Palliative medicine in intensive care unit during a pandemic

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• critical care
• intensive care unit
• medical intensive care unit
• palliative care
• palliative medicine
• pandemic