Palliative Care Services have a role to assist with patients/families that may be under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19. 

Co-Chair Nicole Sartor (from UNC) and I lead the HPNA APN Advisory Council.  Last Thursday, we led this call to discuss, brainstorm, and align COVID-19 palliative program ideas and operational options.  This discussion focused on all populations (neonatal, peds, and adult).  There are models of sharing/translating roles between Palliative and Hospice (particularly in POS environments.  For example, a Palliative APN seeing all palliative and hospice patients in a specific SNF, etc).  This works well when the palliative and hospice team is organizationally the same or collaborative.  The University of Washington Medical Center/System has administrative code status/airway management protocols and COVID-19 algorithms which include Palliative Care.  There are additional concepts that can be discussed or shared if helpful.  I want to be mindful not to add unnecessary or overwhelming information here. 

At HackensackUMC we have worked with leadership to ensure visitation for dying patients; those on end of life care or receiving hospice services.  Our Palliative Service has also recommended that all immunocompromised, or 60 years of age (and above) and/or with co morbidities recieve a palliative consult for GOC and/or symptom management.  We are also aligned with some staff possibly being reassigned if needed else where. 

Please share your best practices (via the comment option) and lessons learned.  Sending you all safety, love, and sanity.....