Understanding Institutional Betrayal in Hospital Visitation Policies
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. One significant issue that arose was the restriction of hospital visitation, which, while initially a necessary measure to control the spread of the virus, has had lasting impacts on patients, families, and healthcare workers. The research article "Visitors not Welcome: Hospital Visitation Restrictions and Institutional Betrayal" provides a comprehensive analysis of how these restrictions have contributed to institutional betrayal and complex trauma.
The Concept of Institutional Betrayal
Institutional betrayal occurs when an institution fails to protect the individuals who depend on it, leading to additional harm. In the context of hospital visitation policies, this betrayal is evident when healthcare institutions, intended to provide safety and care, impose restrictions that exacerbate patient and family trauma. The research highlights how these policies have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including those with limited English proficiency and minoritized racial groups, who already face systemic inequities in healthcare.
Impact on Patients and Families
Before the pandemic, open visitation policies were recognized for their positive impact on patient outcomes, including reduced delirium, cardiovascular complications, and shorter ICU stays. However, during the pandemic, visitation restrictions led to increased patient distress, family distrust of medical staff, and complex bereavement responses. These outcomes underscore the importance of family presence in healthcare settings and the need for policies that balance safety with the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families.
Role of Social Workers
Social workers play a crucial role in advocating for patient and family-centered care. The research suggests that social workers should adopt an integrated approach to advocacy, addressing both individual patient needs and systemic inequities in visitation policies. By functioning as trauma-informed systems experts, social workers can facilitate supports for patients and families, advocate for policy changes, and educate healthcare institutions on the importance of safe and inclusive visitation practices.
Recommendations for Practitioners
- Advocate for evidence-based visitation policies that prioritize patient and family well-being.
- Engage in trauma-informed care practices to support patients and families affected by visitation restrictions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that visitation policies are inclusive and equitable.
- Educate healthcare institutions on the long-term impacts of institutional betrayal and the importance of institutional courage.
Encouraging Further Research
The article calls for continued research into the effects of visitation policies and institutional betrayal. Practitioners are encouraged to explore how these policies impact patient outcomes and to advocate for policy changes that reflect the latest evidence and best practices. By doing so, healthcare providers can help mitigate the trauma experienced by patients and families and promote a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Visitors not Welcome: Hospital Visitation Restrictions and Institutional Betrayal.
