An eye for loved ones at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic: an additional module COVID-19 for and aftercare for loved ones around the death of a loved one (further development of the ZonMw Eye for Relatives method)

Project description At the end of 2019, a methodology became available from the Palliantie project Oog voor Naasten (OvN) that enables care providers to provide targeted care to their loved ones before and after the death of their loved one. We are further developing this OvN method in the ON2 project (duration 2021-2023). The corona pandemic changed care, with consequences for the wellbeing of the families of patients who die from COVID-19. It is feared that measures to keep a distance will lead to emotional problems in coping with loss. At the end of May 2020, national experts in palliative care based on the OvN method compiled a specific COVID-19 module for use with family members of patients with COVID-19. Research In this project, we are improving the current COVID-19 module by investigating what care they need before and after the death of their loved one with COVID-19. We also look at the impact of measures on COVID-19 on care for loved ones and which good examples have been developed in the recent period. Expected results We use the information to improve the current COVID-19 module, so that the knowledge gained in the past crisis can be used for future ones. The module will be included in the ON2 project that will be made suitable for various settings (home, hospital, nursing home, etc.) and target groups until 2023. Expected impact The improved COVID-19 module supports caregivers to provide appropriate care for loved ones.