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Lundberg T, Falk E, Alvariza A, Åkerman E, Dahl O, Nilsson M, Anmyr L. Being between life and death-experiences of COVID-19 survivors 12 to 18 months after being treated in intensive care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2398223. [PMID: 39238148 PMCID: PMC11382733 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2398223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore the experiences of care, psychosocial support, and psychosocial wellbeing among patients treated for COVID-19 in intensive care 12 to 18 months after discharge. METHODS This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 20 adult patients treated for COVID-19 12 to 18 months after being discharged from a university hospital in Sweden. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS The participants were severely affected by COVID-19 both during the hospital stay and afterwards. They experienced overwhelming fears and uncertainties related to their wellbeing and possibility to recover. The care was described chaotic with staff that were stressed; however, the efforts of the staff during this strenuous circumstance were still positively acknowledged. Difficulties to stay in touch with family and friends due to visiting restrictions affected the patient's psychosocial wellbeing. CONCLUSION Contracting COVID-19 in the beginning of the pandemic was a stressful event. Being seen and heard is of importance as it has the possibility to create a feeling of security and being cared for despite unclarities about treatment and illness trajectory. Accordingly, healthcare staff play an important role for the psychosocial wellbeing of patients treated for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lundberg
- Medical Unit: Clinical Social Work, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleonora Falk
- Medical Unit: Clinical Social Work, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of research and development/Palliative Care, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Åkerman
- Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oili Dahl
- Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Nilsson
- Medical Unit: Clinical Social Work, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Anmyr
- Medical Unit: Clinical Social Work, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Meiers S, de Goumoëns V, Thirsk L, Abbott-Anderson K, Brysiewicz P, Eggenberger S, Heitschmidt M, Kiszio B, Mcandrew NS, Morman A, Richardson S. Nursing strategies to mitigate separation between hospitalized acute and critical care patients and families: A scoping review. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2024; 84:103773. [PMID: 39067380 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2024.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the nursing strategies used to mitigate the impact of forced separation between hospitalized acute and critical care patients and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN A scoping review was performed in accordance with JBI methodology. SETTINGS Those acute and critical care areas in which sudden, often unexpected, emergent episodes of illness or injury were treated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Articles written in English and French between March 2020 and September 2023 in Medline, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycInfo, Embase and the Cochrane COVID-19 study register databases that met our inclusion criteria were included. Gray literature included dissertations, theses and Base Bielefeld Academic Search Engines. RESULTS Among the 1,357 articles screened, 46 met the criteria for inclusion. Most of the articles were published in North America. Adult critical care units were the most frequently reported settings, followed by neonatal intensive care units. The most frequently reported strategies were virtual telephone or video communications. A majority of the innovative strategies involved interprofessional collaboration at the unit level. Core components included the provision of relational nursing practices, virtual visits, tailored information, fostering relationships between family members, palliative care support regarding end of life, and general information about hospitalization and COVID-19. Pediatric care settings were more likely than adult care settings to accommodate physical visitation. CONCLUSION Nurses used synchronous, episodic, and structured virtual interactions, either alone or as part of an interprofessional team, to mitigate separation between patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute and critical care settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE Permanent policy changes are needed across acute and critical care settings to provide support for nurses in mitigating patient and family separation. We recommend that family members be considered as caregivers and care receivers, not visitors in patient and family-centered care in acute and critical care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Meiers
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, P.O. Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA; Department of Graduate Nursing, Winona State University, 400 South Broadway, Suite 204, Rochester, MN 55904, USA.
| | - Véronique de Goumoëns
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Av. Vinet 30, Lausanne, Switzerland; Bureau d'Echange des Savoirs pour des praTiques exemplaires de soins (BEST) a JBI Center of Excellence, Avenue Alexandra Vinet 30 - 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Lorraine Thirsk
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, 1 University Drive, Athabasca, Alberta T9S 3A3, Canada.
| | - Kristen Abbott-Anderson
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, P.O. Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA.
