Bara fysisk distans? – En kvalitativ intervjustudie om hälso- och sjukvårdskuratorers upplevelser av stödsamtal över videolänk under Covid-19 pandemin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of health social workers who have worked with telehealth counselling during the Covid-19-pendemic. A qualitative study was undertaken and seven interviews were implemented. Our empirical data was analysed and compared with previous research and theories. The qualitative research interviews illustrated how the respondents experience telehealth during Covid-19. The brief time that telehealth had been a method of counselling has made an impression on the health social workers. They discussed how implementing video calls as a counselling approach have had consequences such as a better alternative for those who live far away from the hospital, or the access to a health social worker from the patients home, in case they cannot leave or as possibility to stay in their home, their safe space. A few of the health social workers also discussed how there is a phenomenon where there is a lack of emotional attachment to the patient. There was something, that cannot be explained, which affected the health social worker and patient relationship while counselling through telehealth. Further our study acknowledges the risks that can occur during a video call where intimate details or taboo subjects are discussed. One component such as the health social worker cannot be assured that the conversation is between only her/him and the patient. Another component that was discussed is when the patient or children are experiencing violence in their home.