COVID-19 and End-of-life Care in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Descriptive-Explicative Study Protocol in Two Quebec Regions Differently Affected
Introduction: Since March 2020, Quebec (Canada), like the rest of the world, has been in the throes of a major health crisis. In addition to causing many deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many people are living out their end of life in turbulent times, as emergency health measures impose isolation and profoundly change the organization and practice of end-of-life care. During the first wave of COVID-19, 64% of deaths in Quebec were among residents of long-term care homes (CHSLD), a population considered to be highly vulnerable. However, the risk of dying from COVID-19 during the first wave varied between socio-sanitary regions of Quebec, suggesting that different settings applied different organizational and clinical measures. Objective: The article presents the protocol of a study aimed at better understanding the effects of COVID-19 on end-of-life care in CHSLDs by identifying organizational and clinical transformations and by comparing two regions (Montréal and the Eastern Townships) that were differently affected. Methods: A descriptive-explicative design was used. Interviews were conducted with site coordinators and caregivers who worked in CHSLDs during the first wave of COVID-19, to identify the changes experienced and their effects on the care provided to end-of-life residents and on CHSLD caregivers. Discussion and conclusion: The conclusions of this research lead to organizational, clinical, political and scientific recommendations.