| | - Petra Brysiewicz
- School of Nursing & Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mazisi Kunene Road, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Sandra Eggenberger
- Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society, Minnesota State University, 360 Wissink Hall (WH 360), Mankato, Mankato, MN, USA.
| | - Mary Heitschmidt
- RUSH System for Health, Center for Clinical Research and Scholarship, 600 South Paulina, Suite 1080 AAC, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Rush College of Nursing, 600 South Paulina, Suite 1080 AAC, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Blanche Kiszio
- La Source School of Nursing, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Av. Vinet 30, Lausanne, Switzerland; Bureau d'Echange des Savoirs pour des praTiques exemplaires de soins (BEST) a JBI Center of Excellence, Avenue Alexandra Vinet 30 - 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Natalie S Mcandrew
- School of Nursing, College of Health Professions & Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1921 East Hartford Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA; Department of Patient Care Research, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Aspen Morman
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, P.O. Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA.
| | - Sandra Richardson
- Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury - Te Waipounamu - Waitaha, Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand.
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Krewulak KD, Jaworska N, Lee L, Louis JS, Dmitrieva O, Leia MP, Doig C, Niven DJ, Parhar KKS, Rochwerg B, West A, Stelfox HT, Leigh JP, Fiest KM. Impact of restricted family presence during the COVID-19 pandemic on critically ill patients, families, and critical care clinicians: a qualitative systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:936. [PMID: 39148067 PMCID: PMC11328402 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on the impacts of COVID-19-related restricted family presence policies from the perspective of patients, families, and healthcare professionals from neonatal (NICU), pediatric (PICU), or adult ICUs. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Databases of Reviews and Clinical Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two researchers independently reviewed titles/abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion. Thematic analysis was completed following appraising article quality and assessing confidence in the individual review findings using standardized tools. RESULTS We synthesized 54 findings from 184 studies, revealing the impacts of these policies in children and adults on: (1) Family integrated care and patient and family-centered care (e.g., disruption to breastfeeding/kangaroo care, dehumanizing of patients); (2) Patients, families, and healthcare professionals (e.g., negative mental health consequences, moral distress); (3) Support systems (e.g., loss of support from friends/families); and (4) Relationships (e.g., loss of essential bonding with infant, struggle to develop trust). Strategies to mitigate these impacts are reported. CONCLUSION This review highlights the multifaceted impacts of restricted visitation policies across distinct care settings and strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of these policies and guide the creation of compassionate family presence policies in future health crises. REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=290263 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla D Krewulak
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Natalia Jaworska
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laurie Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Research Institute, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Julia St Louis
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olesya Dmitrieva
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Madison P Leia
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher Doig
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel J Niven
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ken Kuljit S Parhar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Medicine, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew West
- Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kirsten M Fiest
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences & O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry & Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Zee MS, Pasman HR, Witkamp E, Goossensen A, Korfage IJ, Becqué YN, Nierop-van Baalen C, van der Heide A, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. How end-of-life care was limited during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal survey study among healthcare providers (the CO-LIVE study). BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:187. [PMID: 39060925 PMCID: PMC11282725 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, the way in which end-of-life care was provided, underwent a lot of changes and therefor different domains of end-of-life care were impacted. The aim of this study is to describe whether health care providers considered end-of-life care (in medical, nursing, psychosocial and spiritual care) limited by the pandemic through the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine associations with COVID-19 related circumstances of care (e.g. visit restrictions) and health care providers' characteristics. METHODS A longitudinal survey study among healthcare providers from different healthcare settings who provided end-of-life care during the pandemic's first 18 months. Data of four time periods were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Generalized Estimating Equation. RESULTS Of the respondents (n = 302) the majority had a nursing background (71.8%) and most worked in a hospital (30.3%). Especially in the first wave end-of-life care in all aspects was limited according to a substantial part of health care providers (between 29.7 and 57.7%). Psychosocial and spiritual care were more limited than medical and nursing care during all time periods. Care being limited according to health care providers was associated with visit restrictions, shortness of personal protective equipment or restrictions in caring for the deceased and decreased over time. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic impacted different aspects of end-of-life care throughout the pandemic's first 18 months. Over the course of the pandemic health care providers seemed to have invented ways to adjust their work in order to minimize the effect of limiting measures. More involvement of health care providers in decision-making may improve the prioritization of measures to deal with crisis situations in care. These reflections highlight priorities during crises and the role healthcare providers could play in maintaining good end-of-life care. This remains relevant in new health crises, where care may differ from what is considered good quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masha S Zee
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Van Der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands.
