Author(s)

Karin Bundgaard¹, Lone Winther Lietzen², Peter Errboe Jensen³, Merete Gregersen^2*

¹Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
²Department of Geriatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
³Nursing School, VIA University College, Aarhus, Denmark.

Background: Proximity between older patients and their close relatives is essential during hospitalisation. During the first wave of the pandemic, the Danish Patient Safety Authority restricted no hospital visitors. Aim: To explore how older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives experienced physical separation during hospitalization. Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed. Findings: Six interviews were conducted: three patients with a mean age of 81 years and three close relatives—two daughters and one spouse. The patients felt boredom, loneliness, and a sense of imprisonment, yet they felt safe and satisfied. Isolation was known beforehand from the media. Close relatives emphasised that information, involvement, and collaboration with hospital staff were crucial. Conclusion: Although older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives widely accept their situation during hospitalization, they experience negative consequences from social isolation.

Aged, COVID-19, Nursing Staff, Hospital, Personal Protective Equipment, Social Isolation, Visitors to Patients

Bundgaard, K. , Lietzen, L. , Jensen, P. and Gregersen, M. (2023) Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study. Health, 15, 758-770. doi: 10.4236/health.2023.157048.