Content and Communication of Inpatient Family Visitation Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sequential Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.28897
• Publication Date: 2021-09-25T00:42:42Z
• Authors: Joanna Hart; Amy Summer; Kuldeep N Yadav; Summer Peace; David Hong; Michael Konu; Justin T Clapp
• Keywords: Pandemic

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Inpatient health care facilities restricted inpatient visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no existing evidence of how they communicated these policies public nor impact their communication choices on perception. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study aims describe patterns during initial peak pandemic in United States and general public, as well identify strategies that maximize positive impressions facility despite restrictions. <title>METHODS</title> We conducted a sequential, exploratory, mixed methods including qualitative analysis era published Pennsylvania-based websites, captured between April 30 May 20, 2020 (ie, first States). also factorial survey-based experiment test key elements hospitals’ policy are associated with individuals’ willingness seek October 2020. For policies, we included all Pennsylvania. experiment, US adults were drawn from internet research panels. The presented composite varied justification for visitation, degree which expressed ownership policy, inclusion family-centered support plans. Our primary outcome was participants’ recommend hypothetical using 5-point Likert scale. <title>RESULTS</title> identified 104 unique 363 facilities’ websites. mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 14.2. Most prohibited family presence (99/104, 95.2%). Facilities justified basis community protection (59/104, 56.7%), authorities’ guidance or regulations (34/104, 32.7%), scientific rationale (23/104, 22.1%). A minority (38/104, 36.5%) addressed restrictive may impair care. analyzed used passive voice communicate total 1321 participants completed web-based survey. Visitation significantly justifications based (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.24-1.68) 1.30, 1.12-1.51), rather than those governing authority. high over decision 1.16, 1.04-1.29), low ownership; plans 2.80, 2.51-3.12), such support. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Health systems can immediately improve receptiveness by emphasizing protection, facility’s promoting