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Van Der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands
| | - Erica Witkamp
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ida J Korfage
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne N Becqué
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corine Nierop-van Baalen
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Van Der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands
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Pettersson C, Forsén J, Joelsson-Alm E, Fridh I, Björling G, Mattsson J. Piloting and watch over in the end-of-life care of intensive care unit patients with COVID-19-A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2024. [PMID: 39021308 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICUs) were under heavy pressure, with a significantly increased number of severely ill patients. Hospitals introduced restrictions, and families could not visit their ill and dying family members. Patients were cared for without privacy, and several died in shared patient rooms, leaving the intensive care nurse to protect the patient's need for loving care in a vulnerable situation at the end of life. AIMS This study aimed to investigate how piloting and watch over were revealed in end-of-life care for patients with COVID-19 in intensive care COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study was conducted with an abductive approach was conducted. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to cover the research area while allowing the informant to talk freely about the topic; 11 informants were interviewed. RESULTS The findings are presented based on four categories: The road to the decision, End-of-life care, Farewell of close family members and Closure. Each category and subcategory reveal how piloting and watch over were addressed in the end-of-life care of patients with COVID-19 in the ICU during the pandemic. Overall findings indicated that workload and organization of care directly affect the quality of care given, the acceptance of privacy and the possibility of dignified end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS Workload directly affects the quality of care, risking dehumanization of the patient. Visiting restrictions hindered supporting family members through the various piloting phases. Visiting restrictions also forced the ICU nurses to take on the role of the relative in watching over the patient. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Collaboration with family members is essential for the intensive care nurse to be able to provide a person-centred and dignified end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Pettersson
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Forsén
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Joelsson-Alm
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Björling
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Nursing, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Janet Mattsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
- Department of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Ryan MJ, Lee L, Drisdelle S, Garros D, Seabrook JA, Curran J, Bretzler J, Slumkoski C, Walls M, Betts L, Burgess S, Foster JR. Impact of COVID-19-related restricted family presence policies on Canadian pediatric intensive care unit clinicians: a qualitative study. Can J Anaesth 2024; 71:1004-1014. [PMID: 38507024 PMCID: PMC11266375 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-024-02742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) worldwide restricted family presence in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to explore the experiences and impact of restricted family presence policies on Canadian PICU clinicians. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study that followed an interpretive phenomenological design. Participants were PICU clinicians providing direct patient care in Canada during periods of COVID-19-related restricted family presence. We purposively sampled for maximum variation among survey participants who consented to be contacted for further research on the same topic. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely via telephone or video-call, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Interviews were inductively coded and underwent thematic analysis. Proposed themes were member-checked by interviewees. RESULTS Sixteen PICU clinicians completed interviews. Interviewees practiced across Canada, represented a range of disciplines (eight nurses, two physicians, two respiratory therapists, two child life specialists, two social workers) and years in profession (0-34 years). We identified four themes representing the most meaningful aspects of restricted family presence for participants: 1) balancing infection control and family presence; 2) feeling disempowered by hospital and policy-making hierarchies; 3) empathizing with family trauma; and 4) navigating threats to the therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSION Pediatric intensive care unit clinicians were impacted by restricted family presence policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These policies contributed to feelings of disempowerment and challenged clinicians' perceived ability to provide the best family-centred care possible. Frontline expertise should be incorporated into the design and implementation of policies to best support family-centred care in any context and minimize risks of moral distress for PICU clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J Ryan
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Laurie Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sara Drisdelle
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Daniel Garros
- Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Curran
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Corey Slumkoski
- Patient Partner, Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, Canada
| | - Martha Walls
- Patient Partner, Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, Canada
| | - Laura Betts
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacy Burgess
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jennifer R Foster
- Department of Critical Care, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, IWK Health, 5850/5980 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.
