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Maxwell CJ, Dampf H, Alkabbani W, Cotton CA, Gamble JM, Hogan DB, Gruneir A, McArthur E, Youngson E, Hsu Z, Hoben M. Psychotropic, Anticonvulsant, and Opioid Use in Assisted Living Residents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:121-129. [PMID: 37863111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the associations between COVID-19 pandemic waves (1-4) and prevalent antipsychotic, antidepressant, benzodiazepine, anticonvulsant, and opioid use among assisted living (AL) residents, by setting (dementia care vs other). DESIGN Population-based, repeated cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Linked clinical and health administrative databases for residents of all publicly subsidized AL homes (N = 256) in Alberta, Canada, examined from January 2018 to December 2021. Setting-specific quarterly cohorts of residents were derived for pandemic (starting March 1, 2020) and comparable historical (2018/2019 combined) periods. METHODS The quarterly proportion of residents dispensed an antipsychotic, antidepressant, benzodiazepine, anticonvulsant, or opioid was examined for each setting and period. Log-binomial generalized estimating equations models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) for period (pandemic vs historical quarterly periods), setting (dementia care vs other AL), and period-setting interactions. RESULTS On March 1, 2020, there were 2874 dementia care and 6611 other AL residents (mean age 82.4 vs 79.9 years, 68.2% vs 66.1% female, 93.5% vs 42.6% with dementia, respectively). Antipsychotic use increased during waves 2 to 4 for residents of both settings, but this increase was significantly greater for dementia care than other AL residents during waves 3 and 4 (eg, wave 3, PR 1.21, 95% CI 1.14-1.27 vs PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.17, interaction term P = .029). In both settings, there was a significant but modest increase in antidepressant use and a significant decrease in benzodiazepine use during several pandemic waves. For other AL residents only, there was a small statistically significant increase in anticonvulsant use during waves 2 to 4. No significant pandemic effect was observed for prevalent opioid use in either setting. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The persistence of the pandemic-associated increase in antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant use in AL residents, and greater increase in antipsychotic use for dementia care settings, raises concerns about the attendant risks for residents, especially those with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J Maxwell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Hana Dampf
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wajd Alkabbani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cecilia A Cotton
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - David B Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Gruneir
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric McArthur
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erik Youngson
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Data and Research Services, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Zoe Hsu
- Provincial Research Data Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Data and Research Services, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Damian AC, Mihăilescu AI, Anghele C, Ciobanu CA, Petrescu C, Riga S, Dionisie V, Ciobanu AM. Quality of Life Predictors in a Group of Informal Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1486. [PMID: 37629776 PMCID: PMC10456842 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The informal caregiver's contribution to the wellbeing of dementia patients is critical since these individuals become dependent on others for all daily activities. Our goal was to investigate the dynamics of anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep, and their influence on quality of life over a 6-month period in the context of pandemic distress in a sample of informal caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Materials and Methods: For this prospective, longitudinal study, we conducted a 6-month telephonic survey between 2021 and 2022, administering a series of questionnaires at three timepoints (baseline, 3 months and 6 months) to a group of informal caregivers of patients suffering from dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Results: A total of 110 caregivers were included at baseline, out of which 96 continued to the second stage and 78 followed through to the last stage. The majority of the participants were female (most likely the patients' daughters), around 55 years old, living in urban areas, married, with children, having a high school degree or a higher education degree, and working in jobs that required physical presence; in the best-case scenario, they were sharing their responsibilities with another two-three caregivers. More than half of the 110 participants (50.9%) reported mild to moderate anxiety at baseline, and 27.3% reported significant anxiety, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 0.551, p = 0.57; 25% reported moderate-severe depression at the start, with no changes between the three timepoints, F(2, 154) = 2.738, p = 0.068; and many reported a decrease in quality of life, poor quality of sleep, and decreased fear of COVID infection. Cynicism, professional effectiveness, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality explained up to 87.8% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusions: Caregivers' decreased quality of life during the pandemic was explained by their levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression throughout the 6-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Damian
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Alexandra Ioana Mihăilescu
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
- Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Anghele
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | | | - Cristian Petrescu
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
| | - Sorin Riga
- Department of Stress Research and Prophylaxis, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
- Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, 927180 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Dionisie
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela Magdalena Ciobanu
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.D.); (C.P.); (A.M.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.M.); (V.D.)
