[Humanize Death in a Time of Sanitary Crisis: Accompanied Die, Farewell and Receive Spiritual Care]

Cuad Bioet. 2020 May-Aug;31(102):203-222. doi: 10.30444/CB.62.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The crisis in the health system caused by COVID-19 has left some important humanitarian deficits on how to care for the sick in their last days of life. The humanization of the dying process has been affected in three fundamental aspects, each of which constitutes a medical and ethical duty necessary. In this study, I analyze why dying accompanied, with the possibility of saying goodbye and receiving spiritual assistance, constitutes a specific triad of care and natural obligations that should not be overlooked - even in times of health crisis - if we do not want to see human dignity violated and violated some fundamental rights derived from it.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Death*
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections*
  • Dehumanization
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Moral Obligations
  • Palliative Care
  • Pandemics*
  • Patient Comfort
  • Patient Isolation / ethics
  • Patient Rights
  • Personhood
  • Physician's Role
  • Pneumonia, Viral*
  • Religion
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spirituality*
  • Terminal Care / ethics*
  • Terminal Care / methods
  • Terminal Care / psychology
  • Visitors to Patients