Experiences of the informal caregiver of the patient with Covid-19 in the domiciliary instance in Quisapincha - Ambato

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that is part of the coronaviridae family that is related to wild animals such as bats and intermediary reservoirs such as the pangolin, snakes and minks. This irus produces the illness better known as COVID-19, which has been declared a global pandemic and has required care from both medical personnel and informal caregivers.

Objetive: Analyse of the informal caregiver’s experiences handling a patient positive for COVID-19 and its work overload, also the methods used to face the issue in such a way as to implement strategies in the care of patients due to COVID -19 by the informal caregiver.

Materials and methods: A thorough qualitative, description investigation was conducted, with a proper field design. The research focus were the family members of COVID-19 patients from the parish of Quisapincha, whom were also the informal caregivers. The research data was obtained via semi-structured interviews done to ten participants; the pertinent criteria related to the quality and data adequacy, also the overflow of unnecessary information. The analysis was performed following the rules of the fundamental theory of data from which categories and subcategories of the discourse of the study participants emerged. Likewise, the ethical principles of autonomy were protected, respect and confidentiality of the information given.

Results: In this study, the overload of the COVID-19 patients’ caregivers was low, this was because their focus was not on the negative. Their focus was in the love they have for their family member and using different strategies to face the virus so the patient’s quality of life is not affected.

Conclusions: Through the informant’s stories, it was conclusive that these caregivers did not suffer from work overload during the COVID-19 patient’s care; they also demonstrated their feelings love and family unity.