Person-centered communication between healthcare professionals and COVID-19 infected older adults in acute care settings: Findings from Wuhan, China

Li, Juan; Wang, Jing; Kong, Xiangjing; Gao, Tingting; Wu, Bei; Liu, Jianmin; Chu, Jing

OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to explore person-centered communication between health care professionals and COVID-19 infected older patients in acute care settings. METHODS: The current qualitative study explored the communication between professionals and COVID-19 infected older adults in the acute care setting through two rounds of interviews with physicians and nurses who provided direct care and treatment for COVID-19 infected older patients in Wuhan, China. We explored the possibilities and significance of facilitating effective communication despite multiple challenges in the pandemic. Conventional content analysis was adopted to analyze the rich data collected from our participants. RESULTS: It is possible and necessary to initiate and sustain person-centered communication despite multiple challenges brought by the pandemic. The achievement of person-centered communication can play significant roles in addressing challenges, building mutual trust, improving quality of care and relationships, and promoting treatment adherence and patients’ psychological wellbeing. DISCUSSION: It is challenging for healthcare professionals to provide care for COVID-19 infected older adults, especially for those with cognitive and sensory impairment, in acute care settings. Facilitating person-centered communication is a significant strategy in responding to the pandemic crisis and a core element of person-centered care.