The Role of Palliative Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions and Experiences Among Critical Care Clinicians, Hospital Leaders, and Spiritual Care Providers (S538)

OUTCOMES: 1. Describe ways that palliative care supported patients, families, and care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as identified by participants in this study 2. Identify roles that palliative care could play when it comes to responding to future public health emergencies, as described by participants in this study ORIGINAL RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Palliative care offers a unique skill set in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with expertise in advance care planning, symptom management, family communication, end-of-life care, and bereavement. However, few studies have explored palliative care's role during the pandemic and changes in perceptions and utilization of the specialty among health and spiritual care providers and hospital leaders. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: To explore the evolving utilization, perceptions, and understanding of palliative care among critical care clinicians, hospital leaders, and spiritual care providers during the pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study employing in-depth interviews at a tertiary academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. Between August and October 2020, we interviewed 25 participants from three key informant groups: critical care physicians, hospital leaders, and spiritual care providers. RESULTS: Respondents recognized that palliative care's role increased in importance during the pandemic. Palliative care served as a bridge between providers, patients, and families, supported provider well-being, and contributed to hospital efficiency. The pandemic reinforced participants’ positive perceptions of palliative care, increased their understanding of the scope of the specialty's practice, and inspired physicians to engage more with palliative care. Respondents indicated the need for more palliative care providers and advocated for their role in bereavement support and future pandemic response. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight rapidly evolving and increased utilization and understanding of palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH, POLICY, OR PRACTICE: Results suggest a need for greater investment in palliative care programs and for palliative care involvement in public health emergency preparedness and response.