Primary Palliative Care Clinical Implications: Oncology Nursing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
William E. Rosa, Constance Dahlin, Vanessa Battista, Catherine S. Finlayson, Renee Wisniewski, Kelly Greer, Betty Ferrell
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to experiencing serious health-related suffering from COVID-19. This requires oncology nurses in inpatient and clinic settings to ensure the delivery of primary palliative care while considering the far-reaching implications of this public health crisis. With palliative care skills fully integrated into oncology nursing practice, health organizations and cancer centers will be better equipped to meet the holistic needs of patients with cancer and their families receiving care for serious illness, including improved attention to physical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual, and ethical considerations.