However , caregivers also report encountering challenges with virtual care . Among these are experiences overcoming the “ digital divide ,” which acknowledges differences in access to technology ( such as limited internet access ) and / or a lack of operational knowledge of digital devices .
Although technology and internet usage have become increasingly ingrained in the day-to-day lives of Canadians , individuals living with limited incomes , or who live in remote areas , still face barriers to reliable internet .
Our research suggests this limits options for accessing virtual forms of health care . Meanwhile , some patients who have more limited knowledge of digital technology rely on a caregiver to facilitate virtual appointments .
Other challenges with virtual care identified by caregivers include difficulty establishing rapport with a clinician during virtual meetings . This can be especially true for those without a designated family physician , who instead regularly meet with virtual walk-in doctors .
For Indigenous communities , this lack of a consistent point of care undermine efforts to access care that is free from racism , stigma and discrimination — something that is largely achieved through the long-term establishment of trusting relationships with patients and their caregivers in a community setting .
For caregivers of diverse languages , we found that virtual appointments outside of formal health-care spaces where interpretation services are more readily available often mean that they are called upon to translate language and cultural nuances with clinicians , adding to their responsibilities as caregivers .
Barriers and stressors
Navigating new virtual healthcare tools can also create new stressors for caregivers . For instance , uncertainty as to where and how to follow up with a clinician , or concerns related to privacy and confidentiality . These concerns , amidst other barriers , can compound feelings of anxiety for caregivers already grappling with the stress of their loved one ’ s care .
One community support worker we interviewed for our study noted that most caregivers in their program were seniors themselves , who were taking care of a spouse or an elderly parent . “ So , they are seniors , too … they may not have the technology skills to access to the virtual care .” This includes hardware . The support worker noted that older caregivers may not have smartphones , tablets , laptops or even internet . This can create a financial barrier as well as a technological one : “ For some low-income seniors , it ’ s very difficult ,” they said .
These experiences make clear that , although virtual health care brings new opportunities that can alleviate access barriers for caregivers , there is also a risk of new challenges being introduced .
Health policymakers and clinicians must be attentive to caregivers ’ unique needs if we are to have truly equitable models for virtual care . Meaningful engagement with caregivers of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds is a necessary first step .
This article was originally published in The Conversation . Read the original article here .
To Table of Contents
Accessibilty for All 73