The coronavirus pandemic is having a major effect on family dynamics. As the episode kicks off, Lakshmi describes the experience of treating a patient whose whole family was diagnosed with COVID-19.
She discusses the challenges associated with conducting virtual palliative care consultations -- when family members can't be in the same room as the dying person. She also shares the steps she's taken to adjust; she aims to spend time with the patient before these serious discussions take place. "Even though I was wearing all that PPE, I was still able to hold their hand for a moment," Lakshmi says.
"I will say that this particular patient, I found personally heartbreaking."
Later in the episode, things get even more personal and the co-hosts share how social distancing is affecting their own family lives. Jaclyn reflects on her family's virtual Passover seder.