Using Video Conferencing Applications to Share the Death Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Pandemic Response
• Digital Health Technologies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated strict isolation and social distancing measures to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Traditional face-to-face communication methods for critical patient-family interactions became unfeasible.
• Nurses played a pivotal role in bridging this communication gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utilization of video conferencing applications as an alternative communication tool during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To examine how nurses facilitated patient-family connections amidst social distancing.
• To highlight the role of technology in end-of-life communication for isolated families.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of nurses' experiences facilitating communication.
• Review of the application of popular video conferencing tools in clinical settings.
• Focus on critical patient-family communication during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• Video conferencing applications served as a vital link for families to connect with dying loved ones.
• Nurses actively facilitated these virtual interactions, ensuring continuity of care and emotional support.
• The technology helped mitigate the challenges posed by physical separation.

Conclusions:

• Video conferencing offers a viable solution for maintaining critical patient-family communication in situations requiring isolation.
• Nurses' role was essential in adapting and implementing these digital tools effectively.
• The findings underscore the importance of accessible technology in compassionate end-of-life care during public health crises.