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The Experiences of Informal Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Cara Bailey

    (School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Ping Guo

    (School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • John MacArtney

    (Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK)

  • Anne Finucane

    (Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
    Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 7DR, UK)

  • Susan Swan

    (Maggie’s Glasgow, Gartnavel Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 OYN, UK)

  • Richard Meade

    (Carers UK, 20, Dover Street, London SE1 4LXT, UK)

  • Ellie Wagstaff

    (Marie Curie UK, Edinburgh EH10 7DR, UK)

Abstract

Objectives: To identify, critically appraise and synthesise the qualitative literature on the experiences of informal carers of people with long-term conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A qualitative systematic literature review. Data Sources: Eight electronic databases were systematically searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Nursing and Allied Health and ASSIA) along with Google Scholar and handsearching via secondary sources. Study selection: Eligible studies had to include the experiences of informal carers (adults who are 65 or older), use a qualitative methodology and had to be written in English. Data extraction and synthesis: Retrieved papers were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and ranked for quality. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the findings. Results: Fourteen studies were included, all from medical or nursing journals ( n = 5 specifically gerontology). Four main themes were identified: (i) fear, (ii) uncertainty, (iii) burden and (iv) staying connected. Caregiving demands have increased for carers during the pandemic, as well as negative emotions such as fear and uncertainty. At the same time, less social support has been available, leading to concerns about carers’ wellbeing and ability to cope. Conclusion: Carers’ needs have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater practical and emotional support is needed for carers from both formal services and community sources that considers their changing needs and offers educational and emotional support for long-term wellbeing. Strengths and Limitations: (1) This is the first systematic review to explore in depth the experiences of informal carers caring for people with a range of long-term conditions and from an international context. (2) The review includes an analysis of the quality of the studies, as well as a study of their relative contributions. (3) Further research is needed to explore the physical, emotional and financial impact of the pandemic for bereaved carers which is not captured in this review due to the lack of empirical data available at the time of review.

Suggested Citation

  • Cara Bailey & Ping Guo & John MacArtney & Anne Finucane & Susan Swan & Richard Meade & Ellie Wagstaff, 2022. "The Experiences of Informal Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13455-:d:945605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. José Luis Carballo & Ainhoa Coloma-Carmona & Sara Arteseros-Bañón & Virtudes Pérez-Jover, 2021. "The Moderating Role of Caregiving on Fear of COVID-19 and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-11, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Costi, Chiara & Hollingsworth, Bruce & O'Sullivan, Vincent & Zucchelli, Eugenio, 2023. "Does caring for others affect our mental health? Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).

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