Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Care of Patients with Predominantly Antibody Deficiencies (PADs)—A Qualitative Study with Perspectives from Both Patients and Nurses

TL;DR

This study explores how patients with antibody deficiencies and nurses experienced the challenges of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of telemedicine and coordinated care.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the lived experiences of PAD patients and nurses during the pandemic, emphasizing telemedicine and coordinated care.

Findings

PAD patients felt infectiously healthier due to social isolation and adherence to public health guidelines.

Telemedicine was crucial for addressing patient concerns and maintaining care during the pandemic.

Patients and nurses emphasized the need for coordinated care plans and better integration between primary and specialized care.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: One of the risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic was people with predominantly antibody deficiencies (PADs) that have a compromised immune system. In the absence of evidence and clinical experience, there were challenges for patients in their daily life and for staff in counseling during this time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences of PAD patients and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Focus group interviews with patients (n = 12) and nurses (n = 12) were performed separately, which were then analyzed using content analysis. Results: The daily life of PAD patients was affected during the pandemic, with concerns about becoming seriously ill. Social isolation and adherence to recommendations by the majority of the Swedish population resulted in patients feeling infectiously healthier during this period. The rapid transition of specialist care to telemedicine care encounters was an important measure taken to address patients’ concerns and questions according to both patients and nurses. In addition, patients expressed a need for a coordinated care plan to facilitate access to integrated care. Conclusions: The high level of trust for authorities in Sweden was related to the high compliance with the recommendations, which reduced the spread of the infection. The role of specialized care is an important support for PAD patients, which was particularly evident during the pandemic. Information transfer to a specific risk group, such as people with PADs, is important and can usefully be coordinated by their specialist clinic. Telemedicine meetings are an important complement for people with PADs and need to be further elaborated. Also, there is a need to clarify how to better coordinate primary and specialized care.