The support dilemma of stroke inpatients and family caregivers under COVID-19 prevention and control: a qualitative study in China

China has implemented a strict isolation system in hospitals since the COVID-19 pandemic, that adversely affected the psychology of inpatients and their caregivers. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 22 stroke inpatients from two municipal hospitals were conducted to explore the psychological, emotional and related support needs of stroke inpatients and their family caregivers under this environment. Results which showed that external support for stroke inpatients and their family caregivers was insufficient highlight the necessity for developing specific nursing interventions that meet the psychological and emotional needs of inpatients and the caregivers.

Automated summary

China's strict isolation system in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the psychology of inpatients and their caregivers. This study emphasizes the need for specific nursing interventions to meet the psychological and emotional needs of stroke inpatients and their family caregivers, as external support was found to be insufficient.