Abstract

DONAS-BOTO, Inês et al. Isolated, but not alone: implementation of video communication in COVID-19 units. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.2, pp.350-358.  Epub Aug 31, 2021. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/21psd220203.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses multiple challenges regarding healthcare across Europe and the world, namely separation and isolation of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from their families. The present report aims at describing the different practices in using video calls to allow communication between COVID-19 inpatients and their loved ones. The authors conducted a qualitative study based on a semi-structured interview, applied to the four health care workers (HCW) responsible for managing the use of the videophones and tablets in the COVID-19 wards of our hospital. The collected data consisted of: (1) description of each unit; (2) generic patient data; (3) description of video call communications; and (4) perceptions towards video call communication use. The interviewed HCW acknowledged the importance of video calls in the COVID-19 units and its positive emotional impact on patients, family members, and HCW involved. Differences among video calls usage in each ward dwell mainly on the existence of a communication protocol and on staff’s awareness and engagement with the initiative. The authors reflect on the benefits and pitfalls of this new communication method for hospitalized patients and their families.

Keywords : COVID-19; intensive care; video calls; isolation; communication.

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