The article discusses the pervasive trauma experienced during the pandemic, particularly the isolation of patients who died alone in hospitals. As a palliative-care physician, the author reflects on the challenges of connecting with families virtually while patients faced dire health conditions. Restrictions meant to limit COVID exposure led to significant psychological impacts for both patients and their families, highlighting a pressing issue that healthcare systems must address going forward.
During early surges, we restricted visits to stop COVID from spreading. Yet even when hospitals eased restrictions, family visitation remained limited.
The tragedy of people suffering and dying alone is one of the enduring and unaddressed traumas of the pandemic that we must acknowledge.
Collection
[
|
...
]