Before it is over: A family’s experience with end-of-life care during COVID-related restrictive visitation policies
It is not uncommon in the American medical community that a personal narrative sparks a conversation about a controversial topic. In 1988 the Journal of American Medical Association published a narrative by a medical doctor which provoked a debate on euthanasia within the readership of the journal and the greater public. The testimony that I am presenting aims to invite a public dialogue on the harmful effects of restrictive visitation policies brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic. The story of my family’s experience during the end-of-life care for my mother, a COVID patient, illustrates how urgent is the need to rethink the restrictive visitation policies so as to protect patients from unnecessary suffering. In order to battle pandemic-related stress and fatigue medical staff and families must work together to improve patient care.
Related content
-
Patient Family & Community Engagement | Staff & Provider Engagement
Standing Up for the Workforce: Seven Considerations for Patients and Families
In today’s challenging healthcare environment, healthcare workers often face incivility and physical violence that threaten their safety and well-being. “Standing Up for the Workforce” offers seven actions that patients and families can take to address this reality. Presented by a member of the Global Patient and Family Advisory Board, this learning bite calls on us
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Advancing PFAC Initiatives, Effectiveness & Visibility Through Strategic Planning & Annual Assessment
A senior co-chair of the Family Advisory Council at Boston Children’s Hospital shares how a mission statement, unified volunteers, and a shared purpose led to a strategic plan that elevated the council’s visibility and ultimate success. In this learning bite, learn three key steps to fostering a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for council members
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Patient-centered care frameworks, models and approaches: An environmental scan
Although the definition of patient-centered care (PCC) remains unclear, researchers and healthcare professionals describe the concept as treating the patient as a unique human being with consideration for their physical and psychosocial needs and emphasize the importance of shared-decision making between patients and healthcare professionals. However, discussion around the connection and overlap between PCC and
Learn more