COVID‐19 preparedness in aged care: A qualitative study exploring residential aged care facility managers experiences planning for a pandemic

Abstract

Aims and ObjectivesThe study aims to understand the changing context of RACFs and the role of RACF managers in preparing to confront the COVID‐19 pandemic and to provide insights into how the use of visual telehealth consultation might be incorporated to assist with managing whatever might arise.DesignAn interpretive descriptive study design was employed, and data were collected using semi‐structured interviews conducted via telephone or videoconference. Purposive recruitment targeted clinical managers responsible for the COVID‐19 response in RACFs.MethodsRACF clinical managers were invited to discuss their responses to COVID‐19 including the management of RACF and staff. Semi‐structured interviews explored the COVID‐19‐related challenges, the response to these challenges and how telehealth might assist in overcoming some of these challenges. This study followed Thorne's (2008) three‐stage process of interpretive description. The COREQ checklist was used in preparing this manuscript.ResultsTwo main themes were identified. The first theme ‘keeping people safe’ was comprised of three subthemes; fear and uncertainty, managing the risks and retaining and recruiting staff. The second theme was ‘keeping people connected’, had two subthemes; being disconnected and isolated and embracing technology.ConclusionFindings from this study provide valuable insight into understanding the context and the challenges for RACFs and the staff as they attempt to keep residents safe and connected with healthcare providers and the outside world.Relevance to Clinical PracticeUnderstanding the experiences of RACF managers in preparing to respond to the pandemic will better inform practice development in aged care in particular the use of telehealth and safe practices during COVID‐19. Increased awareness of the challenges faced by RACFs during a pandemic provides policymakers with valuable insights for future planning of pandemic responses.

General practice perspective on the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia using an Action Research approach: a qualitative study

“…These issues are not only a barrier to GPs using telehealth to its full potential, they also have potential for transcription errors and patient safety concerns. One Australian study found that telehealth practices by GPs in RACFs varied widely, 17 with RACF staff expressing mixed feelings about telehealth, and reporting better experiences with GPs who embraced video consultations over those who used phone or no telehealth at all. Privacy was a concern in our study, with security sharing information highlighted.…”

This Was My Crimean War: COVID-19 Experiences of Nursing Home Leaders

“…Research has focused on outbreak management 7 and vaccine program implementation 13 ; COVID-19's impact on residents, staff, 14 and care quality 15 ; and perceived challenges 16 and innovative solutions. 17,18 We do not know how the pandemic experience altered nursing home leaders' career plans. Given staffing shortages prepandemic, loss of nursing home leaders is an ever-growing concern.…”

The effect of Covid-19 related lockdown on aged care residents’ perceptions of their residential aged care facility using the Happy Life Index

“…However, the processes of keeping residents safe often involves a reduction in choice, a reduction in options in activity programming as residents may need to stay in their rooms to minimise contact with others, and potential staff shortages. [3] The greatest difference in pre-Covid-19 responses compared to during the Covid-19 restrictions (mid-Covid 19) related to sta ng, both in terms of friendliness and staff presence, which were both less likely to be rated as excellent during the Covid-19 restrictions. This appeared to be separated from satisfaction with management, which was more likely to be rated as excellent during the Covid-19 related restrictions.…”