How Covid-19 Has Impacted the Dying Process of Hospice Patients

Life has not been the same since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, neither has death. Hospice patients and their loved ones have been severely affected. Under previous circumstances hospice has been able to provide compassionate care across numerous disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to nursing, social work, religious/spiritual services, volunteer services, and even music or pet therapy. Today, these interventions are drastically limited due to the risks presented by Covid-19. The purpose of this project is to research the impact Covid-19 has had on the dying process and explore possible solutions to better support hospice patients. A literature search was conducted, and six peer-reviewed scholarly articles were selected and analyzed. Based on this research an evidence-based practice change using the Plan Do Study Act Model will be implemented into the clinical setting of Good Shepherd Community Care in Newton, Massachusetts. Overall, this project has the means of improving the dying process of hospice patients and their grieving loved ones during the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic.