Health Professionals' Perceptions of the Contributions of Palliative Care Consultation for Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background:

Palliative care (PC) programs worldwide are involved in caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with other professionals.

Objectives:

To determine health professionals' perceptions of the contributions of PC in COVID-19 care, and describe its effect on professionals' psychological distress.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting/Subjects:

Physicians, advance practice providers, nurses, and case managers at two hospitals.

Measurements:

Seventeen-item questionnaire on demographics, contributions of PC, and psychological distress.

Results:

Of 427 health professionals invited to participate, 76 responded (18%). Among 64 eligible respondents, 72% were female, 56% were under the age 40, 40.6% were nurses, 28.1% were physicians, and 66% worked in the intensive care unit. The PC team was perceived as helpful in managing pain and other symptoms, coordinating care among providers, discussing end-of-life preferences, communicating with patients and families and supporting the care team. Median self-reported psychological distress was 7 (range 2–10). Twenty-five (39%) participants agreed that PC eased distress by communicating with patients, families, and other professionals, providing guidance in difficult conversations and offering companionship. Among respondents, 84% would likely work with PC in the future.

Conclusions:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals perceived PC as helpful in caring for patients and families, and in easing their own psychological distress.