Virtual visiting for older hospitalised people: the next best thing to stay connected during COVID‐19

• DOI: 10.1111/imj.14999
• Publication Date: 2021-02-26T00:43:40Z
• Authors: Beatrix Ling Ling...; Reshma A. Merchant
• Keywords: Time line; National library

Like other countries in lockdown, 'Circuit Breaker' measures were imposed Singapore from 7 April until 1 June 2020.1 Local hospital visitation policy mandated a no-visitor rule except certain circumstances such as critically ill or paediatric inpatients.2 This meant that most hospitalised patients not allowed to have visitors. is one of the fastest ageing Asia where 14.4% population above 65 years old. More than 50% beds are occupied by older adults.3 Older adults at risk delirium due age, sensory impairment and dementia, 'no-visitor' has significant impact on individual outcomes including functional decline, prolonged length stay readmissions.4 Facilitating interactions between caregivers significantly reduce duration mortality would be particularly important this already resource manpower-constrained COVID-19 pandemic period.5 Of all ways undermined conventions normal life, perhaps none stark separation their loved ones – an infection control implemented hospitals worldwide created lot anxiety. The next best thing bedside visiting 'virtual visiting' (VV). Many may own personal mobile device, confused, restricting ability remain connected. Hence, we piloted VV programme geriatric wards academic Singapore. aim was help fill gap being able visit person, improving psychosocial mental well-being these unprecedented times. A device supported video calls had Internet access separate hospital's network used (Fig. 1). Patients who difficulty using assisted 'Care Ambassadors' cabin crew Airlines deployed manpower gaps Singapore.6 Hearing amplifiers made available for those with hearing impairment. survey conducted 8 30 May 2020 patients, two-thirds caregivers. Eight 10 70 Almost 3 depression 4 treated infection. three-quarters anxious worried they could visitors ones. requested daily 95% agreed them less worried. Nine participants still preferred in-person if allowed. appreciative staff going extra mile facilitate VV. An average 85% scored how likely participant recommend others hospital. accelerated adoption telemedicine, tele-consult While cannot entirely visit, globalisation dispersed demands sandwich generation, can supplement after COVID-19.