The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh ("the College") has welcomed new COVID-19 guidance in Scotland. The Scottish Government has published two new documents: 1). Clinical advice during COVID-19, and 2). Ethical advice around complex or challenging decisions during COVID-19.
The first document covers aspects of clinical advice, based on a patient’s journey from symptoms at home through to hospital admission and into critical care, if that is necessary and appropriate. The College welcomes sections on end of life care of patients, and the wellbeing of staff. In particular, the College recognises the requirement for psychological support for front line clinicians making decisions outside of normal practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second document relates specifically to the ethical principles that guide decision making in difficult situations. The College is urging NHS Boards to establish ethical advice and support groups as quickly as possible, so that clinicians have comprehensive support when asked to take increased risks, or make complex and difficult decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The College is willing and able to support these groups, or the national ethics group which has mooted by the Scottish Government.
Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:
The College welcomes this guidance, which sets out the patient care pathway and supports clinicians to make complex or challenging decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We note in particular the requirement for psychological support for our front line clinicians, when they are having to make decisions outside of normal practice.
It is therefore vital that NHS Boards follow this new guidance and establish ethical advice and support groups as quickly as possible, so that clinicians have comprehensive support when asked to take increased risks or make complex and difficult decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This guidance must work alongside existing clinical guidance and frameworks, and it is of course vital that our front line clinical staff are protected with adequate personal protective equipment and guidance. In that regard, we welcome revised national guidance on personal protective equipment which is more comprehensive than before.
