Digital practices and the role technology played during the COVID-19 pandemic by young adults with a life-shortening conditions and family members: A grounded theory study

Background: This article explores the digital practices of young adults with life-shortening conditions (LSCs) and family members during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The findings presented are based on qualitative data collected between July and December 2020 by an interdisciplinary research team, including experts by experience who have LSCs. Results: Data analysis of the transcripts curated through online interviews with young adults and family members utilised constructivist grounded theory. Through this analysis three themes were highlighted: (1) Social connections, (2) Access to basic goods and employment provision, and (3) Health and wellbeing. Conclusions: Digital technologies and practices afforded the young adults and family members to improve their social connections and societal engagement. Without technology, this vulnerable group of people would have been disconnected because of the change in routines and following UK government shielding directives.