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Wu Z, Zhang J, Jiang M, Zhang J, Xiao YW. The longitudinal associations between perceived importance of the internet and depressive symptoms among a sample of Chinese adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1167740. [PMID: 37361143 PMCID: PMC10286239 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1167740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which individuals' cognitive evaluation of the importance of the Internet is associated with depressive symptoms, and in what ways. Methods This study utilized a sample of 4,100 participants from the fourth (2016), fifth (2018), and sixth (2020) waves of the China Family Panel Studies. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. Result The findings of this study reveal that individuals' cognitive evaluation of the importance of the Internet in 2016 was positively linked with the frequency of Internet use and subjective socioeconomic status in 2018. Furthermore, the frequency of Internet use and subjective socioeconomic status in 2018 were found to be negatively associated with depressive symptoms in 2020. These results indicate that the perceived importance of the Internet has an indirect effect on depressive symptoms through the identified pathway. Conclusion The present findings contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of individuals' perceived importance of the internet as a significant factor that influences depressive symptoms. The results suggest that policy makers should take actions to increase public awareness of the importance of the Internet in the digital era, and to ensure equitable access to the internet, thus facilitating convenient internet use and helping individuals adapt to the digital age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Wu
- 1School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiabo Zhang
- School of Literature and Media, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Maomin Jiang
- 1School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- School of Education, Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines
| | - Ye-Wei Xiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Zhao YJ, Zhang L, Feng Y, Sha S, Lam MI, Wang YY, Li JX, Su Z, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Jackson T, An FR, Xiang YT. Prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a network perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1139742. [PMID: 37252144 PMCID: PMC10213336 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1139742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected treatment-seeking behaviors of psychiatric patients and their guardians. Barriers to access of mental health services may contribute to adverse mental health consequences, not only for psychiatric patients, but also for their guardians. This study explored the prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, fatigue level and quality of life (QOL) of guardians were measured with validated Chinese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale - 7 (GAD-7), fatigue numeric rating scale (FNRS), and the first two items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Independent correlates of depression were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare global QOL of depressed versus non-depressed guardians. The network structure of depressive symptoms among guardians was constructed using an extended Bayesian Information Criterion (EBIC) model. Results The prevalence of depression among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients was 32.4% (95% CI: 29.7-35.2%). GAD-7 total scores (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.8-2.1) and fatigue (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4) were positively correlated with depression among guardians. After controlling for significant correlates of depression, depressed guardians had lower QOL than non-depressed peers did [F(1, 1,101) = 29.24, p < 0.001]. "Loss of energy" (item 4 of the PHQ-9), "concentration difficulties" (item 7 of the PHQ-9) and "sad mood" (item 2 of the PHQ-9) were the most central symptoms in the network model of depression for guardians. Conclusion About one third of guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients reported depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poorer QOL was related to having depression in this sample. In light of their emergence as key central symptoms, "loss of energy," "concentration problems," and "sad mood" are potentially useful targets for mental health services designed to support caregivers of psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Sha
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Ieng Lam
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yue-Ying Wang
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabor S. Ungvari
- Section of Psychiatry, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Todd Jackson
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Feng-Rong An
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Ward A, Buffalo L, McDonald C, L'Heureux T, Charles L, Pollard C, Tian PG, Anderson S, Parmar J. Supporting First Nations Family Caregivers and Providers: Family Caregivers', Health and Community Providers', and Leaders' Recommendations. Diseases 2023; 11:diseases11020065. [PMID: 37218878 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Family caregivers and care providers are increasingly becoming more distressed and reaching a breaking point within current systems of care. First Nations family caregivers and the health and community providers employed in First Nations communities have to cope with colonial, discriminatory practices that have caused intergenerational trauma and a myriad of siloed, disconnected, and difficult-to-navigate federal-, provincial/territorial-, and community-level policies and programs. Indigenous participants in Alberta's Health Advisory Councils described Indigenous family caregivers as having more difficulty accessing support than other Alberta caregivers. In this article, we report on family caregivers', providers', and leaders' recommendations to support First Nations family caregivers and the health and community providers employed in First Nations. We used participatory action research methods in which we drew on Etuaptmumk (the understanding that being in the world is the gift of multiple perspectives) and that Indigenous and non-Indigenous views are complementary. Participants were from two First Nation communities in Alberta and included family caregivers (n = 6), health and community providers (n = 14), and healthcare and community leaders (n = 6). Participants advised that family caregivers needed four types of support: (1) recognize the family caregivers' role and work; (2) enhance navigation and timely access to services, (3) improve home care support and respite, and (4) provide culturally safe care. Participants had four recommendations to support providers: (1) support community providers' health and wellbeing; (2) recruit and retain health and community providers; (3) improve orientation for new providers; and (4) offer providers a comprehensive grounding in cultural awareness. While creating a program or department for family caregivers may be tempting to address caregivers' immediate needs, improving the health of First Nations family caregivers requires a population-based public health approach that focuses on meaningful holistic system change to support family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Ward
