Unintended Consequences of Pandemic Management Strategies on Residents and Family in One Long-term Care Home in British Columbia: A Patient-Supported Qualitative Study. Issue 5 (2nd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Staempfli, Sabina; Havaei, Farinaz; Phinney, Alison; MacPhee, Maura
• Editors: Wiersma, Elaine C
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6:Issue 5(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-02
• Subjects: Patient engagement -- Public policy -- Unpaid care -- Visitation policy -- Workload; Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: In March 2020, pandemic management strategies were mandated across long-term care homes in British Columbia, Canada, to control the effects of COVID-19. This study describes and contextualizes the impact of visitation, infection prevention and control, and staffing strategies on the perceived health and well-being of residents and families. Research Design and Methods: This interpretive description study was part of a larger mixed-methods study at a publicly funded not-for-profit long-term care home in British Columbia, Canada. Eleven family members and 10 residents were interviewed between October and December 2020, and resident and family partners participated in a steering committee throughout all stages of the research. Findings: Early pandemic management strategies had an adverse impact on the perceived health and well-being of families and residents. Visitation restrictions eliminated care routinely provided by families and prevented in-person communication between residents, families, and care providers. Other infection prevention and control strategies isolated residents; group enrichment programs were stopped, and lockdowns created a perception of incarceration. Donning and doffing personal protective equipment took time away from staff–resident interactions and the single-site order reduced staff numbers, placing additional time restraints on residents' care. Discussion and Implications: Unintended adverse consequences of pandemic management strategies demonstrate the risks of creating policies based on a medicalized definition of health. Clear lines of communication are vital to increase a sense of control for families and residents. Elimination of care provided by families and paid companions exposed a gap in Canada's public long-term care system. This care gap raises concerns about equitable care access for residents without families or financial means to pay for additional care.