If we think back to the beginning of 2020, we would never have imagined how our lives were going to change, how our daily life would become so restricted or what the care and support we provide for patients and their families would look like now. We would never have believed how isolated we have all become, even at work, and how the way we communicate with each other has needed to change.
Clinical reviews form a key part of the care of a person receiving any form of treatment, offering health professionals a vital opportunity to gain insight into the views and feelings of patients regarding their diagnosis, treatment plan, and any side effects they may experience, not to mention their emotional and social wellbeing. In pre-COVID times these were face-to-face reviews and often a person would be accompanied by a loved one, someone to speak for them when they were not able, to fill in the gaps at times and to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Now we rarely see a patient for face-to-face appointments; our lives have been taken over by technology and virtual appointments in an attempt to keep everyone safe and ensure treatments and care can continue. Previously, this would have been unheard of and for some it has taken a while to adjust. This form of communication has definitely strengthened the need for team working and is something that has brought closer working practices between professional groups.
Before the pandemic, we would take for granted having face-to-face conversations with others. Now we wear personal protective equipment, which takes away the personal aspects of communication. Recognising people at a glance, seeing a person's facial expression, being able to judge how they may be feeling and all non-verbal communication is now hidden behind a face covering. Now, more than ever, we rely on our gut instinct (based on our knowledge, skills and experience) to support one another through complex discussions and decision-making.
Previously, we would have attended meetings and had time to think about what we would say as we walked to the meeting. Not anymore. For many, no sooner have they finished a virtual clinic, used voice recognition dictation, responded to phone messages and emails, it is time for them to attend a virtual meeting. At times, it has felt like the only escape from our desk was to grab a drink or go to the toilet. Some of us can go for hours, days, weeks or even months without speaking to anyone else face to face. Personal interactions are now something to aspire to again at the end of this pandemic.
Although at times our jobs have been unrecognisable, we have continued to learn, adapt and maintain our knowledge and skills to enhance the care and support we provide to patients and colleagues. Gone are the days of attending a face-to-face meeting or conference, networking over lunch and returning to our workplaces inspired and full of ideas to implement in our own roles. Currently, education is provided virtually, with online events. There has also been an increase in Twitter chats as a way of engaging with others, discussing topical issues and sharing ideas—opening up new gateways in terms of attracting a different audience and from wider afield, bringing more experiences together.
When reflecting on the past year we probably all wonder how we would have coped without technology. However, too often the technology is let down by poor internet connections, a lack of computers or screens, and incompatible systems.
At times, we have all felt exhausted, but we have carried on for the benefit of patients and colleagues. We now work in closer knit teams, which has created a more supportive workplace and we are more appreciative of each other. But we also need to make sure that we have a break from our desk or our clinical area, that we remain hydrated and nourished and we get exercise from our sedentary, restricted lifestyles, so that we can give ourselves the opportunity to return to our job refreshed.
As nurses, we have come through this historic year, maintained our focus on caring for patients and engaged with them via an array of platforms. We are explaining the pros and cons of patients receiving or not receiving planned cancer care. We are supporting patients and their families through what feel like more difficult than normal conversations and choices. The time will come when we can all take stock and maintain some of the changes implemented in haste that have enhanced cancer services.
I recommend that you take time to reflect on what the year has meant to you as an individual, as a family member and as a nurse. Well done to each and every one of you—it is likely that you will never fully appreciate the enormous difference you have made to the lives of so many.