Since the outbreak of COVID-19, restrictions on family presence in hospitals, nursing homes and other care settings have become widespread. Many are warranted, but in some cases these restrictions are extreme and prevent the most vulnerable from having a familiar support person by their side during childbirth, at the end-of-life, and during pediatric emergencies.

Out of an abundance of caution and lacking clear guidance to support compassionate exceptions, many healthcare leaders and health authorities have applied universal restrictions on family presence – despite the fact that the physical presence of family, for some individuals, is essential.

Recognizing the considerable variation in family presence policies and practices, a global coalition of clinicians, policymakers, experts in quality, safety and infection control, and patient, resident, family and elder advocates convened recently to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations that provides direction on what constitutes responsible, compassionate family presence during – and in the aftermath of – a pandemic.

In this webinar, members of the coalition will present the Guidelines for Preserving Family Presence. They will be joined by leaders from acute care, behavioral health, pediatrics and long-term care from around the world who will provide practical guidance on how the family presence principles have been applied within their organization.

Click here to register and to learn more!