Video calls during the COVID-19 pandemic: A bridge for patients, families, and respiratory therapists

Background: In response to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, healthcare procedures and modalities have changed considerably. Video calls may supply valid support for health care professionals, contributing to maintaining the communication between hospitalized patients and their families. The present study aimed to observe the experience of a group of respiratory therapists who conducted video calls between patients and their families in a COVID-19 unit. Method: Semistructured interviews (20-30 minutes duration) with the respiratory therapists who conducted the video calls in a COVID-19 unit in the North of Italy were performed. Participants joined the study voluntarily and, after receiving the informed consent, the interviews were audio-recorded. To better understand healthcare professionals' experience, the Interpretive Description methodology was adopted. Results: Seven respiratory therapists (three males, four females; mean age 45.1 +/- 14.4) were recruited. Sixteen codes emerged from the analysis, constituting five primary themes: Contact, Impact, Challenges, Centering, and Future. Conclusions: The findings shed light on the usability of video calls during this emergency period and their potential for future implementation. Specifically, this type of call may bridge the distances in such periods of care and help professionals to emotionally support patients and caregivers.Public Significance Statement Overall, these findings provide first suggestions to the healthcare system concerning both professionals' and patients/caregivers' needs in dealing with new technologies.