Selman, Lucy Ellen, Farnell, DJJ, Longo, M, Goss, S, Seddon, K, Torrens-Burton, A, Mayland, CR 
ORCID: 0000-0002-1440-9953, Wakefield, D, Johnston, B, Byrne, A et al (show 1 more authors)
(2022)
Risk factors associated with poorer experiences of end-of-life care and challenges in early bereavement: Results of a national online survey of people bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE, 36 (4).
pp. 717-729.
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Risk factors associated with poorer experiences of end-of-life care and challenges in early bereavement Results of a nationa.pdf - Open Access published version Download (853kB) | Preview |
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Experiences of end-of-life care and early bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic are poorly understood.<h4>Aim</h4>To identify clinical and demographic risk factors for sub-optimal end-of-life care and pandemic-related challenges prior to death and in early bereavement, to inform clinical practice, policy and bereavement support.<h4>Design</h4>Online national survey of adults bereaved in the UK (deaths between 16 March 2020 and 2 January 2021), recruited via media, social media, national associations and organisations.<h4>Setting/participants</h4>711 participants, mean age 49.5 (SD 12.9, range 18-90). 628 (88.6%) were female. Mean age of the deceased was 72.2 (SD 16.1, range miscarriage to 102 years). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19.<h4>Results</h4>Deaths in hospital/care home increased the likelihood of poorer experiences at the end of life; for example, being unable to visit or say goodbye as wanted (<i>p</i> < 0.001). COVID-19 was also associated with worse experiences before and after death; for example, feeling unsupported by healthcare professionals (<i>p</i> < 0.001), social isolation/loneliness (OR = 0.439; 95% CI: 0.261-0.739), and limited contact with relatives/friends (OR = 0.465; 95% CI: 0.254-0.852). Expected deaths were associated with a higher likelihood of positive end-of-life care experiences. The deceased being a partner or child also increased the likelihood of positive experiences, however being a bereaved partner strongly increased odds of social isolation/loneliness, for example, OR = 0.092 (95% CI: 0.028-0.297) partner versus distant family member.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Four clear risk factors were found for poorer end-of-life care and pandemic-related challenges in bereavement: place, cause and expectedness of death, and relationship to the deceased.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Grief, pandemics, bereavement, coronavirus infections, bereavement services, terminal care, palliative care |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 18 May 2023 14:48 |
| Last Modified: | 18 May 2023 14:50 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/02692163221074876 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3170512 |
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