1
|
Cuellar-Pompa L, Rodríguez-Gómez JÁ, Novo-Muñoz MM, Rodríguez-Novo N, Rodríguez-Novo YM, Martínez-Alberto CE. Description and Analysis of Research on Death and Dying during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Published in Nursing Journals Indexed in SCOPUS. Nurs Rep 2024; 14:655-674. [PMID: 38525696 PMCID: PMC10961780 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To offer an overall picture of the research published regarding the different aspects of death and dying during the COVID-19 pandemic in journals covering the field of nursing in the Scopus database. DESIGN bibliometric analysis. METHODS The metadata obtained were exported from Scopus for subsequent analysis through Bibliometrix. Using the VOSviewer co-word analysis function, the conceptual and thematic structure of the publications was identified. RESULTS A total of 119 papers were retrieved, with the participation of 527 authors. The publications were found in 71 journals covering the nursing area. The main lines of research revolved around the keywords "palliative care" and "end-of-life care" in regard to the ethical, psychological, and organizational challenges faced by the health professionals who cared for these patients. CONCLUSION The results obtained offer a range of data and images that characterize the scientific production published on this topic, coming to the conclusion that, due to the multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to the experience of death, care, and accompaniment in the dying process, bibliometric maps improve the comprehensive understanding of the semantic and conceptual structure of this field of research. This study was retrospectively registered with the OSF Registries on the 14 March 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Cuellar-Pompa
- Instituto de Investigación en Cuidados del Ilustre Colegio de Enfermeros de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Calle San Martín, 63, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José Ángel Rodríguez-Gómez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Sección de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de La Laguna, Sta. María Soledad, s/n, Apartado 456, C. P., 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; (J.Á.R.-G.); (M.M.N.-M.); (N.R.-N.)
| | - María Mercedes Novo-Muñoz
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Sección de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de La Laguna, Sta. María Soledad, s/n, Apartado 456, C. P., 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; (J.Á.R.-G.); (M.M.N.-M.); (N.R.-N.)
| | - Natalia Rodríguez-Novo
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Sección de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de La Laguna, Sta. María Soledad, s/n, Apartado 456, C. P., 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain; (J.Á.R.-G.); (M.M.N.-M.); (N.R.-N.)
| | - Yurena M. Rodríguez-Novo
- Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Carretera General del Rosario, 145, 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Carlos-Enrique Martínez-Alberto
- Escuela de Enfermería Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Carretera General del Rosario, 145, 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sperling D. "They choke to death in front of your very eyes": nurses' lived experiences and perspectives on end-of-life care during COVID-19. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:35. [PMID: 38331781 PMCID: PMC10854065 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic led to an intensified fear and threat of dying, combined with dying and grieving in isolation, in turn significantly impacting nursing in end-of-life situations. The study aims (1) to understand the lived experiences of nurses who provided care to end-of-life patients during COVID-19; and (2) to explore whether providing care under such circumstances altered the perspectives of these nurses regarding end-of-life care. METHODS Applying the phenomenological-interpretive qualitative approach, 34 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between March 2020-May 2021 with nurses from eight hospitals in Israel who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis was applied to identify major themes from the interviews. RESULTS Five main themes emerged from the analysis, including: (1) a different death; (2) difficulties in caring for the body after death; (3) the need for family at end-of-life; (4) weaker enforcement of advance care directives; and (5) prolonging the dying process. DISCUSSION During the pandemic, nurses encountered numerous cases of death and dying, while facing ethical and professional issues regarding end-of-life care. They were required to administer more aggressive care than usual and even necessary, leading to their increased moral distress. The nurses' ethical concerns were also triggered by the requirement to wrap the corpse in black garbage-like bags to prevent contagion, which they felt was abusing the dead. The findings also demonstrate how family presence at end-of-life is important for the nursing staff as well as the patient. Finally, end-of-life situations during the pandemic in Israel were managed in an individual and personal manner, rather than as a collective mission, as seen in other countries. CONCLUSIONS The study offers insights into the nurses' attitudes towards death, dying, and end-of-life care. An emphasis should be placed on the key elements that emerged in this study, to assist nurses in overcoming these difficulties during and after medical crises, to enhance end-of-life care and professionalism and decrease burnout.
