Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain
Abstract Background Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and throughout the health crisis, health authorities recommended restriction measures to minimize the risk of contagion and avoid the collapse of health centers. The restrictive health and safety measures conditioned th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02730-9 |
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| author | Joana Maria Julià-Móra Margarita Calafell-Vert Francesca Rosa Rosal-Obrador Ian Blanco-Mavillard Margalida Miró-Bonet |
| author_facet | Joana Maria Julià-Móra Margarita Calafell-Vert Francesca Rosa Rosal-Obrador Ian Blanco-Mavillard Margalida Miró-Bonet |
| author_sort | Joana Maria Julià-Móra |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and throughout the health crisis, health authorities recommended restriction measures to minimize the risk of contagion and avoid the collapse of health centers. The restrictive health and safety measures conditioned the way in which patients were cared for, as well as their social and family life. The purpose of the study was to explore patients and caregivers’ perception of family care and support during hospitalization in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Manacor hospital. Method From an interpretive phenomenological approach, data was collected through the first author’s field diary and 30 semi-structured interviews with patients and family caregivers. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes, and rigor was achieved through multiple coding and systematic comparisons. Results The findings underscore the profound emotional toll that restrictive visitation policies during the pandemic took on patients and their family caregivers. Limited family support led to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distress among patients, exacerbating their vulnerability. Participants highlighted the critical role of family presence in improving emotional stability and physical recovery, hinting at the importance of fostering psychological resilience in healthcare settings. Additionally, the study revealed inconsistencies in the communication and dissemination of information, which aggravated stress and confusion among participants. Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication strategies were considered essential for patient care and satisfaction. Participants expressed gratitude toward healthcare professionals and advocated for a person-centered approach that addresses not only clinical, but also emotional and psychological needs. Conclusions The study highlights the need to improve care for vulnerable populations, such as those at the end of life, to ensure dignified and compassionate care. It also points at the importance of post-discharge support for patients recovering from serious illnesses. The findings provide valuable information to improve person-centered care and the communication of future healthcare protocols amid health crises such as COVID-19. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ade78fbf7e7940a6bb0119c56486ec35 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-ade78fbf7e7940a6bb0119c56486ec352025-01-26T12:22:52ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-01-0124111110.1186/s12912-025-02730-9Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in SpainJoana Maria Julià-Móra0Margarita Calafell-Vert1Francesca Rosa Rosal-Obrador2Ian Blanco-Mavillard3Margalida Miró-Bonet4Hospital Support and Palliative Care Team, Hospital ManacorAmbulatory Area, Hospital ManacorAmbulatory Area, Hospital ManacorHealthcare Implementation and Research Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de MálagaDepartment of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic IslandsAbstract Background Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and throughout the health crisis, health authorities recommended restriction measures to minimize the risk of contagion and avoid the collapse of health centers. The restrictive health and safety measures conditioned the way in which patients were cared for, as well as their social and family life. The purpose of the study was to explore patients and caregivers’ perception of family care and support during hospitalization in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Manacor hospital. Method From an interpretive phenomenological approach, data was collected through the first author’s field diary and 30 semi-structured interviews with patients and family caregivers. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes, and rigor was achieved through multiple coding and systematic comparisons. Results The findings underscore the profound emotional toll that restrictive visitation policies during the pandemic took on patients and their family caregivers. Limited family support led to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distress among patients, exacerbating their vulnerability. Participants highlighted the critical role of family presence in improving emotional stability and physical recovery, hinting at the importance of fostering psychological resilience in healthcare settings. Additionally, the study revealed inconsistencies in the communication and dissemination of information, which aggravated stress and confusion among participants. Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication strategies were considered essential for patient care and satisfaction. Participants expressed gratitude toward healthcare professionals and advocated for a person-centered approach that addresses not only clinical, but also emotional and psychological needs. Conclusions The study highlights the need to improve care for vulnerable populations, such as those at the end of life, to ensure dignified and compassionate care. It also points at the importance of post-discharge support for patients recovering from serious illnesses. The findings provide valuable information to improve person-centered care and the communication of future healthcare protocols amid health crises such as COVID-19.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02730-9Family caregiversNursingLonelinessHealth communicationPerson-centered careCOVID-19 |
| spellingShingle | Joana Maria Julià-Móra Margarita Calafell-Vert Francesca Rosa Rosal-Obrador Ian Blanco-Mavillard Margalida Miró-Bonet Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain BMC Nursing Family caregivers Nursing Loneliness Health communication Person-centered care COVID-19 |
| title | Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain |
| title_full | Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain |
| title_fullStr | Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain |
| title_short | Perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Spain |
| title_sort | perceptions of care and family support from patients and family caregivers during the covid 19 pandemic a phenomenological study in spain |
| topic | Family caregivers Nursing Loneliness Health communication Person-centered care COVID-19 |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02730-9 |
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