Rebecca A Brooks, Internal Medical Trainee, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Other Contributors: Helen Hayhoe Alistair J Mackett June 14, 2020 Whilst the benefits of advance care planning are being increasingly recognised [1], the current Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the continued importance of a proactive rather than reactive approach to end-of-life care. In light of end-of-life care discussions around […]
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Family visits to French palliative care settings during COVID-19
Cécile Barbaret1,2, Elise Perceau-Chambard3, Flora Tremellat-Faliere4, Pascale Vassal5, Louise Hannetel6, Raphael Alluin7, Stéphane Sanchez8 For sick individuals, their family, friends and loved-ones provide essential support. The role of family and friends often goes unrecognised within healthcare, with its constant technological, therapeutic and organisational challenges. Yet, they have a key role to play in palliative care. […]
Mistrust as a risk? – Experiences of Canadian healthcare workers during COVID-19 in long term care facilities
By Marzieh Eghtesadi, MD Over the Easter long weekend in April 2020, I offered my support as a physician to help long term care (LTC) facilities, previously unknown to my practice, facing high mortality from Covid-19. Amongst risk factors previously reported about cross contamination, movement of health care personnel across various facilities was also prevalent […]
(Not) dying alone: recommendations from Italian Palliative Care during COVID-19 pandemic
By Matteo Moroni, Luigi Montanari, Ludovica De Panfilis, Loredana Buonaccorso & Silvia Tanzi Italy During the Coronavirus pandemic, the world of Palliative Care has faced a staggering change in how it communicates with patients, families and even health professionals. The implementation in the daily practice of pre-existing Internet-based devices (1) (together with the development […]
‘Whispers of some quiet conversations’- Palliative care after the pandemic
By Dr Ollie Minton Twitter: @drol007 The song Africa, by Toto, made me reflect on our strange times. It prompted me to write down some thoughts on where we are now, and where Covid-19 might lead us. For instance, the song text contains the words: “I know I must do what is right”. What is […]
Keeping your eye on the ball – A hospital deaths dashboard
By Dr Simon Tavabie – Palliative medicine registrar – Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead @SimonTavabie Football, I understand, is a popular pastime and I’m told that people are rather missing it at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been warned that, given my abject lack of understanding, I’m unlikely to be able to write […]
TOO NEAR BUT SO FAR
By Anna Perry Anna Perry was previously a GP partner and is now a speciality doctor on the inpatient unit at the Marie Curie West Midlands hospice. She writes about her thoughts on the discomfort of being distanced from patients and families by Covid whilst being a bridge to their private moments. . During lockdown […]
Improving Palliative Care Through Digital Health Technology
Dr Amara Callistus Nwosu Lancaster University Faculty of Health and Medicine International Observatory on End of Life Care It is essential for society to use technology better to improve palliative care. The need for palliative care is expected to increase globally due to a number of socioeconomic factors, consequently it is important to explore opportunities […]
Part 2: Perspectives on dying from COVID-19: The rising tide
Part two in this exploration of themes from frontline palliative care staff during the pandemic Authors: Dr Simon Tavabie, Dr Katie Ball & Dr Rory Carrigan; Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead In the time following our previous blog post, the news reports of escalating numbers of people dying from the virus, inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) […]
Perspectives on dying from COVID-19: Waiting for the storm
Authors: Dr Simon Tavabie & Dr Katie Ball Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead Today we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic. COVID-19 has swept across the globe with thousands dead, more seriously unwell, and a sense of anxiety and uncertainty within healthcare professions that is unlike anything we have seen. As the course […]