ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ACUTE PALLIATIVE CARE DURING 1ST AND 2ND WAVE OF COVID-19 AND THE SAME PERIOD IN 2018 AND 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction Due to COVID-19, preventative measures have been recommended in hospitals. At the Institute of Oncology (OI) Ljubljana visits were restricted in 2020 to dying patients at the Department of Acute Palliative Care (OAPO). Because of changing hospital policies, treatment of palliative patients has changed. Methods Analysis of patients hospitalized at OAPO from March 15th to May 15th 2020 and 2021 (1st and 2nd wave of COVID-19) in comparison to the same period in years 2018 and 2019. Results In 2020 and 2021, we treated more patients and had less re-admissions. In 2020, patients were mainly transferred from other wards, 44% were admitted in the dying phase. Death rate was high. Short conversation with relatives prevailed in 2020 but in 2021 family meetings. In 2018 and 2019, there was almost no direct approach (Table 1). Conclusions During COVID-19, preventive measures have been changing. Although transfer of dying patients is inappropriate;in 2020, dying and palliative patients from all OI were transferred to OAPO due to visits. We hospitalized more new patients and less already followed. Due to patients' clinical stage, death rate was high. Due to more admissions and preventative measures, family meetings were rare. In 2018 and 2019, there were more re-admissions and family meetings had happened beforehand. Especially in 2020 (1st wave), suboptimal treatment caused distress to team members, patients and relatives. In 2021, OI adjusted policies visits were less restricted and we had more family meetings.