The impact of personal protective equipment and social distancing on communication and relation between nurses, caregivers and children: a descriptive qualitative study in a maternal and child health hospital

Aims and objectives The main objective was to explore the impact of personal protective equipment and social distancing on nurses, caregivers and children's communication and relationship in a maternal and child health hospital. Background The spread of COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to apply infection prevention and control measures, including interpersonal distancing and the use of personal protective equipment. These measures may impact communication and relationship between nurses, patients and caregivers especially in a complex environment, such as a paediatric setting. Design A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted. Reporting followed the COREQ guidelines. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in two wards of a maternal and child health hospital in north-east Italy. Data were collected between September and November 2020. Transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Seventeen caregivers and 17 nurses were recruited using convenience sampling. Three themes were identified, namely: "Impact on a trustworthy relationship"; "Impact on common communication resources"; and "Strategies to overcome barriers". Participants agreed Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures impacted key elements of family-centred and compassionate care. Communication strategies and play were critical to overcoming the barriers encountered. Conclusions COVID-19 containment measures impact communication and family-centred care in paediatric hospital settings. There is a need for stakeholders to consider family needs in interventions aimed at controlling pandemics' impact. Clinical Relevance While COVID-19 pandemic urgency intensified the use of PPE and social distancing, strategies to overcome issues related to family-centred care should be considered in those wards such as oncology or infectious disease paediatric departments where these measures are continuously adopted. Beyond a greater communication awareness, strategies may comprise the implementation of virtual care to guarantee support, continuity of care and information between the child, the healthcare team and the family members that are not admitted to the hospital for safety reasons.