Covid-19: Guide released for end
of life care during pandemic
The Centre for The Art of Dying Well at St Mary’s Catholic
University, London develops a new Deathbed Etiquette for COVID-19.
By Lydia O’Kane
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, and now because
of the infectious nature of the Coronavirus it may not be possible for
relatives and friends to be physically present with a dying patient.
There are over 129,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK
and over 17,000 people have died as a result of the virus. In light of these
challenging times, the Centre for The Art of Dying Well at St Mary’s
University, London has developed a new Deathbed Etiquette for
COVID-19.
The guide has been drawn up to help families and friends
feel close to a loved one, even if they can’t be physically present with them.
The guide was compiled by two palliative care experts and
hospital chaplains. Dr Amy Gadoud who is working on the frontline as a
consultant at Trinity Hospice and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals said, they had
developed the guidelines to help people deal with what is a very
difficult time during this pandemic.
Virtual Communication
One of the suggestions in the guide is virtual
communication, and Dr Gadoud noted that, “in these most difficult of times we
do find that virtual technology can be really helpful; if not in every
situation, but for some people it can be really helpful. And it’s certainly
something that staff will support patients with.”
Learning curve
The Coronavirus is a new virus, which means experts are on a
learning curve as to what exactly it is, and how to contain it.
Dr Gadoud said, “I know from our teams what we’ve done is
work really closely together…and with our knowledge from dying from other
illnesses, you can learn an awful lot from that, and we can spread to other teams
caring for people with Covid as well as other illnesses.”
Innovative thinking
One of the great challenges posed by the Coronavirus is that
family and friends may not be able to visit a dying patient because of the
threat of infection.
Speaking about this challenge, the Palliative Care
Consultant said “this is incredibly difficult because community is such an
important thing at this time when someone is dying or when someone is
bereaved…and this is when the guidance says we have to be quite innovative and
thinking quite differently.” She pointed out that virtual technology can play
its part at this difficult time, but also “thinking about that relationship you
have with that person and that loved one even if you can’t actually be together
face to face.”
Deathbed Etiquette for COVID-19:
Do what you can to help you feel close to your loved one
even if you are apart.
Think about what your loved one would think and
say. They will not want you to worry.
Communicating virtually may be an option.
What can I say? Speak from the heart.
Trust in the good care of the doctors and nurses. They
are there for your loved one and for you.
Take care of yourself. It is important that you
keep well.
Draw on your inner strength. Do what is helpful
to you.
Don’t let feelings of guilt take over. Accept
your feelings and let them pass. Think of the good advice you might give to
someone else and then take it yourself.
Keep up with family, friends and those who will lift your
spirits.
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