Clinical communication in the hospital with elderly patients and their relatives in the context of COVID-19

Principal investigator: Dre Anca Sterie

Duration: June - November 2021

Funding : Institut des humanités en médecine, CHUV

The measures taken hospitals to ensure the prevention and management of the COVID-19 pandemic have profoundly altered exchanges between health professionals and patients. The arrival of COVID-19 has particularly affected elderly patients, a population that is vulnerable to the virus, and in particular those with co-morbidities. In addition, the management of elderly patients is dependent on the quality of contact and communication with caregivers. COVID-19-related protective measures have exacerbated the sense of social isolation and loneliness experienced by elderly patients, requiring professionals to provide specific support to their patients.

Through semi-structured and open-ended interviews, the project examines the health professionals’ perceptions of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges they faced, and the resources they put in place to respond.

The project is taking place in the Geriatric and Geriatric Rehabilitation Service of the CHUV.

Finalised

27.10.2022 - Sterie AC “Revisiting Covid-19”. Seminar organised by IHM-UNIL