Palliative care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and contributions

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on palliative care implementation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is a scoping review based on the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EBSCO, Embase, PsycInfo® and Science Direct were analyzed using the descriptors “palliative care” and “coronavirus” and the keyword “COVID-19”. Thirty studies were selected for analysis. Results: This review showed strategies for palliative care implementation using protocols and telemedicine, to facilitate communication, and showed how palliative therapy approach has been, revealing the need to promote comfort and welcoming patients and family members in times of pain and grief. Conclusion: The palliative care principles contribute to comprehensive care, but its implementation amidst the crisis is a challenge. It is important to provide conditions to apply it in the daily life of health services, even in pandemic scenarios.