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In the Eye of the Storm: A Quantitative and Qualitative Account of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dutch Home Healthcare

Author

Listed:
  • Anne O. E. van den Bulck

    (Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maud H. de Korte

    (Department of Economics, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
    Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), 3502 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Silke F. Metzelthin

    (Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Arianne M. J. Elissen

    (Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Irma H. J. Everink

    (Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Dirk Ruwaard

    (Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)

  • Misja C. Mikkers

    (Department of Economics, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
    Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), 3502 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Tilburg Law and Economics Center (TILEC), Tilburg University, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected healthcare delivery across the world. However, little is known about COVID-19’s impact on home healthcare (HHC) services. Our study aimed to: (1) describe the changes in volume and intensity of HHC services and the crisis management policies implemented; (2) understand the responses and the experiences of HHC staff and clients. We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. First, retrospective client data (N = 43,495) from four Dutch HHC organizations was analyzed. Second, four focus group interviews were conducted for the strategic, tactical, operational, and client levels of the four HHC organizations. Our results showed that both the supply of and demand for Dutch HHC decreased considerably, especially during the first wave (March–June 2020). This was due to factors such as fear of infection, anticipation of a high demand for COVID-19-related care from the hospital sector, and lack of personal protective equipment. The top-down management style initially applied made way for a more bottom-up approach in the second wave (July 2020–January 2021). Experiences vary between levels and waves. HHC organizations need more responsive protocols to prevent such radical scaling-back of HHC in future crises, and interventions to help HHC professionals cope with crisis situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne O. E. van den Bulck & Maud H. de Korte & Silke F. Metzelthin & Arianne M. J. Elissen & Irma H. J. Everink & Dirk Ruwaard & Misja C. Mikkers, 2022. "In the Eye of the Storm: A Quantitative and Qualitative Account of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dutch Home Healthcare," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2252-:d:750981
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    Cited by:

    1. Ilyse Kenis & Sofie Theys & Ella Hermie & Veerle Foulon & Ann Van Hecke, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 on the Organization of Cancer Care in Belgium: Lessons Learned for the (Post-)Pandemic Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, September.

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