Page 29 - Palliative Care, Trials and COVID-19 Tribulations: First-hand experience shared by the experts at ground zero

Was she frightened and feeling all alone?

Was he properly cared for?

Did he have enough to eat?

These are some of the things that families may often think about, and we need to help them
find some closure when they are thinking about their family members.

Goals when Video Conferencing with Family Members

When we communicate, it is important that we (i) allow the family to see the patient and his
condition; (ii) allow them to speak to the patient. Even if the patient cannot speak back, you
can put the phone close to the patient’s ear and tell them to just speak into the phone; (iii)
reassure the family that the patient is not alone and being cared for and; (iv) clarify any
concerns that the family may have.

In the end, the key message that you want to give to them is that the patient is comfortable,
calm, not alone, and cared for until the very end. So, that is all I had to say.

Thank you very much, everyone, for your attention.

Reference

Slide presentation: Palliative care in COVID-19 by Dr. Richard Lim Boon Leong.
https://www.slideshare.net/ICRInstituteForClini/palliative-care-in-covid19-249823089

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr0-KBZX9xA

Podcast:
https://www.podpage.com/clinical-updates-in-covid-19/malaysias-experience-in-whos-covid-19-solid
arity-trial-palliative-care-in-covid-19/