Family‐centered care during a pandemic: The hidden impact of restricting family visits

Strict isolation requires a different approach to the family of hospitalised patients with COVID-19: A rapid qualitative study

“…We acknowledge that the voice of patients and family members can add value to our results. However, our recommendations are in line with recently published studies revealing that patients admitted to a COVID-19 ward often feel lonely, anxious and stressed due to the viral nature of the disease and the isolation measures ( Fan et al., 2020 , Sun et al., 2021 , Brooks et al., 2020 , Azoulay et al., 2020 , Hafner, 2020 , Bouchoucha and Bloomer, 2020 ). Furthermore, patients experience concerns regarding family health and living arrangements after hospital discharge ( Fan et al., 2020 , Sun et al., 2021 ).…”

“…The results are congruent with reported experiences from patients who were isolated during previous pandemics, such as SARS, Ebola and H1N1 influenza ( Brooks et al., 2020 ). Publications reporting on the experiences of families of hospitalized COVID-19 patients suggest that the concerns of the hospitalized patients are shared by their families ( Azoulay et al., 2020 , Hafner, 2020 , Bouchoucha and Bloomer, 2020 ). The experiences of patients and families strengthen our recommendations.…”

“Be Their Advocate”: Families’ Experience with a Relative in LTC during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…More so, given the surveillance of their relative by family members, one can conclude that the impact of restrictions on residents was also having consequences on their physical and cognitive health. This is not surprising, because the presence of family members not only improves the quality of life of residents in LTC (Levere et al, 2021;Stall et al, 2020;Tupper et al, 2020) but also supports the role of staff (Bouchoucha & Bloomer, 2021). Based on our comparison of phase I and phase II results, our study clearly illustrates the positive influence of families' continued presence in LTCFs on multiple aspects of older adults' health and that they are essential members of the care team.…”

Position Statement of the International Network for Child and Family Centered Care: Child and Family Centred Care during the COVID19 Pandemic

“…A project in Sweden called "COPE" was developed to increase understanding of COVID19 infection during pregnancy (COPE, 2021). Bouchoucha and Bloomer (2020) discussed the measures taken within the adult population to protect public health, particularly in relation to restricting family visits and the adverse impact these have on the implementation of family centred care in the era of COVID-19. To redress the balance of the adverse impact between these public health measures and restrictions on family visits, health care workers used technology to connect the patient with their family.…”

“…To redress the balance of the adverse impact between these public health measures and restrictions on family visits, health care workers used technology to connect the patient with their family. This not only effectively increased familial communication and connection, but provided health care workers with a tool that facilitated family centred care (Bouchoucha & Bloomer, 2020). Decision makers should therefore not only consider the risks that family presence may pose, but also the risks that restrictions on such presence may cause (Planetree, 2020).…”