Collapse
|
3
|
Masters JL, Toller PW, O'Leary L. Intergenerational conversations on death and dying during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pedagogical approach. Gerontol Geriatr Educ 2023; 44:588-601. [PMID: 36073602 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2022.2119227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This exploratory study examined how twenty-two undergraduate students and fifty-six older adults experienced discussing dying, death, and the COVID-19 pandemic with one another, using the book Tuesdays with Morrie as a conversational guide. The timing of these conversations is significant as discussions took place in March 2021, one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis of students' and older adult's reflections on the discussion was employed and three themes were identified: the inevitability of death, gaining and giving perspective, and the importance of relationships. The pandemic was especially influential within two of the three themes. The findings highlight the benefits of bringing previously unknown people together to engage in conversations about dying and death during the pandemic using contemporary literature. This study also presents a pedagogical technique for educators to use to help students engage in discussions about death and dying.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Masters
- Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paige W Toller
- College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Lauren O'Leary
- Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jarnkvist K. Articulations of 'Funeral' in Swedish Newspapers During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Omega (Westport) 2023:302228231174601. [PMID: 37165654 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231174601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This article explores how 'funeral' was articulated in Swedish newspapers during the Covid-19 pandemic and how such articulations relate to power and ideology. Articles from the six most prominent Swedish newspapers, published over 2 years, have been analyzed using critical discourse analysis and intersectionality. The study reveals three funeral discourses dominating during different periods of the pandemic: 'Funeral as a risk,' 'Funeral as an essential ritual,' and 'Funeral as a profession.' Altogether, the three discourses expose an ideal of 'the responsible mourner.' This rational woman follows the funeral restrictions and arranges a church funeral shortly after the death of a relative. The 'good funeral' is portrayed as a church funeral with physically present mourners, performed according to the deceased's will and in honor of the dead. The 'bad funeral,' described as the opposite of the 'good funeral,' dominates the understanding of the pandemic funeral situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Jarnkvist
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van der Smissen D, van Leeuwen M, Sudore RL, Koffman J, Heyland DK, van der Heide A, Rietjens JAC, Korfage IJ. Newspaper coverage of advance care planning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Content analysis. Death Stud 2023; 48:33-42. [PMID: 36892315 PMCID: PMC10491734 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2180693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 may cause sudden serious illness, and relatives having to act on patients' behalf, emphasizing the relevance of advance care planning (ACP). We explored how ACP was portrayed in newspapers during year one of the pandemic. In 'LexisNexis Uni', we identified English-language newspaper articles about ACP and COVID-19, published January-November 2020. We applied content analysis; unitizing, sampling, recording or coding, reducing, inferring, and narrating the data. We identified 131 articles, published in UK (n = 59), Canada (n = 32), US (n = 15), Australia (n = 14), Ireland (n = 6), and one each from Israel, Uganda, India, New-Zealand, and France. Forty articles (31%) included definitions of ACP. Most mentioned exploring (93%), discussing (71%), and recording (72%) treatment preferences; 28% described exploration of values/goals, 66% encouraged engaging in ACP. No false or sensationalist information about ACP was provided. ACP was often not fully described. Public campaigns about ACP might improve the full picture of ACP to the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doris van der Smissen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen van Leeuwen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca L. Sudore
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Koffman
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
| | - Daren K. Heyland
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith A. C. Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ida J. Korfage
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Agosta MT, Tang M, Carmack CL, Bruera E. Social isolation at the end of life: A case report of one person's journey navigating the medical landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. Palliat Support Care 2022; 20:900-903. [PMID: 35587538 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to physical symptom burden, psychological suffering at end of life (EOL) is quite pervasive. As such, the interdisciplinary team in our Palliative and Supportive Care Unit strives to provide quality care sensitive to the physical and psychosocial needs of patients. Involving and allowing for the presence of family members is one way in which we afford our patients some additional comfort. Unfortunately, the current pandemic has placed limitations on this rather fundamental need for both patients and their family members. Here, we present a case illustrating the effects of visitor restrictions/isolation due to COVID-19 on the suffering of a patient at the