Evaluation of a New Triage Protocol for Palliative Care for Patients with COVID-19 in Brazil.

Abstract

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To evaluate the implementation of a triage protocol for palliative care (PC) during the COVID-19 pandemic (PALI-COVID) at a referral center in Brazil. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective observational study was conducted. Based on the triage protocol, patients were classified into a red group, a yellow group, and a green group (GG). Patients should receive PC as recommended for each group. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 1517 patients were included in the analysis. About 11% (<i>n</i> = 162) of patients received PC. About 35% (<i>n</i> = 529) of all patients died. There was a significant difference in the mortality rate between the groups; the GG had the highest mortality rate. Most patients who died (77.1%) did not receive PC. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> PALI-COVID was effective in identifying patients who had a higher risk of death and needed end-of-life support. Despite the protocol, few patients received PC.