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | | | - Tanya L'Heureux
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Lesley Charles
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Cheryl Pollard
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Peter G Tian
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Sharon Anderson
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Jasneet Parmar
- Division of Care of the Elderly, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
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Hoben M, Li W, Dampf H, Hogan DB, Corbett K, Chamberlain SA, McGrail K, Griffith LE, Gruneir A, Lane NE, Baumbusch J, Maxwell C. Caregiver Involvement and Concerns with Care of Residents of Assisted Living before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Gerontology 2023; 69:839-851. [PMID: 37068467 DOI: 10.1159/000530622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family/friend caregivers play an essential role in promoting the physical and mental health of older adults in need of care - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and especially in assisted living (AL) homes, where resident care needs are similarly complex as in long-term care homes but fewer staffing resources and services are available. However, little research is available on caregiver involvement and concerns with care of AL residents prior to and during waves 1 and 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addressed this important knowledge gap. METHODS This prospective cohort study used baseline and follow-up online surveys with primary caregivers to AL residents in Western Canada who were 65 years or older and had lived in the AL home for at least 3 months before Mar 1, 2020. Surveys assessed the following outcomes in the 3 months prior to and during waves 1 and 2 of the pandemic: sociodemographics, 5 ways of visiting or communicating with residents, involvement in 16 care tasks, concerns with 9 resident physical/mental health conditions, perceived lack of resident access to 7 care services, and whether caregivers felt well informed and involved with resident care. RESULTS Based on 386 caregiver responses, in-person visits dropped significantly in wave 1 of the pandemic and so did caregiver involvement in nearly all care tasks. While these rates increased in wave 2, most did not return to pre-pandemic levels. Correspondingly, caregiver concerns (already high before the pandemic) substantially increased in wave 1 and stayed high in wave 2. These were particularly elevated among caregivers who did not feel well informed/involved with resident care. CONCLUSIONS Restricted in-person visiting disrupted resident care and was associated with worse perceptions of resident health and well-being. Continued caregiver involvement in resident care and communication with caregivers even during lockdowns is key to mitigating these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hoben
- School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wenshan Li
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hana Dampf
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David B Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kyle Corbett
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie A Chamberlain
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kim McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lauren E Griffith
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gruneir
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha E Lane
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Maxwell
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Dymchuk E, Mirhashemi B, Chamberlain S, Beeber A, Hoben M. The impact of COVID-19 on relationships between family/friend caregivers and care staff in continuing care facilities: a qualitative descriptive analysis. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:121. [PMID: 37059999 PMCID: PMC10102683 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures added a new dynamic to the relationship between caregivers and care staff in congregate care settings. While both caregivers and staff play an important role in resident quality of life and care, it is common for conflict to exist between them. These issues were amplified by pandemic restrictions, impacting not only caregivers and care staff, but also residents. While research has explored the relationship between caregivers and care staff in long-term care and assisted living homes, much of the research has focused on the caregiver perspective. Our objective was to explore the impact of COVID-19-related public health measures on caregiver-staff relationships from the perspective of staff in long-term care and assisted living homes. METHODS We conducted 9 focus groups and 2 semi-structured interviews via videoconference. RESULTS We identified four themes related to caregiver-staff relationships: (1) pressure from caregivers, (2) caregiver-staff conflict, (3) support from caregivers, and (4) staff supporting caregivers. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted long-standing relationships between caregivers and care staff, negatively impacting care staff, caregivers, and residents. However, staff also reported encouraging examples of successful collaboration and support from caregivers. Learning from these promising practices will be critical to improving preparedness for future public health crises, as well as quality of resident care and life in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dymchuk
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bita Mirhashemi
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie Chamberlain
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anna Beeber
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Room 301E Stong College 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Hoben M, Baumbusch J, B. Hogan D, Gruneir A, A. Chamberlain S, Corbett K, E. Griffith L, McGrail KM, E. Amuah J, E. Lane N, J. Maxwell C. Caregivers' Concerns About Assisted Living Residents' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:28-42. [PMID: 36124925 PMCID: PMC9490393 DOI: 10.1177/10748407221124159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Family or friend caregivers' concerns about assisted living (AL) residents' mental health are reflective of poor resident and caregiver mental health. COVID-19-related visiting restrictions increased caregiver concerns, but research on these issues in AL is limited. Using web-based surveys with 673 caregivers of AL residents in Western Canada, we assessed the prevalence and correlates of moderate to severe caregiver concerns about residents' depressed mood, loneliness, and anxiety in the 3 months before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregiver concerns doubled after the start of the pandemic (resident depressed mood: 23%-50%, loneliness: 29%-62%, anxiety: 24%-47%). Generalized linear mixed models identified various modifiable risk factors for caregiver concerns (e.g., caregivers' perception that residents lacked access to counseling services or not feeling well informed about and involved in resident care). These modifiable factors can be targeted in efforts to prevent or mitigate caregiver concerns and resident mental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hoben
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | - Andrea Gruneir
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Natasha E. Lane
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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