Bloomer, Melissa J.

Background: Infection control measures during infectious disease outbreaks can have significant impacts on seriously ill and dying patients, their family, the patient-family connection, coping, grief and bereavement. Aim: To explore how family members of patients who are seriously ill or who die during infectious disease outbreaks are supported and cared for during serious illness, before and after patient death and the factors that influence family presence around the time of death. Design: Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

The author discusses the importance of family-centered approach to care in nursing care, as well as the hidden effects of restricting family visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in hospitals, as well as the importance of effective communication, shared decision-making, and expert care to dying patients and their families.