1 McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
2 Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
3 Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
4 Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
5 University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
6 University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
7 Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: akothari@uwo.ca.

Objectives: This rapid review aimed to identify the strategies used to (re)integrate essential caregivers (ECs) into the LTC setting, particularly pertaining to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition, this rapid review aimed to identify the strategies used during prior infectious disease threats, when similar blanket visitor restrictions were implemented in LTC homes. The review was part of a larger effort to support LTC homes in Ontario.

Design: A rapid review was conducted in accordance with principles from the Canadian National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools.

Setting and participants: ECs, residents, staff, and policy decision makers in long-term care home settings.

Methods: Five electronic databases were searched for academic and gray literature using predefined search terms. Selected documents met inclusion criteria if they included policy guidance or an intervention to (re)integrate ECs into LTC homes at the local, national, and/or international level.

Results: In total, 15 documents met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All documents retrieved focused on the context of COVID-19. Documents were either policy guidance (n = 13) or primary research studies (n = 2). Documents differed in these notable ways: Definition of EC; the degree to which an EC is recognized for her or his role in the care of the resident; the degree to which ECs are (re)integrated into the LTC setting is prioritized; response to community spread of COVID-19; visitation during an outbreak or if a resident is symptomatic; the reliance on equity, diversity, and inclusion principles; and lastly, monitoring and improving the process.

Conclusions and implications: Using an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, we posit promising practices for (re)integration. It is clear from the rapid review that more research is needed to understand the efficacy of policies and guidelines to (re)integrate ECs into the LTC setting. Until such evidence is available, expert opinion will drive best care practices.