Context
hip fracture, headache
RECRUITMENT
This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient visitor policies and restrictions were in place. Most caregiver dyads suggested that the opportunity to visit their friend/relative was a main driver for participation.This trial helped me visit **** once or twice more during her stay in hospital than I would have been allowed to. (Caregiver 1, Intervention Group, Male, Site 4)For health professionals, allocating visiting time slots created a further challenge of obtaining consent.With visiting times, we’re making sure it’s the right carer coming in because it might not be them that have the slots booked that week. (Occupational Therapist, Female, Site 1).Changes in visitor policies/restrictions would need to be considered for any future trial.From the perspective of health professionals, one of the most common reasons for non-participation was attributed to perceived burden on caregivers.They say, ‘oh no that seems like a lot for my daughter to take on or that seems a lot for husband to do they already do enough, or I don't think they'd manage that’. So, it’s that perception that they don't want to put any more burden on someone. Seems to be the main reason we find. (Occupational Therapist, Site 1)Caregivers who work full-time or spouses who are too frail to make it into hospital just can’t. (Research Physiotherapist, Male, Site 5)For this study, there was the added complexity of dyad recruitment, as reflected in this comment:I think getting both the caregiver and the patient consent is a bit of a headache. (Occupational Therapist, Female, Site 1)Initially, when health professionals approached the person with hip fracture, a key reason for decline was concerns about feelings of burden on their caregivers. Staff felt recruitment was more successful when the potential caregiver was approached first.