"It Has Added Another Layer of Stress": COVID-19's Impact in the PICU. Hosp Pediatr 2021 Oct;11(10):e226-e234
Date
09/11/2021Pubmed ID
34503970DOI
10.1542/hpeds.2021-005902Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85135451799 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 8 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed health care delivery and impacted health care providers. However, little is known about the impact of the pandemic in PICUs. In this qualitative study, we aimed to assess pediatric critical care providers' perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of patients and families in the PICU and on their personal and professional lives.
METHODS: Nineteen pediatric critical care and complex care attending physicians and nurse practitioners from a PICU in a tertiary, freestanding children's hospital in the Midwest completed a semistructured, qualitative interview. Transcripts were analyzed by using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: For both PICU providers and patients and families, participants described a negative overall impact of the pandemic, especially relating to increased stress and fear of contracting the disease. Disease precautions such as visitor restrictions and restricting movement were reported to be particularly stressful for families because they limited coping strategies (eg, in-person social support). Providers described changes to the work environment, patient care, and their personal lives.
CONCLUSIONS: Results elucidate the perceived impacts of COVID-19 and associated hospital precautions on the lives of PICU providers, patients, and families. Providers, patients, and families likely require additional psychosocial support during the pandemic. When possible, policies regarding disease management should maximize safety while minimizing additional stress. Further research is needed to explore patient and family perspectives regarding the impact of COVID-19 and to evaluate the continued impact of COVID-19 over time.
Author List
Balistreri KA, Lim PS, Tager JB, Davies WH, Karst JS, Scanlon MC, Rothschild CB, Milwaukee Collaborative for Resilience and Emotional Wellness Science (Milwaukee CREWS)Authors
Jeffrey S. Karst PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinCharles Baron Rothschild MD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Matthew C. Scanlon MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalChild
Humans
Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
Pandemics
