Reflections on First Wave COVID-19 Practice: Insights from Family–Patient Liaisons

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reflects the experiences of a Family–Patient Liaison (FPL) team affiliated with a Field Hospital during the first wave of COVID-19 in South Africa. The reflection draws on our first 6-week experience providing telephonic support to low-income families resident in Gauteng. As FPLs, we formed part of an integrated healthcare programme and complimented the clinical treatment by providing ongoing support and advice to patients’ families, in their language of choice. We use retrospective autoethnography to share our cumulative experience, lessons learnt and skills gained while immersed in this programme. We reflect on the social environment, internal family dynamics, and the healthcare context as sources of patient vulnerability and emphasise the importance of communication-centred healthcare. Lastly, we suggest FPL provides unique benefits to the COVID-19 response and public healthcare