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Lehmkuhl L, Munck MS, Rothmann MJ, Sorknaes AD. Exploring critically ill patients' and their relatives' experiences of intensive care unit during COVID-19: A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2024; 29:427-437. [PMID: 38183390 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Admission to an intensive care unit has physiological and psychological consequences for patients and families, including the family's fear that the patient might die. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined this and furthermore involved visiting restrictions separating patients and families. AIM To explore how patients with confirmed COVID-19 and their relatives experienced an intensive care unit stay and its significance for family dynamics. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study was performed during the spring of 2020. Five dyadic interviews were conducted with COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit and their relatives. The analysis was inspired by Hochman's dyadic analysis. FINDINGS The analysis revealed three themes: (1) From ill to critically ill: The trauma of separation and fear of losing loved ones; (2) The relatives' significant role in creating a shared coherent understanding of the admission in ICU due to COVID-19; (3) The nurses' roles as a go-between in maintenance of the family dynamic. CONCLUSION Separation challenged family function and destabilized family dynamics. Nurses provided emotional support, information about and contact with the patient and relatives. The patients' distorted perception of reality and lack of memory were reconstructed in new family narratives, which offered relief and stabilization of family dynamics. The nurses entered into a triad with the patient and relatives, which also contributed to maintaining a relational dynamic in the family. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Maintaining communication between health professionals, relatives and patients, and usage of virtual visits during intensive care unit stay can support the family relationship. Nurse therapeutic conversations might help families' in redefining their family dynamics after ICU admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Lehmkuhl
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maja Stensdal Munck
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Mette Juel Rothmann
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne Dichmann Sorknaes
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Internal Medicine & Emergency Department M/FAM, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
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8
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Skoglund K, Åhlman E, Mallin S, Holmgren J. Intensive care nurses' experiences of caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic based on an analysis of blog posts. Nurs Crit Care 2024; 29:40-48. [PMID: 37248953 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out worldwide, leading to a pandemic. Studies have shown that COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) require more nursing care than other patients. ICU nurses who care for patients with COVID-19 have shown signs of psychological and physical strain. AIM The aim of this study was to illuminate ICU nurses' experiences of caring for patients with COVID-19 in ICUs during the first wave of the pandemic. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative, descriptive and inductive approach was used. A total of 70 blog posts from 13 bloggers in the United States, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden were analysed using qualitative inductive manifest content analysis. RESULTS The results reveal an overall theme: 'An overturned existence under extreme conditions'. Furthermore, three categories-'the virus caused changes in work and private lives', 'unreasonable demands', and to hold on to caring ideals thanks to the support of others'-and seven subcategories were identified. CONCLUSIONS Caring for patients with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic was demanding because of a lack of knowledge about the disease and the severity of the illness. This led to ICU nurses experiencing extreme conditions that affected various aspects of their lives. Support from colleagues and teamwork were revealed to be particularly important for how nurses dealt with the demands of working during a pandemic, as was sufficient recovery time between work shifts. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Work in ICUs was challenging and demanding, even before the pandemic. This study contributes to an understanding of the complex work environment that existed in hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge obtained from this study can be used to revise working conditions and identify health interventions for ICU nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Skoglund
- School of health, care and social welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Ebba Åhlman
- The intensive care unit, Västmanland hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Sofia Mallin
