ABSTRACT
In this article, the effects of social isolation which can lead to increasing feelings of loneliness and abandonment for some are examined. The article analyses findings which emerged from a qualitative study carried out with older people in three distinct areas in Scotland (city, rural and urban) who were shielding during Covid-19. It focuses on the ways in which social isolation affected them and the extent to which information and communication technology (ICT) and telecare technologies served to mitigate key aspects. The key themes which emerged from the research included loneliness as 'multi-layered', with these layers including 'disconnections between loneliness and social isolation';'well-being reversals';'neighbours as strangers';'disjointed communities and co-production' and 'service abandonment'. Additional themes which emerged focused on 'ICT rebounds and evolvement' and 'hope, buoyancy and reciprocity'. These layers and themes can be seen to have longer term significance with regard to the implications for social work and social care planning as we move forward. They also emphasise the need for greater cohesiveness between health, telecare and social care services.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed to identify and understand challenges to inform new strategies to increase the COVID‐19 vaccination rate according to involved vaccinators' perspectives in Belitung, Indonesia. Design A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Methods: Online interviews and chatting were done among 11 vaccinators for data collection between August 2021 and January 2022. Data were analyzed using a content analysis model. Findings Four main themes emerged, including (1) communication strategies (evidence‐based, electronic‐based, and culturally based communication), (2) cross‐sectoral strategies (collaboration with police, religious leaders, customary leaders, heads of village divisions, and non‐governmental organizations), (3) "picking‐up the ball" system (home visits for elderly and people with disability and school visits for children), and (4) setting‐up priorities (between mandatory vaccines and boosters). Conclusion: Despite making vaccination mandatory, the roles of communication, cross‐sectoral innovations, "picking‐up the ball" system, and priority setting may have useful potential to improve vaccination rates. Clinical Relevance: The findings may serve as an input to overcome challenges and accelerate the vaccination coverage in Indonesia and beyond. However, further research is needed.