Views of family members on using video calls during the hospital admission of a patient: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Utilization of video calls on hospital wards to facilitate involvement of and communication with family members is still limited. A deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of family members regarding video calls on hospital wards is necessary, to identify potential barriers and facilitate video calls in practice.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the views, expectations and needs of a patient's family members regarding the use of video calls between family members, patients and healthcare professionals, during the patient's hospital admission.

METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out. Semi-structured interviews with family members of patients admitted to two hospitals were conducted between February and May 2022. Family members of patients admitted to the surgical, internal medicine and gynaecological wards were recruited.

RESULTS: Twelve family members of patients participated. Family members stated that they perceive video calls as a supplemental option and prefer live visits during hospital admission. They expected video calls to initiate additional moments of contact with healthcare professionals, e.g. to join in medical rounds. When deploying video calls, family members mentioned that adequate instruction and technical support by nurses should be available.

CONCLUSION: Family members considered video calls valuable when visiting is not possible or to participate in medical rounds or other contacts with healthcare professionals outside of visiting hours.

IMPLICATIONS: Family members need to be supported in options and use of video calls on hospital wards. Additional knowledge about actual participation in care through video calls is needed as well as the effect on patient, family and healthcare professional outcomes.

IMPACT: Using video calls on hospital wards can provide family members with flexible alternatives for contact and promote family involvement.

REPORTING METHOD: COREQ guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Family members of patients admitted to hospital have contributed by sharing their perspectives in interviews. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Family members perceive additional value from the use of video calls on hospital wards. For family, use of video calls needs to be facilitated with clear instruction materials and support.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Amsterdam UMC Medical Ethics Review Committee (ref number W21_508 # 21.560).