When Following the Rules Feels Wrong

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Palliative Care
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The Covid-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges in healthcare settings.
• Healthcare practitioners are experiencing novel forms of moral distress.
• Hospital policies, such as visitation restrictions, significantly impacted patient and family care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the moral distress experienced by a pediatric palliative care physician.
• To examine the impact of strict hospital visitation policies on families during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• To reflect on the ethical challenges of end-of-life care during a public health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Narrative reflection by a pediatric palliative care physician.
• Qualitative exploration of a specific clinical scenario.
• Analysis of ethical dilemmas arising from pandemic-related policies.

Main Results:

• A strict hospital visitation policy created moral distress for healthcare providers.
• The policy prevented two parents from being present with their dying child.
• This situation highlights the conflict between public health measures and family-centered care.

Conclusions:

• Pandemic-related hospital policies can exacerbate moral distress in healthcare.
• End-of-life care requires sensitive consideration of family presence and support.
• Ethical frameworks must adapt to address novel challenges in clinical practice during crises.