Strategies used in long-term care facilities settings in Brazil to replace face-to-face visits during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study

• Grant number: 21/07051-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Paula Costa Castro
• Grantee: Luana Camargo Ferreira Brisighello
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Social isolation impacts the health of older persons, especially the frail ones and those residing in Long-Term Care Facilities settings (LTCFs), who were already isolated before the COVID-19 pandemic and even more so during. Therefore, there is a need to apply strategies to cope and minimize the feelings of isolation of these residents. Objective: to investigate and map the strategies used in LCTFs, and the role of technologies, to replace face-to-face visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is an observational, exploratory, cross-sectional study, with a quantitative and qualitative approach of self-administered semi-structured interviews. The population of 2,118 Brazilian LCTFs that have been authorized to receive emergency aid budget will be contacted in up to three contact attempts each, via e-mail address, to answer an online questionnaire on Google Forms. The questions refer to the alternatives used to replace face-to-face visits, how they instruct the older residents about prevention against COVID-19, contact with the family and about the ways of accessing and using the technology. Data will be analyzed according to Bardin content analysis, descriptive statistical analysis and frequency analysis of emerging categories. Expected results: it is expected that LCTFs from different Brazilian states will participate, considering the strategy of replacing face-to-face visits as important, presenting the procedures applied for this. It is expected that a portion of the strategies will use information and communication technologies, as well as encourage actions that minimize impacts on the mental health of residents, increase social support and strategies for coping with crises. The results will be presented at conferences and a paper will be submitted to a journal to expand knowledge about remote strategies for social interaction and participation in the literature. (AU)