Digital technology, health and well-being and the Covid-19 pandemic: it's time to call forward informal carers from the back of the queue

Objective
To describe the current challenges of family caregivers during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for future digital innovations including involvement from professional nursing roles.

Data Sources
Review of recent literature from PubMed and relevant health and care reports.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused monumental disruption to health care delivery and care. Caregivers face unprecedented levels of uncertainty: both for the people they care for and for their own health and well-being. Given that many carers face poor health and well-being, there is a significant risk that health inequalities will be increased by this pandemic, particularly for high-risk groups. Innovations including those supported and delivered by digital health could make a significant difference but careful planning and implementation is a necessity for widespread implementation.

Implications for Nursing Practice
Carers need to be championed in the years ahead to ensure they do not become left at the “back of the queue” for health and well-being equity. This situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptive change to health and social care is now required where digital health solutions hold considerable promise, yet to be fully realized.