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Navigating the impact of COVID ‐19 on palliative care for head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Singh Arjun Gurmeet,
Deodhar Jayita,
Chaturvedi Pankaj
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26211
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , dilemma , palliative care , triage , apprehension , medicine , health care , head and neck cancer , nursing , covid-19 , medical emergency , cancer , psychology , political science , paleontology , philosophy , disease , epistemology , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , cognitive psychology , biology
Abstract Health care services are being confronted by a daily dilemma of who can receive critical care and who cannot. In a palliative care clinic, this apprehension gets exemplified, as these patients have limited life expectancy. The head and neck region further makes things critical, as it comprises of all the sites through which the SARS‐CoV‐2 can be transmitted. This document strives to define the ways in which the head and neck cancer services can contribute to better patient care in a triage context. Practical steps suggested are protective equipment use, ensuring access to critical drugs (such as opioids), greater use of telemedicine consultations, discussing advance care plans, and embracing the role of a wider community support.