A review of telehospice use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional hospice care, prompting the use of telehospice to deliver end-of-life services remotely while maintaining quality and continuity of care.

Aim: This integrative review examines the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of telehospice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on patient outcomes and caregiver experiences.

Method: An integrative review approach was used to analyse 12 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2020 and June 2023.

Findings: Telehospice enhanced access to care in rural and underserved areas, enabled timely symptom management and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. Families reported improved communication, emotional support and involvement in decision-making. However, challenges to telehospice care such as limited internet access, digital literacy gaps and difficulties replicating the intimacy of in-person care were frequently noted.

Conclusion: Telehospice is a feasible and acceptable model for end-of-life care. Ongoing investment in infrastructure, training and equitable access is essential for long-term integration.