The state of palliative care during COVID-19

Abstract

The novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) took the global population at shock by its rapid contagious nature, producing havoc in nations and the wealthiest healthcare systems. The outbreak resulted in drastic changes in daily regular social functioning and increased the number of patients in need of medical attention. The physical symptoms and the social isolation caused by the pandemic placed many patients and their families in need of compassionate care that could best be delivered by the palliative care approach. Delivering palliative care to COVID-19 infected patients is an integral part of any comprehensive care in mass casualty events. It addresses patients’ suffering by providing comfort medicine helping isolated patients connect with their family members, and paving the way for advanced care planning. Nevertheless, patients, families, health care system, and health professionals face a vast array of social, psychological, physical, economic, and existential challenges. The palliative care workforce is working at full capacity to respond to the increased demand and to secure the needed resources to attend to the psychosocial and medical needs of infected COVID-19 patients. This manuscript will summarize the challenges faced by patients, families, healthcare professionals during this pandemic and the action plan developed in response to it. A list of recommendations related to best palliative care practice will be presented as well. © 2020, American University of Beirut. All rights reserved.