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Research to Examine Mortality Rates during Pandemic Crisis

Research to Examine Mortality Rates during Pandemic Crisis

,   and  ASMedia
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Research to Examine Mortality Rates during Pandemic Crisis
Research to Examine Mortality Rates during Pandemic Crisis

Supporting Individuals in End-of-Life Care During the Pandemic Crisis: A Hannover Medical University Study

With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving a profound impact on healthcare, the Hannover Medical University (MHH) is tackling the scientific aspect of assisting individuals as they approach the end of their lives. They're seeking brave individuals who lost a close loved one between March 2020 and January 2023, ready to share their experiences. This research is particularly significant due to the difficulties faced during the pandemic era, such as hospital visit limitations and contagion fears, making it challenging to provide care and say goodbyes [1].

According to MHH's announcements, these restrictions and fears disrupted end-of-life care, leading to inappropriate farewells or impossible goodbyes [1]. To shed light on this, the researchers plan to conduct in-depth interviews and a short survey of approximately 60 minutes each [1]. Linguistic barriers will not be an issue, as they will provide interpreters if necessary [1]. This joint initiative is led by the Institute of General Medicine and Palliative Care at MHH, working closely with the Department of Palliative Medicine at the University Medical Center Göttingen [1].

The researchers at Hannover Medical University (MHH) recognize the importance of observing health and safety protocols in their study, acknowledging the hurdles in providing end-of-life care during the COVID-19 era [1]. This commitment to safety and inclusivity reflects the researchers' desire to ensure a productive and secure environment for all participants [1].

Exploring Pandemic Challenges in Palliative Care

The pandemic has presented multiple challenges related to end-of-life care, including:

  1. Soaring demand for palliative care: The pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented surge in patients requiring palliative and hospice care, outpacing the capacity of palliative care teams [2].
  2. Resource constraints: The limited availability of ICU beds, ventilators, and healthcare resources has forced healthcare systems to make tough triage decisions [2].
  3. Palliative care integration: Integrating palliative care into pandemic planning is essential to prepare healthcare providers in handling resource limitations and making informed decisions regarding patient care [2].
  4. Telemedicine and isolation: Telemedicine has emerged as a promising tool for delivering palliative care despite social distancing and isolation measures, but requires proper preparation and technical expertise [2].
  5. Age and mortality: Older patients and individuals with chronic medical conditions and malignancies are at greater risk during the pandemic, challenging the conventional focus on patient autonomy, curative treatment, and life prolongation [2].

While there is limited data on Hannover Medical University (MHH) specifically, it is likely that they, like other healthcare institutions, are involved in research and initiatives addressing the challenges in palliative care during the pandemic [2].

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