What you need to do:

We have collated a range of resources in relation to supporting patients and their families during end of life as a result of COVID-19 . Please watch and engage with the screen cast and presentation to start with- this lasts approx 50 minutes. Then take a look through a few of the resources

Section 2: Lots of resources as a reference point, some for background reading, others to provide practical support.

https://apmonline.org/ Up to date guidance from the Association of palliative medicine. Helpful guides for symptom control. Association for Palliative Medicine (2020, April 6) COVID-19 and Palliative, End of Life and Bereavement Care in Secondary Care Role of the specialty and guidance to aid care. Version3 Retrieved

• RCN COVID-19 guidance on DNACPR and verification of death (2020) https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/end-of-life-care/covid-19-guidance-on-dnacpr-and-verification-of-death

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses and other clinicians are likely to face a sharp and sustained rise in the volume of urgent decisions to take around cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and what is in the best interests of each individual person under their care.

See the Joint NMC/RCN statement regarding Decisions Relating to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) updated March 2020

• DOH (2020 31 March) Guidance for care of the deceased with suspected or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) Published 31 March 2020 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-care-of-the-deceased/guidance-for-care-of-the-deceased-with-suspected-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19

  • Main principles

Advice primarily designed to assist people who are required to manage the bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

This guidance has been developed to ensure that:

the bodies of those people who have died as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the bereaved family of the deceased are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect

people who work in these services and mourners are protected from infection

This guidance remains under review and may be updated in line with the changing situation as required

Mouth care matters...