- The intensive care unit, Mälar hospital, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Jessica Holmgren
- School of health, care and social welfare, Mälardalens University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
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9
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Collier A, Balmer D, Gilder E, Parke R. Patient safety and hospital visiting at the end of life during COVID-19 restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand: a qualitative study. BMJ Qual Saf 2023; 32:704-711. [PMID: 36788035 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visiting restrictions were enacted in Aotearoa New Zealand to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the healthcare system. This research aimed to investigate the experiences of families and clinicians of hospital visiting for people with palliative and end-of-life care needs during restrictions. METHODS Semistructured interviews were completed between March and October 2021 with family members and clinicians who had personally experienced enactment of visiting restrictions during pandemic restrictions. A critical realist ontology was used to approach data analysis, sorting and coding to generate themes. RESULTS Twenty-seven participants were interviewed, 13 being families who had experienced bereavement of a family member during the restrictions: seven nurses or physicians and seven being non-bereaved family members. Four themes were generated: patient safety-(re)defining the 'Visitor'; the primacy of SARS-CoV-2-patient safety and negotiating risk; dying alone: enduring harms; and agency, strategies and workarounds. CONCLUSION Visitor rights and visitor policy at the end of life require greater protection during a pandemic. Transparent, coherent, publicly available evidence-based guidelines that key stakeholders, including patients, families and ethicists, are included in producing, are urgently required. We want to avert a legacy of disenfranchised grief in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Collier
- Research Centre for Palliative Care Death and Dying (RePaDD), Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah Balmer
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eileen Gilder
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Intensive Care Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rachael Parke
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Intensive Care Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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Conte H, Dorell Å, Wedin E, Eckerblad J. In their absence; intensive care nurses' experiences of communicating and supporting relatives from a distance. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:421. [PMID: 37950204 PMCID: PMC10636861 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a critically ill family member in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a challenging situation and ICU nurses play an important part in supporting relatives to make sense of the situation. Strict visiting policies inhibited the family's presence in ICUs during 2020-22, and the communication between nurses and families changed drastically. Information and support are at the core of the ICU nurses' profession, and the pandemic backdrop created a split between what intensive care nurses have a professional responsibility to perform and which actions were possible. To get a fuller picture, the aim of this study was: To describe intensive care nurses' experiences of communicating and supporting relatives from a distance while working during visiting restrictions. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design using individual and semi-structured interviews with 16 ICU nurses. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. This study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). RESULTS Due to the visiting restriction during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICU nurses found themselves in a situation where proximity and time to develop an interpersonal connection with relatives disappeared overnight. The nurses' experiences of communicating with and supporting families is described in three themes: "Finding ways to create order out of chaos"; "Guiding the relatives to a fuller picture of the situation"; and "Feeling insufficient in their support". CONCLUSION Visiting restrictions in the ICU meant that ICU nurses missed vital information about their patients as a person, which might have had a negative effect on personalizing and centring the patient care. But using a combination of digital and audio tools helped nurses to guide the relatives to a clearer picture of the situation as a whole. The support that nurses were able to provide to relatives was often insufficient due to the visiting restriction and as a consequence, they experienced physical and psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Conte
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Åsa Dorell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Emilia Wedin
- Intesive Care Unit, Örnsköldsvik Hospital, Örnsköldsvik, 89189, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Eckerblad
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, SE-141 83, Sweden.
