E O’Connell,
Laura Rojas-Rozo,
Dallas Seitz,
Saskia Sivananthan,
Eric E. Smith,
Nadia Sourial,
Machelle Wilchesky
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
science of nursing and health practices
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2561-7516
DOI - 10.7202/1077989ar
Subject(s) - pandemic , health care , medicine , knowledge translation , observational study , nursing , psychology , family medicine , covid-19 , political science , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , horticulture , law , biology
: The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are farreaching for persons living with dementia (PLWD) in the community and in long-term care(LTC), as they are among the most vulnerable. PLWD are at risk for severe COVID-19 and adisruption in accessing supportive and health care due to the confinement measures.Objectives : 1) To measure the impact of the pandemic on health and socialservices use, mortality, COVID-19 infection where possible of PLWD both in the community andin LTC facilities compared to before the pandemic; 2) To understand PLWDs’ and carepartners’ perceived needs, behaviours related to health service use and the experiences ofPLWD, care partners, and physicians with health and social services; 3) To generate anddisseminate evidence-based and actionable recommendations on effective strategies to addressthe current pandemic and prepare for subsequent waves. Methods : Aconvergent mixed-methods design with a participatory approach in 4 Canadian provinces.Objective 1 will use a retrospective observational cohort design to examine administrativehealth data. Outcomes will include mortality (all-cause; COVID-19 related), health serviceuse and, where possible, infection rates. Objective 2 will use an explanatory multiple casestudy, with surveys and semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of PLWD andcare partners using health and social services and the role of sociodemographic factors. Thethird, knowledge translation objective will integrate these results using a deliberativedialogue with key stakeholders (decision-makers, healthcare managers, PLWD, care partners,and clinicians) to develop and disseminate evidence-based recommendations for practice andpolicy. Impact and conclusion : This project will provide an understandingof the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PLWD and care partners in Canada and highlightareas for improvement.