An eye for the vulnerable patients Experiences from visiting restrictions during the covid-19 pandemic

Background: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting restrictions were introduced at hospitals in many countries. This meant the patient's relatives could not be physically present during hospitalization. Purpose: This study investigates the significance of relatives' physical absence in hospital admissions for vulnerable patients based on the experiences of relatives, fellow patients and healthcare staff. Method: The study uses a qualitative approach and includes interviews with patients, relatives and healthcare staff in an orthopaedic surgery department. The study is a secondary analysis. Results: Two main themes were uncovered: "Relatives as an indispensable partner" and "The experience of loneliness of vulnerable patients", describing experiences of lost knowledge, feelings of powerlessness and the need to see with one's own eyes. Conclusion: Vulnerable patients are particularly affected by visiting restrictions. Relatives of vulnerable patients need to be present, and they and the healthcare staff agreed they are an essential resource in the patient pathway.