Overview of Qualitative Themes and Subthemes
| Theme/Subtheme | (N = 19) %/# | Thematic Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Patients reported few to no impacts on their health care services or physical health status | 100% (19) | Patients thought their clinics went above and beyond to support them and make sure they were getting the care they needed. Most had no significant change in their physical health status during the pandemic. |
| 1a. Some had a dislike of the shift to virtual appointments | 32% (6) | Patients felt they were not getting the same level of care as an in-person visit and they were less personal. |
| 2. Disconnection and isolation from family friends, and community affect mental health and wellbeing | 95% (18) | The impact of social distancing had a significant impact on patient’s wellbeing and relationships. They felt lonely and isolated from their family, friends, and important social connections. |
| 2a. There were pandemic related increases in anxiety and depression | 63% (13) | Disconnection and isolation acted like fuel on the fire for depression and anxiety, significantly impacting those already struggling with these mental health issues. |
| 3. There were little to no pandemic related financial impacts for those on fixed income or government support | 79% (15) | The majority of patients were retired or receiving government support and their finances were not impacted by the pandemic. |
| 3a. Financial impacts were mainly for care coordination patients still employed | 32% (6) | Younger patients in care coordination who were still working experienced furloughs and job and wage losses affecting them and their families. |
| 4. Care coordinators provided a significant and reliable source of help, support, and comfort | 79% (15) | Care coordinators provided ongoing stability, kindness, and support for these patients who described them as a friend, advocate, and trusted advisor. |