Speaking up — even when not heard

I think we can all agree this is an incredibly strange time. No one knows entirely what we are supposed to do or even say other than doing the best we can for our patients. Working on the front line during this pandemic has been a surreal experience and one I will never be able to forget. For most of the time, we are treating what we see, following the newest policies that are updated almost every day to meet new research and expert opinion; but some days, the answer is not so clear.

I have always held the view that we need to maintain a level of emotional distance when it comes to the care of a patient; not only to remain professional but to allow an element of protection for ourselves. I found out recently that this is not always so easy as I became emotionally involved in the care of a frail, elderly patient with dementia because I felt that the decision being made was not in her best interests.