A step backward
===============

* F.P. Gorodzinsky

As pointed out by Robert Maunder and associates,1 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has led to great emotional discomfort for both patients and medical personnel. Even when the outbreak has been brought under control, we will be faced with the ripple effects of the crisis. For example, in my community, consideration is already being given to making permanent measures that prevent open visits to hospital patients. After the trend in recent years toward more patient-centred care, we seem to be returning to the older practice of isolating patients from family and friends, an ill-conceived approach that fails to recognize the importance of emotional support in healing.

As a caring medical community, we must avoid accepting the most convenient solution in a crisis situation. 

**F.P. Gorodzinsky** Associate Professor of Pediatrics University of Western Ontario London, Ont.

## Reference

1.  1. Maunder R, Hunter J, Vincent L, Bennett J, Peladeau N, Leszca M, et al. The immediate psychological and occupational impact of the 2003 SARS outbreak in a teaching hospital. CMAJ 2003;168 (10): 1245-51.
    
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