Utilization-Focused Evaluation of Virtual Family Visits in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care Homes Across a Regional BC Health Authority (VFV Study)

Virtual family visits by video, phone, e-mail, or text have been the only way for some residents in care homes to connect with their family during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was due to limits placed on in-person visits to lower the risk of outbreaks in care homes. Bans on visits left residents lonely and depressed. It also reduced the wellbeing of families not able to visit their loved ones in care homes. Virtual family visits might help, but concerns have been raised about issues with fair access and privacy. We will evaluate the use and value of virtual family visits in assisted living and long-term care homes during the pandemic in the Fraser Health region in British Columbia. This will be done based on the views of residents, their families and staff in care homes. We will interview residents living in assisted living or long-term care homes and their family members to hear their views on virtual family visits and preferences compared to in-person visits. Also, we will run focus groups with care home staff that support virtual family visits to assess the impact on their work load and lessons learned. Overall, we want to assess what barriers and enablers exist for virtual family visits that are fair and give value for residents, their families and staff in care homes. Our approach will involve ongoing team work between researchers and end users. End users will include: key decision makers, residents, family members, and care staff supporting virtual family visits in assisted living long-term care in Fraser Health. The results of this study will inform decision makers and front-line end users about best practices for virtual family visits now and after the pandemic. They will also be used to develop practical tools for end users. For example, a note for decision makers, a picture plan for care staff and a picture plan or short video for residents and families in assisted living and long-term care.