EOL. CASE DESCRIPTION A male in his 20s with a refractory hematologic malignancy decided to pursue a comfort-based approach to care after a rapid clinical deterioration. Due to visitor restrictions, he had to face this decision with limited support at the bedside, which caused significant distress. He was forced to choose among several immediate family members who would be at his side through his hospitalization, to be his advocate, at times his voice, his confidant, and the person to relay all information to those on the outside. He expressed a wish to be married before he died, which occurred in our palliative care unit. This life goal was one we would normally encourage those he loved to gather around him, but this was not possible. He passed peacefully two days after he was married. CONCLUSION Although social limitations are necessary to help provide safety to the patients and staff in a hospital, they can have a direct impact on the suffering of patients and families at the EOL. Helping to maintain dignity, reflect on their life, and resolve any conflicts in the presence of family members is a benchmark for providing quality palliative care. Being barred from visitation due to isolation, threatens this care and lays the foundation for complicated grief among family members. Further research is needed to help balance the needs of those at the EOL with public safety. One such measure to help ease distress is to allow for more virtual visitation through electronic measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica T Agosta
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael Tang
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Cindy L Carmack
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Voultsos P, Tsompanian A, Deligianni M, Tsamadou E, Tsaroucha AK. A qualitative study of nursing practitioners' experiences with COVID-19 patients dying alone in Greece. Front Public Health 2022; 10:981780. [PMID: 36339201 PMCID: PMC9634155 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.981780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Greece, there is still limited research on death in isolation due to COVID-19. This deserves attention because of the recent financial crisis, which profoundly impacted public health, and the high relevance of the Hippocratic tradition to the moral values of clinical practice. Methods A prospective qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 15 frontline nursing practitioners working in a COVID-19 ward or intensive care unit (ICU) was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021. Results The inability of family members to say a final goodbye before, during, or after death by performing proper mourning rituals is extremely inhuman and profoundly impacts the mental health status of patients, family members, and nursing practitioners. Patients and their family members strongly desire to see each other. Epidemiology, liability, and proper nursing performance emerged as reasons for the enforced strict visitation restrictions. Participants emphasized that visitations should be allowed on an individual basis and highlighted the need for the effective use of remote communication technology, which, however, does not substitute for in-person contact. Importantly, physicians allowed "clandestine" visits on an individual basis. Nursing practitioners had a strong empathic attitude toward both patients and their families, and a strong willingness to provide holistic care and pay respect to dead bodies. However, they also experienced moral distress. Witnessing heartbreaking scenes with patients and/or their families causes nursing practitioners to experience intense psychological distress, which affects their family life rather than nursing performance. Ultimately, there was a shift from a patient-centered care model to a population-centered care model. Furthermore, we identified a range of policy- and culture-related factors that exaggerate the negative consequences of dying alone of COVID-19. Conclusion These results reinforce the existing literature on several fronts. However, we identified some nuances related to political decisions and, most importantly, convictions that are deeply rooted in Greek culture. These findings are of great importance in planning tailored interventions to mitigate the problem of interest and have implications for other similar national contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polychronis Voultsos
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Tsompanian
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, Laboratory of Bioethics and Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Deligianni
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eftychia Tsamadou
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra K. Tsaroucha
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, Laboratory of Bioethics and Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amundsen D. A critical gerontological framing analysis of persistent ageism in NZ online news media: Don't call us “elderly”! J Aging Stud 2022; 61:101009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
