Open AccessPalliative medicine in intensive care unit during a pandemic
Author(s) -
Jennifer H Maritz,
Vikas Pathak
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
lung india
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 0974-598X
pISSN - 0970-2113
DOI - 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_630_20
Subject(s) - pandemic , intensive care unit , palliative care , medicine , covid-19 , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , nursing , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has changed the landscape of medical care. Efforts made to limit the spread of the deadly disease have impacted the specialty of palliative medicine in ways that could not have been completely predicted or appreciated. The consequences of these changes have been most evident in the care of COVID-19 patients and families within the intensive care unit. The policies meant to keep staff, patients, and families safe, greatly changed the way that palliative medicine could be provided. This article provides a more in-depth look at how the practice of palliative medicine adapted to such difficult and constantly changing times, particularly in aspects of family meetings, communication, paternalism, managing emotions, death, and grief. Despite the ongoing challenges presented by this virus, the specialty of palliative medicine may be well suited to adapt and flourish.