Family Caregiver experience of caring COVID-19 patients admitted in COVID hospital of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal

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Abstract Background: Informal caregivers played a substantial role in caring the COVID-19 patients during hospitalization in Nepal. This study attempted to understand the family caregiver’s experiences while attending their relatives in a COVID-19 Hospital of Nepal. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to understand the caregiver’s experience of attending and supporting their relatives admitted to the COVID-19 hospital of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.13 caregivers of COVID-19 positive were purposively selected from January to March 2022. A face-to-face interview was conducted in a caregiver residential facility using the interview schedule developed by the department for the purpose of data collection after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional review committee of B. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (B.P.K.I.H.S). Data were audio recorded and manually analyzed. Results: 13 caregivers (6 male and 7 female) participated in the study. The result was summarized under the five domains: Challenges encountered Changes in Physical and Mental Health, Changes in roles and responsibilities, Positive experiences, and Things that could make Caregiving tasks easier. The major challenges were a financial burden, communication problems, stigmatized attitude, Insecurity and vulnerability, substandard accommodation facility, and visitor restriction policy. A wide range of negative emotions, as well as unmet physical health needs, was reported. Changes in family and occupational roles as a result of the caregiving process cause additional stress to the caregivers. Despite all, they tried to positively cope and adapt to the difficult situation and acknowledged the effort of health personnel and other significant members of the family. Provision of essential medical and basic services/facilities within the hospital, reconstruction of open accommodation facility, maintaining a proper channel of communication, and visitation allowance were suggested as care facilitators to make caregiving tasks easier. Conclusions: This study highlights the role of caregivers is very crucial during the time of health crisis.

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