COVID-19, Suffering and Palliative Care: A Review

Tan, Seng Beng and Lai, Carol Cheng Kim and Ng, Diana Leh-Ching and Chai, Chee Shee and Tan, Jiunn Liang and Mehul Kumar, Narendra Kumar and Ng, Chong Guan and Lim, Poh Khuen and Lam, Chee Loong and Loh, Ee Chin and Sheriza Izwa, Zainuddin and David Paul, Capelle and Ang, Chui Munn and Lim, Kah Yen and Nik Nathasha Hani, Nik Isahak (2021) COVID-19, Suffering and Palliative Care: A Review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® (2021). pp. 1-10. ISSN 1049-9091

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Abstract

According to the WHO guideline, palliative care is an integral component of COVID-19 management. The relief of physical symptoms and the provision of psychosocial support should be practiced by all healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. In this review, we aim to provide a simple outline on COVID-19, suffering in COVID-19, and the role of palliative care in COVID-19. We also introduce 3 principles of palliative care that can serve as a guide for all healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients, which are (1) good symptom control, (2) open and sensitive communication, and (3) caring for the whole team. The pandemic has brought immense suffering, fear and death to people everywhere. The knowledge, skills and experiences from palliative care could be used to relieve the suffering of COVID-19 patients.

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