Managing the supportive care needs of those affected by COVID-19

Abstract

Globally, the number of people affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly increasing. In most (>80%), the illness is relatively mild and can be self-managed out of hospital. However, in about 20% the illness causes respiratory compromise severe enough to require hospital admission [1]. Patients with severe and critical disease need full active treatment. This may include oxygen for hypoxaemia and ventilatory support, along with optimal management of complications, e.g. super-imposed bacterial infection, and any underlying co-morbidities, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure. To date, no antiviral agent has shown to be effective in treating the disease [2].

FIGURE 1

Example information sheet for COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital (downloadable WORD document available in supplementary files).

FIGURE 1

Example information sheet for COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital (downloadable WORD document available in supplementary files).

FIGURE 2

Example information sheet for familes/friends of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital (downloadable WORD document available in supplementary files).

FIGURE 2

Example information sheet for familes/friends of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital (downloadable WORD document available in supplementary files).