Social support for the chronically ill during lockdown. Qualitative research in the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Chronic illness requires a web of actors, both professional and familiar, who constitute the support network of the chronically ill. This article aims to analyse how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted on the delicate balance of these supports. Qualitative research was conducted among people with four types of chronic diseases in France: cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, haemophilia and mental disorders. Data on social support was collected using an innovative methodology combining semi‐directive interviews (n = 54) and drawings (n = 32). During the first French lockdown (March–May 2020), the chronically ill were mainly supported by the usual support actors of their primary network: spouse and/or family. However, the COVID‐19 health crisis has led to several changes in their support network; health‐care professionals diversified their support roles and new supporting actors emerged, especially non‐human entities and patient organisations. The chronically ill have received an interweaving of emotional, instrumental and informational, formal and informal and human and non‐human support. Our study highlights the multiple and dynamic ties between these types of support and argues in favour of a comprehensive approach to social support of the chronically ill, both in social science theory and in practice of care.