Changes to postdiagnostic dementia support in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Issue 2 (2nd February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wheatley, Alison; Poole, Marie; Robinson, Louise
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Robinson Louise author non-byline.; Wheatley Alison author non-byline.; Allan Louise author non-byline.; Bamford Claire author non-byline.; Banerjee Sube author non-byline.; Brunskill Greta author non-byline.; Burns Alistair author non-byline.; Dimitriadis Sophie author non-byline.; Dening Karen Harrison author non-byline.; Griffiths Sarah author non-byline.; King Derek author non-byline.; Knapp Martin author non-byline.; Lewins Doug author non-byline.; Manthorpe Jill author non-byline.; Rait Greta author non-byline.; Spencer Emily author non-byline.; Tucker Sue author non-byline.; Walters Kate author non-byline.; Wilcock Jane author non-byline.; Wittenberg Raphael author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 12:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-02
• Subjects: dementia -- COVID-19 -- qualitative research; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To explore the impact of COVID-19 on postdiagnostic dementia care and support provision in England and Wales. Design: Qualitative research using semistructured interviews, via video or telephone conferencing. Setting: Services providing postdiagnostic support across health, social care and the third sector. Participants: 21 professionals previously recruited to an ongoing research programme on postdiagnostic dementia care (or colleagues, if unavailable). Results: Key themes identified from the data were: challenges caused by COVID-19; responses to those challenges, including a widespread shift to remote working; and effects of COVID-19 on future postdiagnostic support. Challenges included changing and sometimes conflicting guidelines; a lack of access to support; identifying and responding to emerging needs; emotional and physical impact of COVID-19; and balancing COVID-19 risk with other risks such as deterioration. Some dementia services closed, while others adapted and continued to provide support thus potentially widening existing inequalities. There were also some unintended positive outcomes, including improved cross-sector and multidisciplinary working between professionals. Conclusion: Delivering postdiagnostic dementia support during COVID-19 required essential adaptations. While some changes were detrimental to service users, others were identified as potentially beneficial and highly likely to become the new 'norm', for example, use of blended approaches, combining virtual and face-to-face work, thus allowing more flexible, integrated care. Our data have implications for policy and practice to improve the response to the lingering effects of COVID-19 as well as creating service provision that is more resilient to future pandemics or other periods of disruption.