A review of telehospice use during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional hospice care, prompting the use of telehospice to deliver end-of-life services remotely while maintaining quality and continuity of care.

This integrative review examines the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of telehospice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on patient outcomes and caregiver experiences.

An integrative review approach was used to analyse 12 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2020 and June 2023.

Telehospice enhanced access to care in rural and underserved areas, enabled timely symptom management and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. Families reported improved communication, emotional support and involvement in decision-making. However, challenges to telehospice care such as limited internet access, digital literacy gaps and difficulties replicating the intimacy of in-person care were frequently noted.

Telehospice is a feasible and acceptable model for end-of-life care. Ongoing investment in infrastructure, training and equitable access is essential for long-term integration.