Caregivers’ experiences of caring for non-COVID-19 patients during the pandemic: A qualitative systematic review

Zheng, Xilin; Liu, Qingqing; Tao, Zirong; Peng, Lingli; Cheng, Hua; Tang, Yunhong

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2023.107872

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 36 publications

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“…Sense of vulnerability and lack of formal social support. That period of complete isolation caused an exacerbation of chronic psychopathology (2,3,5,13,14) and greater vulnerability in patients and caregivers [ 12 ]. In Spanish rural areas, people perceive a lower possibility of having someone to whom they could communicate problems, relevant facts or conflictive situations that require understanding and help about their illness [ 11 , 13 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Experiences and Health Needs of Patients with Severe Mental Illness and their Caregivers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

Ramos-Ruiz,

Pérez-Milena,

Noguera-Cuenca

et al. 2024

European Journal of General Practice

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Background The strict isolation measures for the population imposed by the health authorities caused a prolonged disruption of informal social support networks. Both this new social situation and the decrease in accessibility to health care have generated new needs in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and their caregivers. Objectives This study provides insight into life experiences and health needs of a population with SMI during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Methods Qualitative design using semi-structured dyadic interviews, conducted from January through December 2022. A purposive sampling of patients with SMI and their caregivers was carried out through key informants in rural and urban localities in southern Spain. Verbatims were identified and classified by triangulation after the evaluation of the interview transcripts. The codes were defined through content analysis using the NVivo software. Results Semi-structured dyadic interviews (21), identifying three main categories: 1. Social isolation: increased, causing greater personal vulnerability, exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms and exhaustion in caregivers. 2. Accessibility to Health Services : decreased with fewer face-to-face consultations, with difficulty in managing urgent situations and telephone attention in decompensated and disabled patients. 3. Continuity of healthcare: decreased with distrust in health professionals due to lack of communication between primary care and the hospital Conclusion COVID-19 confinement exacerbated loneliness and worse health self-perception in SMI people. Greater formal social support was required. GPs role is key to avoiding delays in appointments and lack of coordination between primary and specialised care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%