Russell B, William L, Chapman M. An Ethical Framework for Visitation of Inpatients Receiving Palliative Care in the COVID-19 Context. J Bioeth Inq 2022; 19:191-202. [PMID: 35175512 PMCID: PMC8853187 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Human connection is universally important, particularly in the context of serious illness and at the end of life. The presence of close family and friends has many benefits when death is close. Hospital visitation restrictions during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic therefore warrant careful consideration to ensure equity, proportionality, and the minimization of harm. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Palliative Medicine COVID-19 Special Interest Group utilized the relevant ethical and public health principles, together with the existing disease outbreak literature and evolving COVID-19 knowledge, to generate a practical framework of visiting restrictions for inpatients receiving palliative and end-of-life care. Expert advice from an Infectious Diseases physician ensured relevance to community transmission dynamics. Three graded levels of visitor restrictions for inpatient settings are proposed, defining an appropriate level of minimum access. These depend upon the level of community transmission of COVID-19, the demand on health services, the potential COVID-19 status of the patient and visitors, and the imminence of the patient's death. This framework represents a cohesive, considered, proportionate, and ethically robust approach to improve equity and consistency for inpatients receiving palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic and may serve as a template for future disease outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Russell
- Palliative Nexus Research Group, University of Melbourne & St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia
| | - Leeroy William
- Supportive & Palliative Care Unit, Eastern Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Eastern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, La Trobe University, Wantirna Health, 251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, 3152 Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
McGlinchey T, Mason SR, Smeding R, Goosensen A, Ruiz-Torreras I, Haugen DF, Bakan M, Ellershaw JE. ILIVE Project Volunteer study. Developing international consensus for a European Core Curriculum for hospital end-of-life-care volunteer services, to train volunteers to support patients in the last weeks of life: A Delphi study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:652-670. [PMID: 34666562 PMCID: PMC9006393 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211045305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volunteers make a huge contribution to the health and wellbeing of the population and can improve satisfaction with care especially in the hospice setting. However, palliative and end-of-life-care volunteer services in the hospital setting are relatively uncommon. The iLIVE Volunteer Study, one of eight work-packages within the iLIVE Project, was tasked with developing a European Core Curriculum for End-of-Life-Care Volunteers in hospital. AIM Establish an international consensus on the content of a European Core Curriculum for hospital end-of-life-care volunteer services which support patients in the last weeks of life. DESIGN Delphi Process comprising the following three stages:1. Scoping review of literature into palliative care volunteers.2. Two rounds of Delphi Questionnaire.3. Nominal Group Meeting. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Sixty-six participants completed the Round 1 Delphi questionnaire; 75% (50/66) took part in Round 2. Seventeen participants attended the Nominal Group Meeting representing an international and multi-professional group including, clinicians, researchers and volunteer coordinators from the participating countries. RESULTS The scoping review identified 88 items for the Delphi questionnaire. Items encompassed organisational issues for implementation and topics for volunteer training. Three items were combined and one item added in Round 2. Following the Nominal Group Meeting 53/87 items reached consensus. CONCLUSION Key items for volunteer training were agreed alongside items for implementation to embed the end-of-life-care volunteer service within the hospital. Recommendations for further research included in-depth assessment of the implementation and experiences of end-of-life-care volunteer services. The developed European Core Curriculum can be adapted to fit local cultural and organisational contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen R Mason
- Palliative Care Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Anne Goosensen
- University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dagny Faksvåg Haugen
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Miša Bakan
- University Clinic of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Castaldo A, Lusignani M, Papini M, Eleuteri S, Matarese M. Nurses' experiences of accompanying patients dying during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative descriptive study. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:2507-2521. [PMID: 35307864 PMCID: PMC9111619 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Lusignani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Eleuteri
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Anderson LB, Gettings PE. “Old age scares me”: Exploring young adults' feelings about aging before and during COVID-19. J Aging Stud 2022; 60:100998. [PMID: 35248312 PMCID: PMC8747948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Negative messages about aging dominate public discourse about the COVID-19 pandemic as older adults have been classified as members of a “vulnerable” population due to their chronological age. To explore young adults' feelings about aging before and after the emergence of COVID-19, we collected 794 qualitative questionnaires during the fall of 2017 and another 463 responses during the fall of 2020. We drew on the concepts of age-based stereotypes and future selves to guide our thematic analysis of the data. Findings captured young adults' feelings about aging at two distinct points in time and demonstrate the complex ways the communication contributed to shifting feelings about aging. In doing so, we highlight the role that portrayals of aging play in shaping young adults' feelings about aging and their perception of their future selves. These findings offer conceptual contributions about communication, context, and aging.
