Guidelines for Family Presence Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Susan Frampton,Sara Guastello,Shantanu Agrawal

doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2020.0807

Abstract

Guidelines for Family Presence Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Highlights

Active engagement of patients and their families in decisions about their own care is a foundation of a high-quality, person-centered health care system
The National Academy of Medicine has asserted the importance that “family and/or care partners are not kept an arm’s length away as spectators but participate as integral members of their loved one’s care team.”[3]. The Joint Commission recommends that family be allowed to “participate in end-of-life care by providing comfort during the dying process” and that we provide “the patient access to the support person at all times.”[4]. The Emergency Nurses Association has led the movement to welcome family at the bedside during resuscitation attempts, citing the growing scientific evidence supporting the emotional and psychological benefits.[5]
Planetree International and The Pioneer Network recently convened an international, multistakeholder coalition including patient, family, and elder advocates along with experts in quality, safety, and infectious disease to develop a new set of Person-Centered Guidelines for Preserving Family Presence During Challenging Times

Summary

Introduction

Active engagement of patients and their families in decisions about their own care is a foundation of a high-quality, person-centered health care system. Health care teams have worked tirelessly to provide optimal care for patients, with the added stress of finding a balance between limiting exposure to the virus and supporting the need for familial support. Ill individuals have died in hospital intensive care units with staff left to support all of their patients’ needs without the benefit of family present.

Results

Conclusion