Background: The COVID-19 pandemic changed not only how we live, but also how we die. Hospital and community palliative care services have had to adapt to changes in usual practice.
Aims: This study explored the effect of public health restrictions on death and bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A community sample of 1,543 adults bereaved during 2020-2021 was recruited via social media and community organisations and completed a 20-minute open-web survey. This presentation reports on data from 673 people who indicated that that their family member/friend was receiving palliative care. Data are reported using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Of the sample, 286 (43%) had family members receiving palliative care in the community, 367 (55%) in a specialist palliative care unit, and 20 (3%) indicated both. 39% reported that COVID-19 restrictions impacted their decision for a home death.
Almost half who reported a hospital death were unable to say goodbye as they would have liked (46% hospital vs. 36% community, p<0.05) and were unable to be present at the time of death (40% hospital vs. community 29%, p=0.01). A greater proportion receiving community palliative care received information about support services before the death (22% community vs.11% hospital p<0.01). 68% of the whole sample felt at least moderately practically prepared for the death, and 49% at least moderately emotionally prepared. Most participants (87%) reported that their family member was very/fairly well supported vs 65% of carers who felt less supported.
Discussion: Public health restrictions impacted on the ability to visit and care for the dying person, and prevented individuals and family members from travelling to spend time during the last days of life. Families of palliative care people who died in hospital were effected more than those who received community palliative care.
Conclusion: Although successful in reducing the incidence and mortality of COVID-19, public health measures have disrupted the way palliative care services have traditionally provided care. Families must be given information about the grieving process and available supports when contact with services is limited.
Funding acknowledgement: Medical Research Futures Fund Mental Health & Wellness