Exploring informal caregivers' well-being during COVID-19 through online discussion forums.

IF 1.9 4区 医学 Q2 NURSING
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Epub Date: 2023-07-31 DOI:10.1111/scs.13199
Anni Lindroos, Nicola Douglas-Smith
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has increased pressures on caregivers, disruptions to health services and increased health concerns during COVID-19. Reports have been made on informal carers' increased workload and limited support services during the pandemic.

Aims: This study aimed to explore how informal caregivers experienced their well-being during COVID-19 through online discussion forums.

Materials and methods: A reflexive thematic analysis characterised by theoretical flexibility, organic inductive coding processes and theme development was conducted on online discussion forums. The method highlighted theme reviewing which was done twice to encourage data reflection. The project was conducted on a novel topic which was a new area of research interest. Semantic coding where participants' words were used directly in the interpretation and construction of themes was used.

Results: In the theme 'Locked in or locked away' caregivers worried about continuing care at home, due to limited freedom and worries of hiring help during a pandemic. Some expressed worries about visitation rights and grief of not being present with a loved one if they would reside in a care home. The theme 'Nothing left to give' suggested that COVID-19 exasperated caregivers' loneliness, social isolation and increased responsibilities and challenges with other roles. Bitterness, resentment and anger were felt towards lack of social support and workload. Theme 'Celebrating a virtual way of life' described how caregivers used online forums when other support services were disrupted.

Discussion: We discuss the role of informal caregiver that was described as all-encompassing during COVID-19. We highlight the importance of advanced planning for care home transitions and the use of online forums as a form of support. We suggest further exploration into informal caregivers' role balancing.

Conclusion: COVID-19 seemed to affect informal caregivers negatively, but they reframed their situations and sought online support. With COVID-19-related restrictions and increased workload, COVID-19 added an all-or-nothing aspect to care home transition decisions.

通过在线论坛探讨 COVID-19 期间非正式护理人员的福祉。
背景:COVID-19 期间,护理人员的压力增大,医疗服务中断,健康问题增加。研究目的:本研究旨在通过在线论坛探讨非正式护理人员在 COVID-19 期间是如何体验其福祉的:对在线论坛进行了以理论灵活性、有机归纳编码过程和主题发展为特点的反思性主题分析。该方法强调主题回顾,回顾两次以鼓励数据反思。该项目针对的是一个新颖的主题,是一个新的研究兴趣领域。在对主题进行解释和构建时,使用了语义编码,即直接使用参与者的话:在 "被锁在家中或被锁在门外 "这一主题中,护理人员担心由于自由受到限制以及担心在大流行病期间雇不到帮手而无法继续在家接受护理。一些人表达了对探视权的担忧,以及如果亲人住进护理院就无法陪伴在身边的悲伤。一无所有 "这一主题表明,COVID-19 加剧了照顾者的孤独感和社会隔离感,并增加了他们的责任和其他角色的挑战。他们对缺乏社会支持和工作量感到愤懑、不满和愤怒。主题 "庆祝虚拟生活方式 "描述了当其他支持服务中断时,照顾者如何使用在线论坛:我们讨论了在 COVID-19 期间被描述为无所不包的非正规护理者的角色。我们强调了提前规划护理之家过渡和使用在线论坛作为一种支持形式的重要性。我们建议进一步探讨非正规护理人员的角色平衡问题:COVID-19似乎对非正规护理人员产生了负面影响,但他们重新审视了自己的处境并寻求在线支持。由于 COVID-19 的相关限制和工作量的增加,COVID-19 为护理之家过渡决策增添了非此即彼的因素。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
4.60
自引率
5.30%
发文量
71
期刊介绍: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences is an established quarterly, peer reviewed Journal with an outstanding international reputation. As the official publication of the Nordic College of Caring Science, the Journal shares their mission to contribute to the development and advancement of scientific knowledge on caring related to health, well-being, illness and the alleviation of human suffering. The emphasis is on research that has a patient, family and community focus and which promotes an interdisciplinary team approach. Of special interest are scholarly articles addressing and initiating dialogue on theoretical, empirical and methodological concerns related to critical issues. All articles are expected to demonstrate respect for human dignity and accountability to society. In addition to original research the Journal also publishes reviews, meta-syntheses and meta-analyses.
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