Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on palliative care provision by a hospital-based unit: results from an observational study

Anita Maria Tummolo1, Maria Adelaide Ricciotti1, Eleonora Meloni1, Sabrina Dispenza1, Marcello Di Pumpo 2,3, Gianfranco Damiani 1,2,3, Christian Barillaro.1

1 Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
2 Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
3 These authors contributed equally to this work and share last authorship

 

Background

Palliative care is a key approach in improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing the end-of-life care process. It is widely regarded as a public-health concern, especially considering the rapidly increasing end-of-life care needs worldwide. Its provision has been highly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

Objective

This study aims to analyse whether and to what extent the provision of Palliative Care to non-COVID patients provided by a hospital-based unit has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.