• To learn about the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on community end of life care
• To understand the challenges of end of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic for nurses, patients and families
• To recognise the need for further research into community end of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected people at the end of life who are being cared for in community settings, as well as their families and the nurses who provide care. This article explores the challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to community end of life care in the UK and reflects on the psychological and emotional consequences for nurses, patients and families. It also discusses some of the fundamental aspects of end of life care in the community and explores how nursing interventions can be adapted to ensure that high standards of care are maintained. The pandemic may provide opportunities for transforming community end of life care and there is a need for further research into how health and social care services have adapted, which would inform future care planning and service provision.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11639
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Boole L, Watson S (2021) Overcoming challenges in community end of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11639
Disclaimer The information in this article reflects the evidence and guidance at the time of writing
Published online: 05 May 2021
