ACCCN and ACIPC Position Statement on Facilitating Next-of-Kin Presence for Patients Dying from COVID-19 in the ICU

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging health care systems worldwide; none more so than critical and intensive care settings. Significant attention has been placed on the capacity of Australian ICUs to respond to a COVID-19 surge, particularly in relation to beds, ventilators, staffing, personal protective equipment and unparalleled increase in deaths in ICUs associated with COVID-19 seen internationally. While death is not uncommon in critical care, the international experience demonstrates that restrictions to family presence at the end of life result in significant distress for families and clinicians.
Source: Australian Critical Care - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Discussion paper Source Type: research