• Palliative medicine · Mar 2024

    More than the sum of its parts-A constructivist grounded-theory study on specialist palliative care during crises like the COVID pandemic.

    • Julia Wikert, Claudia Bausewein, and Farina Hodiamont.
    • Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
    • Palliat Med. 2024 Mar 1; 38 (3): 331342331-342.

    BackgroundThe COVID pandemic is an example of a crisis challenging healthcare systems worldwide. The impact of the pandemic on providing high-quality palliative care calls for a deeper understanding of specialist services during crises. This is essential in preparation for further crises.AimTo develop a conceptual understanding of the impact of the pandemic on specialist palliative care as an example for arising future crises.DesignQualitative interview study across Germany, following a constructivist grounded theory methodology.Setting/ParticipantsEleven semi-structured interviews with experts with overarching knowledge of structures and processes in specialist palliative care between 05-07/2020 and between 02-06/2021, 23 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in a specialist palliative care setting.ResultsThe complex system of palliative care provision during crises has properties that cannot be understood as separated parts of the care process. The pandemic led to unique structural and processual challenges characterized by interconnectedness, uncertainty, dynamic, underlying dilemmas, and unclear long-term goal. In response to the pandemic, teams experienced different phases, which enhanced adaption, innovation, and progress within complex care situations. Creative strategy approaches and dynamic responsiveness facilitated innovative development and could lead to long-lasting improvement within services. Availability of information, transparent communication, comprehensible instructions, participation in decision-making, and search for solutions contributed to teams' proactive development throughout the pandemic.ConclusionAddressing the complex problems in specialist palliative care caused by crises requires system thinking and a learning mindset. This can facilitate teams to overcome the crisis and move forward rather than bounce back to normal.

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