ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Robin R. Whitebird, PhD; Leif I. Solberg, MD; Meghan M. JaKa, PhD; Joan M. Kindt, RN; Anna R. Bergdall, MPH; Bonnie LaPlante, RN; Steven P. Dehmer, PhD
Corresponding Author: Robin R. Whitebird, PhD, MSW; University of St Thomas; Morrison Family College of Health; School of Social Work
Email: rrwhitebird@stthomas.edu
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220374R1
Keywords: Chronic Disease, COVID-19, Delivery of Health Care, Health Services, Mental Health, Pandemics, Primary Health Care, Qualitative Research
Dates: Submitted: 01-18-2023; Revised: 03-17-2023; Accepted: 03-27-2023
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INTRODUCTION: Care coordination addresses the needs of patients with complex chronic illness and psychosocial issues, coordinating their care and social needs. It is not known how such patients receiving these services managed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to learn how the health, health care, social needs, and finances of patients receiving care coordination were affected by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHOD: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 patients receiving care coordination in primary care across a statewide sample about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their life in general, including their overall health, social connections, finances and employment, and mental health. A content analysis approach was applied in the data analysis.
RESULTS: We identified 4 primary themes in patient interviews including: (1) patients reported few to no impacts on their physical health status or health care services; (2) patients felt disconnected from family, friends, and community in ways that affected their mental health and wellbeing; (3) there were little to no pandemic related impacts for those on fixed incomes or government supports; and (4) care coordinators provided a significant and reliable source of help, support, and comfort.
CONCLUSIONS: Care coordination provided a supporting framework for the health and the health care needs of these patients, helping them navigate resources and maintain their physical health during the pandemic. Care coordinators were seen as providing needed communication, connection, and support that was especially needed during a time of social isolation and disconnection.