Using technology to combat Covid-19

At the start of the pandemic there was a clear need to prepare and equip care settings with the knowledge, skillsets and in some cases the technology to allow patients to say “goodbye” to their loved ones and reduce feelings of social isolation. ‘Using Skype and video messaging apps during pandemic isolation’ was written by James Norris and Professor Mark Taubert and published on 15th March 2020. Results: The tutorial was highly accessed and received a positive response from care professionals. It was listed in the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC)’s "Coronavirus and the palliative care response" resources. The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC)’s ‘Resources relevant to Palliative Care and COVID-19’ also featured this step-by-step tutorial. The tutorial encouraged conversations around the importance of connecting virtually, when visits cannot take place a pandemic situation. A campaign called ‘Tablets Against Loneliness’ was launched to improve uptake in this area. The campaign’s aim was to raise awareness at the start of the pandemic about using video calling technologies, sharing a basic framework and to provide technical support for care settings when using video calling technologies. Social distancing guidelines meant that many funerals took place with a small number of attendees and some funerals in the UK were postponed. A framework for funeral directors and funeral director associations was launched by the Digital Legacy Association. Funeral director associations should include virtual funeral conversations as part of their service when severe social distancing measures are in place. Conclusion / lessons learned: A BMJ SPC tutorial acted as a snowball for advocacy, change and collaboration