Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice and palliative care in nursing homes—A qualitative study from a multiperspective view

Abstract

In Germany, nursing homes are characterised by challenging conditions for adequately supporting residents at their end of life, which have even amplified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article therefore analyses how hospice and palliative care in nursing homes has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the pandemic has affected residents, relatives and employees. Semi-structured interviews with employees, residents and relatives were conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two nursing homes in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. In a pre-post comparison, data were qualitatively evaluated using content analysis according to Mayring. Shifts, congruities and discrepancies in challenges in hospice and palliative care were identified between T0 and T1. Due to contact restrictions, important parts of end-of-life care were missing, and the roles of individuals providing hospice and palliative care were redefined. The interviewed groups experienced changes differently and contradictory statements on satisfaction and expectations about hospice and palliative care were reported. Employees and relatives predominantly perceived the pandemic to be very stressful, while residents endured this period more composedly. Employees stated that, despite the pandemic, they were mostly able to meet residents’ requests. However, relatives and residents expressed that minor requests were not reliably fulfilled, neither at T0 nor at T1. Drawing together the different perspectives from employees, residents and relatives offers a bigger picture of challenges in hospice and palliative care in nursing homes and the pandemic effects. Stronger communication of requests and needs as well as greater collaboration, especially under crisis conditions, are essential for a better quality of end-of-life care. There is an urgent need to break down the taboos around the topics of dying and death in nursing homes.