Collapse
|
13
|
Lang A, Frankus E, Heimerl K. The perspective of professional caregivers working in generalist palliative care on 'good dying': An integrative review. Soc Sci Med 2021; 293:114647. [PMID: 34902648 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In today's industrial societies, many people die receiving professional care. Although specialist palliative and hospice care have often been identified as ideal care approaches to promote good dying, more people die receiving generalist palliative care. This integrative review examines how professional caregivers providing generalist palliative care in hospitals, nursing or private homes define good dying. Furthermore, through comparative analysis of existing empirical studies, it explores conceptual aspects in researching good dying that better reflect the social complexity of this phenomenon. Three databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and April 2020. Studies were selected if they presented original empirical findings from qualitative or quantitative studies on the perspective of professional caregivers in generalist palliative care (nurses, physicians, surgeons, clergy, and other staff) on good dying or related concepts (e.g., good death, dignity in dying, or quality of life at the end of life). 42 studies were included in the review. They identified good dying as expected, accepted and prepared dying, as free from pain and suffering, as socially embedded, as being at peace with one's life and situation, as supported with individualised and holistic care, as based upon professional cooperation and communication, and as in a peaceful and private environment. The paper concludes that the perspective of professional caregivers in generalist palliative care shares many elements of good dying with societal and specialist palliative care discourses around good dying. Through comparing the different studies, the review found that studies that explicated who benefitted from ideals and practices of good dying, questioned the dichotomous categorisation of good/bad dying, or discussed the compatibility of elements of good dying, provided more nuanced perspectives on this topic. Thus, the review calls for a more systematic analysis of these aspects in research of good dying.
Collapse
|
14
|
Lagacé M, Doucet A, Dangoisse P, Bergeron CD. The "Vulnerability" Discourse in Times of Covid-19: Between Abandonment and Protection of Canadian Francophone Older Adults. Front Public Health 2021; 9:662231. [PMID: 34540778 PMCID: PMC8446363 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.662231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for older Canadians who have experienced age discrimination. As the media can provide a powerful channel for conveying stereotypes, the current study aimed to explore how Canadian Francophone older adults and the aging process were depicted by the media during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to examine if and how the media discourse contributed to ageist attitudes and behaviors. A content analysis of two French Canadian media op-eds and comment pieces (n = 85) published over the course of the first wave of the pandemic was conducted. Findings reveal that the aging process was mainly associated with words of decline, loss, and vulnerability. More so, older people were quasi-absent if not silent in the media discourse. Older adults were positioned as people to fight for and not as people to fight along with in the face of the pandemic. The findings from this study enhance the understanding of theories and concepts of the Theory of Social Representations and the Stereotype Content Model while outlining the importance of providing older people with a voice and a place in the shaping of public discourse around aging. Results also illustrate the transversality and influence of ageism in this linguistic minority context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine Lagacé
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amélie Doucet
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Dangoisse
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline D Bergeron
- Division of Aging, Seniors and Dementia, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alston M, Irons K, Adamson C, Boddy J, Fronek P, Briggs L, Hay K, Howard A, Rowlands A, Hazeleger T, Foote W. Australian and New Zealand social workers adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Soc Work 2021; 52:bcab163. [PMCID: PMC8385802 DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcab163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, social workers across the world responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent strict lockdown procedures over several months. In many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, this virtual shutdown period necessitated a reframing of social work practice to incorporate factors including delivery of services via virtual means and more limited access for vulnerable clients. This article draws on the integration of two methods designed to address the research question: ‘How has social work practice in Australia and New Zealand been affected by COVID-19?’ These include (i) a narrative review of papers published during 2020 on social work practice and the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) an online survey, undertaken from October to December 2020, of Australian and New Zealand social workers. The questionnaire data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis. The findings of this article details include the significant impacts of COVID-19 on practice, the increased needs of clients, including a rise in health issues, violence, homelessness and financial concerns, and the resulting critical changes to social work workloads. Social workers also reported greater use of technologies to deliver services and fears for their families and themselves if exposed to COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Alston
