The Provision of Palliative Services in Iranian Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Palliative care constitutes an integral component of the healthcare emergency response system.This study investigated palliative care services in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the objectives of documenting adaptations and developing a roadmap for future health crises.The findings aim to promote inter-institutional collaboration, inform policy, enhance care quality, and emphasize the importance of maintaining patient dignity in emergency situations. Materials and Methods:A qualitative research methodology was employed in two primary phases in 2022.In the initial phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed utilizing an inductive approach.The study implemented a purposive sampling method, followed by snowball sampling, to achieve data saturation.Data saturation was attained after 17 interviews.The participants comprised medical personnel engaged in the care of patients infected with the virus.Concepts and categories were derived using MAXQDA 2018.1.In the second phase, expert panels were convened, and key informants in the field of palliative care were invited to provide recommendations regarding the reorganization of the initially developed categories. Results:The results demonstrated the implementation of novel approaches in palliative care across seven principal domains, including effective and compassionate communication and care coordination, management of pain and other symptoms, psychosocial care, spiritual care, complementary and traditional medicine, end-of-life, grief, and bereavement care, and support for care providers.The study revealed that, in the context of the ongoing pandemic in Iran, the establishment of palliative care services has reached unprecedented levels compared to other similar crises. Conclusion:This study examined the adaptations in palliative care implemented during the ongoing pandemic, emphasizing the necessity of evaluating these emerging practices and integrating palliative care into future epidemic guidelines to ensure comprehensive patient support during crises.It underscores the need for continuous research and the formulation of new policies in this field.