Perspectives of a “Good Death” among Patients who have Recovered from Severe COVID-19, Immediate Family Members of Patients who have Died from COVID-19, and Health Care Providers who Took Care of Patients who have Died from COVID-19 in a Tertiary Hospital

  • Ma. Lourdes Josefina K. Cabaluna Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Carla Ysabella B. Dofitas Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Belen L. Dofitas Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Keywords: death, COVID-19, perception

Abstract

Background. The premise of a “good death” is vital in delivering proper care of terminally-ill patients but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about new challenges and necessary protocols. There is a need to explore this gap in knowledge and understand perspectives of various stakeholders in COVID-19-related deaths.

Objectives. To describe the perception, barriers, and facilitators of a “good death” from COVID-19 survivors, relatives, and healthcare providers in the setting of a COVID-19 tertiary hospital.

Methods. The study was done in a COVID-19 tertiary hospital in Metro Manila from September to December 2021. Three groups of target respondents were invited to participate in the study: 8 survivors of severe/critical COVID-19, 9 close relatives of COVID-19 patients who had died, and 9 healthcare providers who directly cared for COVID-19 patients who had died. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by video calls which explored themes on good death. Thematic analysis was also done.

Results. A total of 26 respondents were included in the study: 8 COVID-19 survivors, 9 relatives, and 9 healthcare providers. The definition of “Good Death” among the participants focused on "being at peace" and having "everything in order". The experience with COVID-19 were influenced by the fear of the infection and isolation restrictions during hospitalization. Recurring themes across all groups were the fear of COVID-19 and death, importance of family in the healthcare process, difficulty in communication, and cremation viewed as necessary but not preferred.

Conclusion. A "good death" is perceived as a peaceful, prepared experience. The main barriers of a "good death' were the strict restrictions on physically comforting and communicating with patients. Video/voice calls and compassionate health care providers facilitated a better hospitalization experience. Careful study and focus on these factors can improve interventions for terminally ill patients to achieve a “good death” in the Filipino socio-cultural context.

Published
2022-10-11
How to Cite
1.
Cabaluna MLJK, Dofitas CYB, Dofitas BL. Perspectives of a “Good Death” among Patients who have Recovered from Severe COVID-19, Immediate Family Members of Patients who have Died from COVID-19, and Health Care Providers who Took Care of Patients who have Died from COVID-19 in a Tertiary Hospital. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2022Oct.11 [cited 2024Mar.29];56(18). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/5650