Covid-19 ’shielding’: experiences, concerns and support needs [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences, concerns and support needs of people ‘shielding’ due to Covid-19 and their family members
IRAS ID
284816
Contact name
Ann-Louise Caress
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Some 2.25 million people in the UK have been identified as ‘extremely vulnerable’ to Covid-19 and therefore advised to ‘shield’. ‘Shielding’ involves very stringent social isolation and home hygiene measures, over a prolonged period (at least 12 weeks), affecting the lives and well-being of ‘shielded’ individuals and their families.\nAIM: To understand experiences, concerns and support needs of ’shielded’ individuals and their family members\nDESIGN: We will use ‘sequential explanatory mixed methods’, which involves a quantitative phase (online survey), followed by a qualitative phase (interviews and focus groups) to provide greater insight into survey results, with results then combined. \nMETHODS: We will conduct online questionnaire surveys with people (aged 18 years or older) who are either ‘shielding’ due to kidney disease; respiratory conditions; cancer; rheumatoid arthritis; sickle cell and other blood disorders and psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis) or are a family member of someone ‘shielding’ due to these health conditions. We will then conduct, online or by telephone, at least 4-6 focus groups (each 8-12 members) and at least 20 interviews with selected survey participants. \nANALYSIS: We will analyse survey responses overall and in sub-groups (eg age, gender, condition, ethnicity). We will compare shielded individuals’ and family members’ responses. Choice of statistical tests will be guided by our team statistician. For focus group and interview data, we will use a well-recognised analysis approach called ’Framework Analysis’ to identify main themes and undertake comparisons (shielded person/family, condition, etc). We will then undertake ‘data synthesis’ (comparing and combining survey and interview/focus group data). \nOUTCOMES: Insights into daily living experiences and personal impacts of ‘shielding’. Guidance to inform current/future ’shielding’ policy and practice for healthcare charities, clinicians and policy-makers re: usefulness and timeliness of information and support; daily living and healthcare service usage challenges; unmet support needs and ’exit strategy’ plans.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/2795
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion