Only five studies met the criteria in this UK study, highlighting a striking lack of evidence base for the response of primary healthcare services in palliative care during epidemics and pandemics. Findings were synthesised using a pandemic response framework according to ‘systems’ (community providers feeling disadvantaged in terms of receiving timely information and protocols), ‘space’ (recognised need for more care in the community), ‘staff’ (training needs and resilience) and ‘stuff’ (other aspects of managing care in pandemics including personal protective equipment, cleaning care settings and access to investigations). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the authors concluded there is an urgent need to increase understanding of the role of primary care and community nursing services in palliative care, alongside hospices and community specialist palliative care providers.
Mitchell, S. et al 2020. The role and response of primary healthcare services in the delivery of palliative care in epidemics and pandemics: A rapid review to inform practice and service delivery during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Palliative Medicine, 34 (9) p 1182-1192
COVID-19 pandemic. Palliative Medicine, 34 (9) p 1182-1192
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