Dataset Information

Palliative Care During COVID-19: Data and Visits From Loved Ones.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

A vital component of the coronavirus response is care of the dying COVID-19 patient. We document the demographics, symptoms experienced, medications required, effectiveness observed, and challenges to high-quality holistic palliative care in 31 patients. This will aid colleagues in primary and secondary care settings anticipate common symptoms and formulate management plans.

Methods

A retrospective survey was conducted of patients referred to the hospital palliative care service in a tertiary hospital, south east of England between March 21 and April 26, 2020. Patients included had a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-Cov-2 or radiological evidence of COVID-19.

Results

The thirty-one patients included were predominantly male (77%), elderly (median [interquartile range]: 84 [76-89]), and had multiple (4 [3-5]) comorbidities. Referral was made in the last 2 [1-3] days of life. Common symptoms were breathlessness (84%) and delirium (77%). Fifty-eight percent of patients received at least 1 "as required" dose of an opioid or midazolam in the 24 hours before death. Sixty percent of patients needed a continuous subcutaneous infusion and the median morphine dose was 10 mg S/C per 24 hours and midazolam 10 mg S/C per 24 hours. Nineteen percent of our cohort had a loved one or relative present when dying.

Conclusion

We provide additional data to the internationally reported pool examining death arising from infection with SARS-CoV-19. The majority of patients had symptoms controlled with low doses of morphine and midazolam, and death was rapid. The impact of low visitation during dying needs exploring.

SUBMITTER: Heath L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7747028 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Palliative Care During COVID-19: Data and Visits From Loved Ones.

Heath Laura L Yates Sharon S Carey Matthew M Miller Mary M

The American journal of hospice & palliative care 20200724 11

<h4>Objectives</h4>A vital component of the coronavirus response is care of the dying COVID-19 patient. We document the demographics, symptoms experienced, medications required, effectiveness observed, and challenges to high-quality holistic palliative care in 31 patients. This will aid colleagues in primary and secondary care settings anticipate common symptoms and formulate management plans.<h4>Methods</h4>A retrospective survey was conducted of patients referred to the hospital palliative car ...[more]

PMID: 32705889

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Dataset Information

Palliative Care During COVID-19: Data and Visits From Loved Ones.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Palliative Care During COVID-19: Data and Visits From Loved Ones.

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