Palliative care during the pandemic: being human and facing finitude

Abstract

People’s routines, especially of individuals affected by chronic illnesses, underwent significant changes due to the emergence and widespread dissemination of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this literature review analyzed the impact of palliative care in chronically ill patients during the pandemic. The fear and feeling of loneliness produced by social isolation enhanced their suffering, highlighting the importance of palliative care teams in aiding the sick and their core family face this reality, especially at end of life.
In this regard, humanized care brings psychosocial benefits to patients, as well as economic advantages to the health system. Theoretical discussion highlight that implementing palliative care teams is fundamental to afford qualitive of life and dignity to these individuals.