The Crucial Role of Nurses and Social Workers in Initiating End-of-Life Communication to Reduce Overtreatment in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Gerontology
Chris RafteryMagnolia Cardona

Abstract

The large scale and rapid spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way hospitals and other health services operate. Opportunities for patient-centered decision-making at the end of life are being jeopardized by a scarcity of health system resources. In response, the traditional doctor-initiated advanced care planning (ACP) for critical illness may also need to be readjusted. We propose nurse-led and allied health-led ACP discussions to ensure patient and family inclusion and understanding of the disease prognosis, prevention of overtreatment, and potential outcomes in crisis times. We highlight known barriers and list enablers, long-term and short-term opportunities to assist in the culture change.

References

Nov 23, 2006·CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'Association Medicale Canadienne·Michael D ChristianFrederick M Burkle
Feb 4, 2010·Critical Care : the Official Journal of the Critical Care Forum·Sheri L Fink
Jun 3, 2010·Critical Care Nurse·Beth Martin, Niki Koesel
Oct 14, 2011·Nursing Research and Practice·Judith A AdamsSharron L Docherty
Jul 12, 2017·BMC Palliative Care·Chong-Wen WangAmy Y M Chow
Mar 29, 2020·JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association·J Randall CurtisRenee D Stapleton

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Citations

Dec 29, 2020·Nursing in Critical Care·Adriana M S FelixRegina Claudia Silva Souza
May 7, 2021·Journal of Social Work in End-of-life & Palliative Care·Emily PlunkettMagnolia Cardona
Jul 29, 2021·Geriatrics & Gerontology International·Yoshihisa HirakawaHisayuki Miura
Dec 7, 2021·Nursing Ethics·Ann RhéaumeStéphanie Boudreau

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