H. Pidborchynski1, C. Lengyel1
1Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

End of life (EOL) care is provided to residents in long-term care (LTC) homes in their final 6-12 months and aims to support quality of life until death. EOL care does not meet the expectations of caregivers as they often receive inconsistent and inadequate information about the resident’s care at EOL. Issues of short-staffing and lack of EOL nutritional practices in LTC have been further accentuated by COVID-19.

Examine end of life nutrition processes of healthcare providers (HCP) in LTC homes during COVID-19.

Telephone interviews with 16 HCPs [female (88%), male (12%); mean age ± SD = 42 ± 10.2 years] working in Manitoba LTC homes were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was conducted, creating themes.

Three themes emerged from the interviews. 1) Modifications to EOL conversations and processes- The pandemic created challenges in EOL nutrition conversations and processes due to new visitor restrictions. Nutrition conversations were no longer able to occur in-person and had to be completed over the phone. 2) Adaptations of HCPs to new COVID-19 restrictions- HCPs experienced changes in their daily practice as duties shifted, and some dietitians reported that they were less involved in EOL nutrition conversations. 3) Conversations about healthcare provided for residents with COVID-19- The content and timing of EOL conversations for COVID-positive residents changed due to rapid disease progression. HCPs updated caregivers more frequently on their health status and residents experienced challenges with eating due to the virus.

HCPs in LTC had to make changes to EOL nutrition processes and conversations due to visitor restrictions, shift in duties, and rapid progression of the virus.

Pandemic plans need to be developed to ensure all residents receive quality EOL nutritional care during outbreaks.

Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research