Heartbreak and Loneliness Due to Family Separations and Limited Visiting during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Wai-King Tsui, Ka-Huen Yip and Yuk-Chiu Yip ()
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Wai-King Tsui: School of Health Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China
Ka-Huen Yip: School of Health Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China
Yuk-Chiu Yip: Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the healthcare system. In the pediatric unit, stress, uncertainty, and many unexpected challenges for many parents were frequently reported. Research has shown that parents had less contact with their children during the pandemic due to hospital restrictions. However, it is unknown how parents perceived their experiences in a pediatric unit. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of parents who had a child in the pediatric unit during the pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to investigate parents’ experiences of having children admitted to the pediatric unit during the pandemic in Hong Kong. Eight Chinese parents participated in the interview. Three major themes emerged: (1) parents’ pediatric ward experiences during COVID-19 were emotionally isolating and overwhelming, (2) the family and family-centered care were disrupted, and (3) interactions with pediatric providers intensified or alleviated emotional distress. Integrating the above themes of experiences of emotional distress was the main characteristic of the parents’ experiences during the pandemic. Therefore, policymakers should understand the lived experiences of parents of children diagnosed with COVID-19 and should make prompt decisions to deal with both parental concerns and safety issues.

Keywords: parents; children; pediatric ward; family-centered care; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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