COVID-19 Pandemic: End of Life Experience in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on those in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). This research was undertaken to explore and better understand the effects of the pandemic on the experience of next-of-kin and carers who encountered the death of a loved one who resided within a RACF during the pandemic. Prospective single-centre mixed methods research was undertaken involving telephone interview with next-of-kin or carers of residents who died within 30 days of being referred to Austin Health Residential Inreach Service during the 'second wave' of COVID-19 in Melbourne, Australia in 2020. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Qualitative description and aspects of grounded theory was used for analysing qualitative data. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts used open and axial coding to identify initial themes and then to group these under major themes. Forty-one telephone interviews were analysed. Major themes identified included: COVID-19 pandemic; communication and technology; death and dying experience; bereavement and grief; and social supports and external systems. Findings from this study identify the many COVID-19 pandemic related challenges faced by participants and their dying loved one in RACFs. Access to palliative care and bereavement support is crucial for dying residents and for grieving that has been made more difficult by the pandemic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.