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11
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Holm A, Dreyer P. Nurses' experiences of the phenomenon 'isolation communication'. Nurs Crit Care 2023; 28:885-892. [PMID: 36156341 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication with patients and relatives can be a challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting because of the acute and critical situation. However, when caring for patients with infectious diseases like COVID-19, nurses' communication is challenged further due to the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and mandatory isolation regimes. AIM To explore nurses' experiences of communicating while wearing PPE during COVID-19 isolation precautions in the ICU. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study within the phenomenological-hermeneutic tradition. Data were collected via 12 interviews with nurses working in a Danish ICU from September to November 2020. Data were analysed using a Ricoeur-inspired text interpretation method. FINDINGS Three themes emerged during the analysis: (1) communication was limited and distanced and nurses had to compromise; (2) the nurses' senses were reduced, and verbal and nonverbal communication practises changed; and (3) patients' and relatives' communicative vulnerability were exposed in an extraordinary situation. CONCLUSION The analysis revealed a phenomenon that can be described as 'isolation communication'. The isolation precautions and use of PPE had a profound impact on the nurses' caring and communicative practices, which were limited in this situation. The nurses found themselves physically, emotionally and socially distanced from the patients, relatives and their colleagues. However, to prevent the spread of the virus, isolation communication is something that the nurses have to endure. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE As our findings show that the nurses' communicative practises had to change during isolation communication, it is important for clinical practise and education to focus on implementing communication methods that optimise message transmission between ICU clinicians, patients and relatives in conditions requiring PPE and isolation. We should also focus on how to optimise interdisciplinary health communication in this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Holm
- Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pia Dreyer
- Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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12
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Knight SL, Robinson R, Stinson C. No Visitors: Family Perceptions of Separation From Hospitalized Loved Ones. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2023; 42:319-324. [PMID: 37756504 DOI: 10.1097/dcc.0000000000000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION Restrictions on visitors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had major implications for both patients and families, impacting health care outcomes. Policies included mandatory closures, masking, and visiting restrictions both in acute and long-term care. Despite visiting restrictions in health care systems, little is known about its effects. OBJECTIVES/AIMS The objective of this study was to elicit perceptions of individuals who were separated from their loved ones during acute care hospitalization during the COVID pandemic. METHODS Individuals who experienced separation from hospitalized family members because of the "no-visitor policies" during the COVID-19 pandemic were asked to participate in a study to elicit their perceptions. After institutional review board approval, interviews were completed for those who had loved ones admitted to acute care facilities only. Audiotaped and transcribed interviews were conducted in person, via telephone, or virtually using a primary investigator-developed interview guide. Using the Colaizzi method of analysis, themes were derived. RESULTS Of the 11 completed interviews, 100% of participants were female, and all were residents of Texas. Themes derived from this pilot project were advocacy, communication, emotional upheaval, human factors, isolation, and abandonment. CONCLUSIONS Findings from patient interviews support previous published studies. Ideas for improved patient and family experience discussed by the authors include personal protective equipment for significant others, consideration of visitation policies for those patients without decision-making capabilities, and increased accessibility to communication aids for both patients and families.
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Renckens SC, Pasman HR, Klop HT, du Perron C, van Zuylen L, Steegers MAH, Ten Tusscher BL, Abbink FCH, de Ruijter W, Vloet LCM, Koster SCE, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. Support for relatives in the intensive care unit: lessons from a cross-sectional multicentre cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:763. [PMID: 37464434 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09756-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Support for relatives is highly important in the intensive care unit (ICU). During the first COVID-19 wave support for relatives had to be changed considerably. The alternative support could have decreased the quality and sense of support. We aimed to evaluate how support for relatives in Dutch ICUs was organised during the first COVID-19 wave and how this was experienced by these relatives in comparison to relatives from pre-COVID-19 and the second wave. Additionally, we aimed to investigate which elements of support are associated with positive experiences. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional multicentre cohort study in six Dutch ICUs in the Netherlands. Written questionnaires were distributed among relatives of ICU patients from pre-COVID-19, the first wave and the second wave. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, the organisation of support, and the experiences and satisfaction of relatives with the support. RESULTS A total of 329 relatives completed the questionnaire (52% partner, 72% woman and 63% ICU stay of 11 days or longer). Support for relatives of ICU patients during the first COVID-19 wave differed significantly from pre-COVID-19 and the second wave. Differences were found in all categories of elements of support: who, when, how and what. Overall, relatives from the three time periods were very positive about the support. The only difference in satisfaction between the three time periods, was the higher proportion of relatives indicating that healthcare professionals had enough time for them during the first wave. Elements of support which were associated with many positive experiences and satisfaction were: fixed timeslot, receiving information (e.g. leaflets) on ≥ 2 topics, discussing > 5 topics with healthcare professionals, and being offered emotional support. CONCLUSIONS Although, support for relatives in the ICU changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives were still positive about this support. The altered support gave insight into avenues for improvement for future comparable situations as well as for normal daily ICU practice: e.g. daily contact at a fixed timeslot, offering video calling between patients and relatives, and offering emotional support. ICUs should consider which elements need improvement in their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Renckens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna T Klop
