Study of issues relating to confinement, end-of-life and death in EHPAD, linked to the Covid-19 epidemic in France.

The Covid-19 epidemic is causing an unprecedented situation that is disrupting all living environments. People living in EHPAD and those who work there are particularly affected by this health crisis. In this context, it seems essential to observe and gather testimonies in order to keep track of singular experiences. To avoid repeating the problem of the lack of data collected at the time of the 2003 heat wave, it is essential to collect these testimonies as soon as possible, and not from a distance. This is why, since the beginning of April 2020, the Plateforme nationale pour la recherche sur la fin de vie has been coordinating a qualitative multicenter study to observe and analyze in real time the consequences of the epidemic in these establishments.

In six regions of France (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Grand Est, Hauts de France, Ile-de-France and Bretagne), researchers in the humanities and social sciences are conducting interviews with EHPAD professionals and, where possible, residents and their families. These interviews will enable us to understand the experience and feelings of these people confronted with situations of confinement, end-of-life and death.

The analysis will enable us to apprehend the impact of the situation on their relationship to the end of life and death. The aim of this research is to objectify the diversity of situations, away from the media filter, and to make visible how professionals and residents are striving to cope with this crisis and its consequences.