Page 21 - SF HOSPITAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Taking a Breath and Exhaling . . . Palliative Reflections on COVID-19

We recognize how impor- Romanello challenged her Today, taking a moment to think back; nections between patients and families. He
tant it is as palliative care team to reflect on their well- stressful, painful and sad moments come shares, “With COVID-19 and the ever-
providers to treat the “Whole ness, and how COVID has to mind. Practicing palliative care for the evolving response to treating and safe-
Person”. Attending to the changed thinking and prac- last five to six months has not been easy guarding our patients, families, and staff,
physical and mental health tices. What were some of for me. However, in the midst of so much the approach to serving others has also
of our patients while the challenges that our pro- suffering, uncertainty and even despair at evolved. My role has ranged from stepping
addressing social well-being fessionals faced in deliver- times; practicing palliative medicine has in to get a patient a blanket or an extra cup
and environmental factors ing high quality service, been both rewarding and surprising. of ice to facilitating video calls or being a
requires the expertise of an while likewise juggling pro- Through my role, I‘ve had the incredible courier of supplies from family to patient.
interdisciplinary team, like fessional and personal opportunity to serve, help, counsel, and COVID-19 has been a great reminder that
ours at Catholic Palliative change? This reflective support patients and families, while with- serving others and providing them peace
Care Services (CPCS). While activity allowed our out knowing it, they were also doing the and comfort in this traumatic situation
our palliative lens encour- BY ROCHELLE S. employees to share insight- same for me.” requires stopping to hear what the patient
ages us to “see” the intersec- CLARKE, PHD, ful views … Let us look. Our palliative care Social Workers, and family are expressing that they need,
tion of these elements and LMFT, MSHR One of our ARNPs, Diane Garland and Marcia Socorro, and and then stepping in to serve them.”
how they do impact quality Meryhelen Viloria, affirms Chaplain Christopher Curtis all reflected Dr. Romanello affirmed that teamwork
of life, medical decision-making, and even that the work and value of palliative care that their service to their patients and fam- drives us to be resilient and to excel. She
treatment, the COVID pandemic triggered providers continues in the midst of ilies provided a humbling experience. imparts, “To say these are unprecedented
heightened needs and new challenges for COVID-19. Meryhelen says, “Palliative Marcia articulates, “For many patients, and unusual times is an understatement!
patients, families, colleagues, and natural- medicine is integrating all of my knowl- this time has meant social isolation from This pandemic has changed me, but also
ly for our staff as well. We developed an edge and acquired skills and combining not seeing their loved ones causing emo- occurring simultaneously so has the social
adaptable, innovative strategy to address them with compassion and empathy to tional pain. Becoming a conduit for com- awareness and reckoning for racial injus-
these demands and to maintain a high per- prioritize the patient's wishes. I see this munication between the patient and their tices and healthcare inequities brought to a
forming team, while keeping safety and discipline treating the patient as a whole, family has been very rewarding. The national platform. Amid stress, anxiety,
well-being a top priority. taking into consideration all aspects of action of easing the pain of isolation despair, and for some even hopelessness,
CPCS serves the community and vari- their physical, social, spiritual and emo- brought both the patient and their loved palliative services have represented a bea-
ous hospitals throughout Miami-Dade and tional needs. This requires me to step into one comfort.” con of light. The team of colleagues I work
Broward County. Led by Dr. Tracy a territory that allows me to get to know Diane highlights, “My work as a alongside inspires me through their sincer-
Romanello, Medical Director for Catholic patients and families in a more personal Licensed Clinical Social Worker counsel- ity, self-sacrifice, and ‘never-give-up’
Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care manner and to help patients become more ing people with serious illness and their assertiveness. We’ll continue to pour our-
Services, our team comprises of highly tal- aware of what quality of life means to families for many years has long given me selves wholeheartedly into the work and
ented professionals. Dr. Romanello is not them.” feelings of purpose and gratitude. the care we provide, and we will get
only mindfully attentive to those we serve, Yusneisy Caraballoso, ARNP, also Especially during this pandemic as well as through these difficult times together.”
but also to our dedicated staff of individu- expresses her views, “Being a palliative racial and cultural crises, my work with
als providing care - TEAM US! care provider has always been one of the people from many walks of life has height- Rochelle S. Clarke is Director,
Having had a few months to embrace most fulfilling experiences that I’ve had in ened my humility.” Quality and Organizational Development
the drastic effects of the pandemic, Dr. my years of professional experience. Christopher recounts meaningful con- for Catholic Hospice.

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