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Viaa University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique A H Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor C H Abbink
- Department of Paediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter de Ruijter
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- Foundation Family and Patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie C E Koster
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Zaans Medisch Centrum, Zaandam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lyu Y, Yu H, Gao F, He X, Crilly J. The lived experiences of health care professionals regarding visiting restrictions in the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-perspective qualitative study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:3243-3252. [PMID: 36577708 PMCID: PMC9880717 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To explore the lived experiences of emergency department (ED) healthcare professionals regarding visiting restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A qualitative phenomenology study. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken. Participants consisted of 10 physicians, 20 clinical nurses, and three managers, who were purposefully selected from two EDs in China between April and July 2021. Colaizzi's approach guided data analysis. RESULTS Four themes arose: (i) burden moral injury, (ii) higher workload to provide and support patient- and family-centered care, (iii) dissatisfied and unsafe healthcare service for patients and families, and (iv) tailoring strategies to provide family-centered care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study explored the lived experiences of ED health care professionals regarding visiting restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noted challenges included communicating with families and ethical decision making. Strategies that support ED clinician welfare, and communication with families are warranted if visiting policy restrictions are continued or re-introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Emergency MedicineBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Fengli Gao
- Department of NursingBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xinhua He
- Department of Emergency MedicineBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Julia Crilly
- Department of Emergency MedicineGold Coast HealthGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
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15
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Rodriquez J. Reconfiguring the social organization of work in the intensive care unit: Changed relationships and new roles during COVID-19. Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115600. [PMID: 36538836 PMCID: PMC9721201 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused hospitals to make changes to workflow that exacerbated emotional exhaustion and burnout among health care workers. This article examines one of those changes, restricted visitation, showing how it changed the social organization of work by upending established interactional patterns and relationships between health care workers, patients, and patients' families. Based on 40 interviews with intensive care unit (ICU) workers in units that were full of COVID-19 patients and had fully restricted visitation, study findings show that staff took on emotional support roles with patients that had typically been done by families at the bedside. They also faced increased anger, distrust, and misunderstandings from families who were not allowed to see their dying loved one. With each other, staff bonded together with dark humor and candid talk about the scale of deaths, constructing a shared understanding and solidarity amidst the tragedy of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Rodriquez
- Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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16
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Tabah A, Elhadi M, Ballard E, Cortegiani A, Cecconi M, Unoki T, Galarza L, Rosa RG, Barbier F, Azoulay E, Laupland KB, Kai NSY, Ostermann M, Francois G, De Waele JJ, Fiest K, Spronk P, Benbenishty J, Pellegrini M, Rose L. Variation in communication and family visiting policies in intensive care within and between countries during the Covid-19 pandemic: The COVISIT international survey. J Crit Care 2022; 71:154050. [PMID: 35525226 PMCID: PMC9067300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2022.154050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICU) introduced restrictions to in-person family visiting to safeguard patients, healthcare personnel, and visitors. METHODS We conducted a web-based survey (March-July 2021) investigating ICU visiting practices before the pandemic, at peak COVID-19 ICU admissions, and at the time of survey response. We sought data on visiting policies and communication modes including use of virtual visiting (videoconferencing). RESULTS We obtained 667 valid responses representing ICUs in all continents. Before the pandemic, 20% (106/525) had unrestricted visiting hours; 6% (30/525) did not allow in-person visiting. At peak, 84% (558/667) did not allow in-person visiting for patients with COVID-19; 66% for patients without COVID-19. This proportion had decreased to 55% (369/667) at time of survey reporting. A government mandate to restrict hospital visiting was reported by 53% (354/646). Most ICUs (55%, 353/615) used regular telephone updates; 50% (306/667) used telephone for formal meetings and discussions regarding prognosis or end-of-life. Virtual visiting was available in 63% (418/667) at time of survey. CONCLUSIONS Highly restrictive visiting policies were introduced at the initial pandemic peaks, were subsequently liberalized, but without returning to pre-pandemic practices. Telephone became the primary communication mode in most ICUs, supplemented with virtual visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Tabah
