Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Powell, Victoria D.; Silveira, Maria J.
To the Editor,
COVID-19 is anticipated to spread widely in the U.S. by the end of 2020.1 Widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S. could translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. This will push many health systems to the point of rationing limited resources such as intensive care unit beds and life-sustaining machinery, as has occurred in Italy.2 Patients and their families at the peak of the pandemic will face symptoms, emotional distress, and decision making in the face of uncertainty and limited options. No one is more prepared to handle these needs than providers on palliative care consult teams. However, palliative care consult teams are themselves a limited resource. In this piece, we will outline the challenges palliative care consult services may face in this crisis and suggest some alternatives forward.
Keywords
Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment