Feeling all alone in the world - experiences of patients with a neurological disease during a COVID-19 visitor ban: An interview study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore how patients with neurological disease experienced a COVID-19 visitor ban and to identify ways of improving the quality of care. BACKGROUND: In March 2020, a temporary visitor ban was introduced in Danish hospitals to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This led to changes in clinical practice, leaving patients without their loved ones beside them. Since neurological patients are already considered vulnerable due to physical, and sometimes cognitive impairment, we urgently wished to investigate these circumstances to facilitate appropriate support. DESIGN: This study was conducted using a qualitative explorative design. METHODS: Fourteen patients with neurological disease were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: For most patients, being hospitalized during the COVID-19 visitor ban was a painful experience with the potential to negatively influence both their mental and physical health.

Caring from a distance: how a COVID-19 visitor ban affects relatives when a loved one is admitted to a neurological or neurosurgical ward.

Background: Neurological patients often suffer physical, cognitive, communicative, behavioural or psychosocial limitations. This may weaken the preconditions for participating in decisions about their treatment, rehabilitation and future. These impairments often cause relatives to care and advocate for the patient. This practice was gravely interrupted by the COVID-19 visitor ban. Aims: This study aims to investigate how relatives of neurological patients experienced the visitor ban and to identify potential areas for improvement. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews with relatives of neurological patients were conducted. Data were analysed by performing a thematic analysis inspired by Braun and Clark. Results: The following six themes emerged: Visitor ban as a necessary evil, Losing control and feeling checkmate, Mending the information gap, Waiting by the phone, Empathy and compassion as the core of a good relationship and Caring for a loved one from a distance. Conclusions: Having a loved one admitted to a neurological ward during the COVID-19 visitor ban greatly restrains relatives and affects the relationship with their loved one and the hospital healthcare staff. Healthcare staff need to take responsibility and reach out, while simultaneously exploring new ways of communicating.

Neuroscience nurses' comprehension of collaborating with and involvement of relatives: A qualitative interview study

Within the field of neurological disease, it seems that involvement of relatives is of utmost importance since the patients often are affected in several areas (physical, cognitive, and emotional) which impair their ability to participate in decision-making about their treatment and care. This study aimed to illuminate neuroscience nurses' comprehension of collaborating with and involvement of relatives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 neuroscience registered nurses. The qualitative data were analyzed utilizing inductive thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist was applied. The analysis identified how collaboration with, and involvement of relatives are perceived as a focus for nursing care and a resource for both patients and registered nurses. Registered nurses having personal experience as a relative find it easier to establish a relationship with relatives. This study emphasizes the importance of the establishment of a trusting relationship between registered nurses and relatives for a positive collaboration and thus involvement of relatives.