Exploring the Impacts of the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Critical Care Physicians and the Delivery of Patient Care in Eight Countries: A Qualitative Interview-Based Study

Authors

  • Emily A. FitzGerald Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7789-1516
  • Stephana J. Moss Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada CRISMA Center, Department of Critical Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1157-884X
  • Chloe DeGrood Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Alexandra Dodds School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University
  • Francesca Rubulotta Chief of Program Critical Care Medicine McGill, MUHC, Montreal Canada. Consultant at the department of Intensive Care Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital Imperial College National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8644-1728
  • Sara J. Mizen Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5429-7645
  • Karla D. Krewulak Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0300-4122
  • Henry T. Stelfox Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1231-1490
  • Kirsten M. Fiest Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-6594
  • Jeanna Parsons Leigh Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Department of Critical Care Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8408-674X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v2i2.11319

Keywords:

critical care, COVID-19, pandemic, interviews, preparedness

Abstract

Purpose: To understand critical care physician experiences across multiple countries with the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future pandemic preparedness planning. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 16 critical care physicians (from eight countries) identified in convenience and purposive sampling took part in individual semi-structured interviews from April 7, 2020 to August 27, 2020 that captured the first wave of the pandemic. Open coding was conducted by two researchers who facilitated inductive thematic analysis. Results: Key themes identified following thematic analysis included the following: (a) sourcing and implementation of trusted information; (b) health systems–level preparedness with accessible supports; (c) institutional adaptations, including changes to patient care; (d) professional safety and occupational well-being; (e) triage and restricted visitation policies; and (f) managing personal familial responsibilities. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the ways in which critical care physicians cared for their patients and personally coped with challenges. Perspectives of critical care physicians are important for ongoing pandemic planning and should be included in future pandemic policy development.

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2022-11-22

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Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022)

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