Valuable moments and creativity
Professionals and patients are constantly trying to find practical solutions, such as:
- Use of video conferencing with patients or their family or, if this is too difficult, use of a picture on the phone to show, for instance, a wound or oedema.
- Having ECG and laboratory tests done close to the patients (for instance at the GP because of fast AF).
- More contact by email and regular mail.
- Closer collaboration with primary care.
- Sending information about websites where people can see how the heart works, what happens in cases of fluid retention etc.
- Emphasis that patients and their family can contact the clinics and, when necessary, they can come to the hospital and will be treated.
Meanwhile, there appears to be a collaboration within and between disciplines and professions as never before. All healthcare workers must adapt to this new situation, and this is not only accompanied by fear and stress, but also by solidarity and heroic work. Similarly, in talking to patients and family members, valuable moments can also occur. For example, talking about life and death seems to be easier for some patients and family members in this exceptional situation. While patients feel much more vulnerable, healthcare workers in cardiology need to give flexible and secure patient care on an optimal level.