Benefits and Risks of Visitor Restrictions for Hospitalized Children During the COVID Pandemic
Alice Virani, Henry T. Puls, Rebecca Mitsos, Holly Longstaff, Ran D. Goldman, John D. Lantos
Abstract
To control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019, many hospitals have strict visitor restriction policies. These policies often prohibit both parents from visiting at the same time or having grandparents or other family members visit at all. We discuss cases in which such policies created ethical dilemmas and possibly called for compassionate exceptions from the general rules.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineVisitor patternPandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Grandparent2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)CoronavirusDiseaseVirologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)LawPathologyProgramming languagePolitical scienceOutbreakComputer scienceFamily and Patient Care in Intensive Care UnitsGrief, Bereavement, and Mental HealthHealthcare Decision-Making and Restraints