- Correspondence to Professor Margaret Alston, Social Work, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Kelly Irons
- Departments of Social Work, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Carole Adamson
- Departments of Social Work, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Boddy
- Departments of Social Work, Griffith University, Australia
| | | | - Lynne Briggs
- Departments of Social Work, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Kathryn Hay
- Departments of Social Work, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Amanda Howard
- Departments of Social Work, University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Wendy Foote
- Departments of Social Work, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Papadopoulos I, Lazzarino R, Wright S, Ellis Logan P, Koulouglioti C. Spiritual Support During COVID-19 in England: A Scoping Study of Online Sources. J Relig Health 2021; 60:2209-2230. [PMID: 33871782 PMCID: PMC8054506 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Spiritual support is a key element of holistic care, and better healthcare professionals training and stronger strategic guidelines become urgent in light of health disasters and emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, the aim of this study was to explore spiritual support provision within mass and social media and the websites of spiritual leaders, institutions and NHS chaplaincy units during COVID-19 in England, between March and May 2020. A scoping review design informed by Levac and colleagues' five-staged framework was adopted, and adapted with a multi-strategy search to scope the different domains of online sources. Results revealed that spiritual support for dying patients, their families, health care staff, spiritual leaders and chaplains, had to be drastically reduced, both in quality and quantity, as well as being provided via different technological devices or domestic symbolic actions. No mention was found of a central strategy for the provision of spiritual support. This study points to the importance of developing centralized strategies to prepare healthcare systems and professionals in relation to spiritual support provision, both routinely and during health disasters and emergencies. Further research will have to explore innovative practices, in particular the role of digital technologies, in spiritual support provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Papadopoulos
- Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK.
| | - Runa Lazzarino
- Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Steve Wright
- Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Poppy Ellis Logan
- Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Christina Koulouglioti
- Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
- Research and Innovation Department, Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chichester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hirakawa Y, Saif-Ur-Rahman KM, Aita K, Nishikawa M, Arai H, Miura H. Implementation of advance care planning amid the COVID-19 crisis: A narrative review and synthesis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21:779-787. [PMID: 34318579 PMCID: PMC8444945 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Advance care planning is considered an important issue in end‐of‐life care for older adults. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has interrupted the healthcare system and end‐of‐life care tremendously. This review aimed to explore available articles on advance care planning amid the pandemic and analyze qualitatively. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched on February 2021 using the relevant keywords. Retrieved articles were screened applying inclusion criteria. Any article describing advance care planning during the COVID‐19 era was included. A qualitative content analysis was conducted. In total, 20 articles incorporating 5542 participants from five countries were included. Among the articles, eight were primary studies and the rest were perspective papers or secondary analysis. From the qualitative content analysis six major themes emerged namely palliative care, lack of coordination among acute care, hospital palliative care, and long‐term care, community‐based advance care planning, real‐time dissemination of scientific information on the regional pandemic situation, online system and legislation. The COVID‐19 pandemic had decreased the uptake of advance care planning. Findings of the review suggested simplification of the procedure regarding advance care planning, implementation of community‐based advance care planning and utilization of online resources to enhance the process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 779–787.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Hirakawa
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - K M Saif-Ur-Rahman
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.,Health Systems and Population Studies Division, ICDDRB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kaoruko Aita
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Miura
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Corpuz JCG. Responding to the fear of dying alone during COVID-19 pandemic. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:e543-e544. [PMID: 33982125 PMCID: PMC8194523 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent correspondence published in this journal rightly argues the meaning of creative ritual practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Recent researches revealed the ‘creative ways’ to augment the need for spiritual and religious longing, complicated grief and different ways of coping with loss and coping mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper further adds the ways on how to mitigate the reality of dying alone during COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Clyde G Corpuz
- Theology and Religious Education Department, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|