Doctors caring for the dying should ‘smile with their eyes’

DOCTORS looking after dying patients should ‘smile with their eyes’ and wear transparent face masks to reduce distress to themselves and their patients, according to experts.

A study of palliative care doctors found they struggled with the stringent restrictions placed on them during the pandemic, including visiting bans and having to wear face coverings.

They could not communicate with patients, leading to ‘distress’ among staff and low morale. The researchers behind the study, from the University of Edinburgh, say measures to improve the situation should be implemented. With face masks still in place in health care settings, they say transparent masks should be used, or doctors should learn to ‘smile with their eyes’ and use hand gestures.

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and St Columba’s Hospice.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Experiences of clinicians and patients during the pandemic [will be] reflected in our plans for palliative care in Scotland.’