- Intensive Care Unit, Redcliffe Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health services, Queensland, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | - Emma Ballard
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Cortegiani
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Italy; Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cecconi
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy; Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Takeshi Unoki
- Department of Acute and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, Sapporo City University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Laurą Galarza
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital General Universitario de Castellon, Castellon de la Plana, Spain
| | - Regis Goulart Rosa
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Francois Barbier
- Médecine Intensive - Réanimation Hôpital de la Source - CHR Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Elie Azoulay
- Médecine Intensive et Réanimation, Groupe FAMIREA, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kevin B Laupland
- Department of Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Marlies Ostermann
- Department of Critical Care & Nephrology, King's College London, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Francois
- Division of Scientific Affairs, Research, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan J De Waele
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Division of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Fiest
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Community Health Sciences, Psychiatry, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Peter Spronk
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine, Gelre Hospitals, Albert Schweitzerlaan, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mariangela Pellegrini
- Intensive Care Unit, AnOpIVA, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden; Hedenstierna Laboratory, Department of Surgical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Louise Rose
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK; Critical Care and Lane Fox Clinical Respiratory Physiology Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Smith LD, Alne T, Briere H, Hernandez A, Freeman R, Gabel K, Berube J, Carreon CJ, Grimshaw KS, Indar-Maraj M, Ledford L, Rosier P, Tyner T, Walker J, Hope AA. What the American Journal of Critical Care Junior Peer Reviewers Were Reading During Year 2 of the Program. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:425-430. [PMID: 36045036 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The American Journal of Critical Care's Junior Peer Reviewer program aims to mentor novice reviewers in the peer review process. To grow their critical appraisal skills, the participants take part in discussion sessions in which they review articles published in other journals. Here we summarize the articles reviewed during the second year of the program, which again focused on the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. This article aims to share these reviews and the reviewers' thoughts regarding the relevance, design, and applicability of the findings from the selected studies. High rates of delirium associated with COVID-19 may be impacted by optimizing sedation strategies and allowing safe family visitation. Current methodology in crisis standards of care may result in inequity and further research is needed. The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal to facilitate super low tidal volume ventilation does not improve 90-day mortality outcomes. Continued research to better understand the natural history of COVID-19 and interventions useful for improving outcomes is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Douglas Smith
- L. Douglas Smith Jr is a critical care nurse practitioner with ICC Healthcare at HCA TriStar Centennial Medical Center and an instructor of nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Thomas Alne
- Thomas Alne is a nurse practitioner with the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Heather Briere
- Heather Briere is a nurse practitioner and nurse educator at the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at the UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Angelica Hernandez
- Angelica Hernandez is an assistant professor at Advent Health University, Orlando, Florida
| | - Regi Freeman
- Regi Freeman is a cardiovascular intensive care unit clinical nurse specialist at University of Michigan Health and a clinical adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor
| | - Katie Gabel
- Katie Gabel is a virtual lecturer at the Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing, Hays, Kansas, and a nurse educator at Ascension St John Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Jennifer Berube
- Jennifer Berube is an assistant professor at the College of Health Professions, Trine University, Fort Wayne, Indiana
| | - Christian Justin Carreon
- Christian Justin Carreon is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit/critical care unit and cardiovascular intensive care unit, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, California
| | - Kelly S Grimshaw
- Kelly S. Grimshaw is a value analysis nurse at Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mintie Indar-Maraj
- Mintie Indar-Maraj is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit/critical care unit and telemetry unit, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York
| | - Lori Ledford
- Lori Ledford is a flight nurse with Air EMS and adjunct nursing faculty at Estrella Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Patricia Rosier
- Patricia Rosier is a surgical clinical nurse specialist at Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
| | - Tracy Tyner
- Tracy Tyner is a surgical/trauma critical care nurse practitioner, Parkland Health, Dallas, Texas
| | - Janeane Walker
- Janeane Walker is director of educational outcomes, Graduate Medical Education, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville
| | - Aluko A Hope
- Aluko A. Hope is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
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