Nursing Home and Vaccination Consent: The Italian Perspective

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries have begun vaccination campaigns, with different methods and timelines, with the goal of vaccinating over 75% of the population and thus achieving herd immunity. Initially it was necessary to identity the categories of citizens who should be the first to receive the vaccines, on the basis of scientific evidence. On the basis of this information, elderly residents in nursing homes and the staff who care for them should be the highest priority subjects for vaccination. In this context, obtaining informed consent to Covid-19 vaccination presents a considerable challenge, as the advanced age and frequent comorbidities of a significant number of the residents may mean that they are incapable of expressing consent themselves. The legislation of various Western nations substantially agrees on the general principle that those capable of judgement must be asked for their consent for healthcare services, and that even those with psychological weaknesses that limit their full ability to decide must be involved in these decision-making processes. The article can help systematize the processes to be implemented to protect the health of individuals as members of a close and fragile community.

Back to the Roots of Nursing: Qualitative Study on the Experience of Nurses in the Front Line During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In fact, the increasing difficulties in the relationship linked to the critical conditions of patients, the presence of the PPE, and the absence of family members, has led nurses to devote more time to relationships with patients. Small gestures, closeness, support in a video call, body care and listening have become an irreplaceable part of caring and have been rediscovered as such in all their value (33,34); or to give more support than usual to other healthcare professionals, for example in communicating with a frail patient or his family, to obtain valid informed consent (35,36). Nurses discovered in careful basic and body care the best way to provide dying patients all the necessary attention, and to be able to make up for the absence of loved ones as much as possible.…”

Artificial intelligence and digital medicine for integrated home care services in Italy: Opportunities and limits

“…Navigating through the menu, it is possible to select a geographical area and type of homecare support (e.g., nursing) to find out which services are available and how much they cost. The idea of developing an app that would connect patients to healthcare professionals and to all psycho-physical wellness operators stemmed from the difficulties encountered in accessing the services of a trusted professional ( 19 , 20 ).…”

The Network of Services for COVID-19 Vaccination in Persons With Mental Disorders: The Italian Social Health System, Its Organization, and Bioethical Issues

“…Furthermore, in residential facilities it is challenging for these patients to adhere to preventive measures not only because of their clinical characteristics (perhaps partly non-collaborative or not self-sufficient) but also for reasons linked to the structural limitations of these communities ( 28 ).…”