Risk factors associated with poorer experiences of end-of-life care and challenges in early bereavement: Results of a national online survey of people bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palliat Med
; 36(4): 717-729, 2022 04.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1701285
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Experiences of end-of-life care and early bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic are poorly understood.AIM:
To identify clinical and demographic risk factors for sub-optimal end-of-life care and pandemic-related challenges prior to death and in early bereavement, to inform clinical practice, policy and bereavement support.DESIGN:
Online national survey of adults bereaved in the UK (deaths between 16 March 2020 and 2 January 2021), recruited via media, social media, national associations and organisations. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS:
711 participants, mean age 49.5 (SD 12.9, range 18-90). 628 (88.6%) were female. Mean age of the deceased was 72.2 (SD 16.1, range miscarriage to 102 years). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19.RESULTS:
Deaths in hospital/care home increased the likelihood of poorer experiences at the end of life; for example, being unable to visit or say goodbye as wanted (p < 0.001). COVID-19 was also associated with worse experiences before and after death; for example, feeling unsupported by healthcare professionals (p < 0.001), social isolation/loneliness (OR = 0.439; 95% CI 0.261-0.739), and limited contact with relatives/friends (OR = 0.465; 95% CI 0.254-0.852). Expected deaths were associated with a higher likelihood of positive end-of-life care experiences. The deceased being a partner or child also increased the likelihood of positive experiences, however being a bereaved partner strongly increased odds of social isolation/loneliness, for example, OR = 0.092 (95% CI 0.028-0.297) partner versus distant family member.CONCLUSIONS:
Four clear risk factors were found for poorer end-of-life care and pandemic-related challenges in bereavement place, cause and expectedness of death, and relationship to the deceased.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Terminal Care
/
Bereavement
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Language:
English
Journal:
Palliat Med
Journal subject:
Health Services
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
02692163221074876
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS