A bad time to die?
November 10 2023
In Aotearoa, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped the concept of end-of-life care. Some of our Te Ārai researchers, led by Tessa Morgan and Merryn Gott, delve into this sensitive area in their insightful article: "A bad time to die? Exploring bereaved families/whānau experiences of end-of-life care under COVID-19 restrictions: a qualitative interview study". This research focuses on the experiences of 30 ethnically diverse next-of-kin in Aotearoa who navigated the end-of-life care of their loved ones during these challenging times.
At the heart of this qualitative study are the nuanced experiences of families and whānau during the pandemic. The research unveiled the complexities and emotional challenges faced by next-of-kin, identifying significant themes that encompass the entirety of their experiences. A primary concern highlighted was the compromised connections between family members due to the stringent pandemic restrictions, which profoundly affected their ability to be with loved ones during critical moments. Additionally, there was an evident uncertainty in communication from healthcare providers, adding to the already challenging situation.
One of the study's crucial revelations is the disproportionate impact of pandemic policies on Indigenous and minoritised ethnic groups, underscoring the necessity of culturally safe palliative care. This aspect of the study spotlights the importance of cultural considerations in healthcare, especially in times of crisis. The research also underlines the critical need for adequate bereavement support, as many families encountered complex grief due to the constraints of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the study also observed instances of effective improvisations and compassionate responses, offering some silver linings in these difficult times.
The article concludes with an emphasis on the need for policy makers to integrate end-of-life care considerations into public health planning, especially during pandemics. It advocates for enhancing resources for palliative care services, ensuring cultural safety in end-of-life care, and incorporating bereavement support into pandemic planning. This study not only highlights the impact of COVID-19 on end-of-life care but also paves the way for future improvements in this essential field.
Click on this link to read the full article: