Impacts of COVID-19-related measures on older non-COVID-19 patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals in acute care settings: A secondary analysis of real-time qualitative data from the TRADE study

• Real-time data reveal the immediate impact of COVID-19 on patient care, caregiver well-being, and the resilience of healtcare professionals. • Visiting restrictions increased isolation, intensifying strain for all involved. • Clear, flexible visitation policies are needed to support high-risk patients. • Fear of infection limited social contact after discharge. The COVID-19 pandemic led to profound changes in healthcare, requiring hospitals to implement extensive structural adaptations for infection control. This study investigates the effects of COVID-19-related measures on older, non-COVID-19 patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Using real-time qualitative data from the TRADE project, collected during the pandemic's peak, this secondary analysis identifies seven key themes: (1) structural changes; (2) altered tasks and care practices; (3) ward and occupancy adjustments; (4) shifts in staffing situation; (5) revised visitation policies; (6) changes in communication; and (7) reduced social contact post-discharge. While essential for safety, COVID-19-related changes in hospital care posed challenges to direct patient care, increased staff burden, and limited social interaction. The study findings emphasize the need for clear, flexible, and well-communicated visitation policies and the integration of technology to maintain patient-family connections, promoting resilience and preparedness for future healthcare crises.