[Reinventing proximity with the patient while maintaining social distancing]

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Healthcare Ethics
• Public Health Crises

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare delivery globally.
• Palliative care units faced unique challenges due to the need for physical distancing and infection control.
• Maintaining compassionate and effective patient care became a critical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the adaptations in palliative care delivery during the health crisis.
• To identify the ethical issues encountered by healthcare workers in palliative care.
• To understand how to provide meaningful patient support amidst pandemic restrictions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of healthcare worker experiences.
• Review of ethical guidelines and protocols implemented during the crisis.
• Case study approach focusing on palliative care units.

Main Results:

• Healthcare workers rapidly adapted care strategies to minimize physical contact.
• New ethical dilemmas arose concerning patient isolation and family involvement.
• Creative solutions were implemented to maintain emotional and psychological support for patients.

Conclusions:

• Palliative care units demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the health crisis.
• Ethical reflection and proactive problem-solving were crucial for sustained quality of care.
• The pandemic highlighted the importance of flexible and patient-centered approaches in palliative care.