Introduction: Humanitarian crises (HC) are large scale events that may result in massive disruption of health care systems and society, as well as high rates of mortality and suffering – physical, psychological, and spiritual. Palliative care (PC) aims to relief suffering in all these dimensions, which is why it is crucial to integrate them in humanitarian response. The recent COVID-19 pandemic falls into the category of HC, especially in the early stages when resources were deficient. Considering this, models of PC integration in HC may be successfully adapted to the COVID-19 response; however, research on this topic is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to map the existing knowledge regarding organizational models of PC integration in HC and COVID-19. Materials and methods: a scoping review was carried out, following guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The literature search was performed using PUBMED, CINHAL and SCOPUS databases and included articles published between 2011 and 2021. The search was conducted by two independent reviewers, disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: A total of 8494 articles were screened and 28 were included in this review. Most articles (61%) referred to COVID-19 and PC. Response elements frequently found were: palliative and curative approach integration; essential PC medication availability; transversal basic PC training; resource hierarchization; telehealth; and consult material. Discussion and conclusion: Information regarding PC integration in HC is scarce and availability of protocols and guidelines is limited. Conversely, evidence concerning PC in the COVID-19 pandemic is abundant, detailed, and concrete. This study suggests that models of PC integration in HC may be informed by PC response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This dissertation provides an interpretative summary of compiled recommendations for PC integration in humanitarian crises.
Date of Award | 7 Jun 2022 |
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Original language | Portuguese |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | Manuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor) |
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- Palliative care
- Palliative medicine
- Relief work
- Disaster planning
- Covid-19
- Pandemics
Cuidados paliativos em contexto de crise humanitária e pandemia covid-19: uma revisão scoping
Romero, I. C. P. S. (Student). 7 Jun 2022
Student thesis: Master's Thesis