Evaluation of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) role during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

ObjectivesDuring the first wave of COVID-19 heavy restrictions were placed on hospital visitations in the United Kingdom. To support communication between families and patients a central London hospital introduced the role of the Family Liaison Officer. Communication within healthcare settings is often the subject of contention, particularly for patients families. During periods of crisis communication can become strained for patients and their families. We aimed to evaluate the rapid implementation of this role to provide guidance if it was required in the future and to explore the potential for this to become a standard role. DesignService evaluation SettingSingle National Health Service hospital in London. MethodsSemi-structured video interviews with a convenience sample of 12 participants. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. ParticipantsFamily Liaison Officers (n=5) and colleagues who experienced working alongside them (n=7). ResultsKey themes were identified from the interviews pertaining to the role, the team, the impact and the future. Two versions of the role emerged though the process based on the Family Liaison Officers previous background: Clinical Family Liaison Officers (primarily nurses) and Pastoral Family Liaison Officers (primarily play specialists). Both the Family Liaison Officers and their colleagues agreed that the role had a very positive impact on the wards during this time. Negative aspects of the role, such as a lack of induction, boundaries or clear structure were also discussed. ConclusionThe Family Liaison Officer was a key role during the pandemic in facilitating communication between patient, clinical team and family. The challenges associated with the role reflect the speed in which it was implemented but it was evident to those in the role and clinicians who the role was supporting that it has potential to help improve hospital communication, and the work of healthcare staff outside of a pandemic. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis was an in-depth evaluation of the Family Liaison Officer role from the perspective of those in the role and the clinical team who they were providing support. C_LIO_LIThe sample included representation of the different disciplines who worked in the FLO role. C_LIO_LIThe evaluation only represents the professional perspective and not the experience of the family. C_LI