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Development of a Health Problem Prevention and Control Strategies Scale for Medical Rescuers Fighting Epidemics. Eval Health Prof 2024:1632787241246130. [PMID: 38598289 DOI: 10.1177/01632787241246130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a new scale to measure health problem prevention and control strategies employed by medical rescuers fighting epidemics. In Study I, a qualitative study, focus group discussion, and expert panel review were conducted to generate items that capture components of prevention and control strategies. In Study II, exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the scale's structure. In Study III, the scale's validity and reliability were assessed via confirmatory factor analysis, average variance extracted, composite reliability, and Cronbach's α. Data analysis was performed using Nvivo 12.0, SPSS 25.0, and Amos 23.0. The final scale was divided into three subscales (comprising 5 factors and 18 items on the Before Medical Rescue subscale, 6 factors and 28 items on the During Medical Rescue subscale, and 4 factors and 14 items on the After Medical Rescue subscale). The scale has excellent validity and reliability and can be used to measure the health problem prevention and control strategies of medical rescuers fighting epidemics.
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Varying (preferred) levels of involvement in treatment decision-making in the intensive care unit before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study among relatives. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:46. [PMID: 38347583 PMCID: PMC10863197 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02429-y] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU) relatives play a crucial role as surrogate decision-makers, since most patients cannot communicate due to their illness and treatment. Their level of involvement in decision-making can affect their psychological well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives' involvement probably changed. We aim to investigate relatives' involvement in decision-making in the ICU before and during the pandemic and their experiences and preferences in this regard. METHODS A mixed-methods study among relatives of ICU patients admitted to an ICU before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatives in six ICUs completed a questionnaire (n = 329), including two items on decision-making. These were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, relatives (n = 24) were interviewed about their experiences and preferences regarding decision-making. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the qualitative data. RESULTS Nearly 55% of the relatives indicated they were at least occasionally asked to be involved in important treatment decisions and of these relatives 97.1% reported to have had enough time to discuss questions and concerns when important decisions were to be made. During the first COVID-19 wave relatives were significantly less likely to be involved in decision-making compared to relatives from pre-COVID-19. The interviews showed that involvement varied from being informed about an already made decision to deliberation about the best treatment option. Preferences for involvement also varied, with some relatives preferring no involvement due to a perceived lack of expertise and others preferring an active role as the patient's advocate. Discussing a patient's quality of life was appreciated by relatives, and according to relatives healthcare professionals also found this valuable. In some cases the preferred and actual involvement was in discordance, preferring either a larger or a smaller role. CONCLUSIONS As treatment alignment with a patient's values and preferences and accordance between preferred and actual involvement in decision-making is very important, we suggest that the treatment decision-making process should start with discussions about a patient's quality of life, followed by tailoring the process to relatives' preferences as much as possible. Healthcare professionals should be aware of relatives' heterogeneous and possibly changing preferences regarding the decision-making process.
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Experiences with remote communication in adult intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2023; 21:2455-2464. [PMID: 37711062 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-23-00002] [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: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to explore the lived experiences of critically ill adults, their families, or health care professionals with remote communication in intensive care units (ICUs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTRODUCTION Family visiting restrictions in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic imposed significant challenges to communication between critically ill adults, their families, and the health care team. Evidence shows that several communication strategies were developed and implemented in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote family engagement; however, the experiences of critically ill adults, their families, and health care professionals with these strategies are scattered across primary qualitative studies. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will consider qualitative studies that include critically ill adults, their families, or health care professionals, focusing on their experiences with remote communication strategies in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished qualitative studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Studies published after January 2020 will be included. Study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Data will be presented in narrative format and synthesized using the JBI meta-aggregation process. A ConQual Summary of Findings will be presented. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022383603.
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Restrictive Visitation Policies and Related Post-Traumatic Stress Among Families of Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19. Chest 2023; 164:1462-1465. [PMID: 37356707 PMCID: PMC10290160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
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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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Compassionate Nursing Care for COVID-19 Patients in the ICU in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A Lived Experience Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e46954. [PMID: 38022149 PMCID: PMC10640716 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid spread and the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 led to an increasing number of critical cases that need to be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Compassion is a principle of nursing practice and indicates the meaning of providing high-quality care in all units, especially in the ICU. It means that nurses know what is important to patients and when they should be there for them when it is needed. There is a paucity of literature from Saudi Arabia that explores how critical care nurses perceive compassionate care during COVID-19. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of critical care nurses providing compassionate care to COVID-19 patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive phenomenological approach was utilized in this study. Data were collected from 13 ICU nurses through interviews. Collected data were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's data analysis method. RESULTS Eleven out of the 13 ICU nurses hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and have more than five years of experience. Despite all the challenges surrounding the care for critically ill COVID-19 patients, nurses provide compassion in different ways to show personal interest to the patients. Data analysis revealed five themes: (1) contemporary meaning and competencies for compassionate nursing care, including communication and the inability to freely use touch; (2) physical symptoms, including discomfort, body aches and headaches, and sleep disturbances; (3) emotional turmoil, where three sub-themes emerged, including fear and anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation and loneliness; (4) role changing, including frequent guidelines change, additional roles and responsibilities, and altruism; (5) professionalism, including cultural facets of care, teamwork, and support. DISCUSSION The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major changes in nurses' working environment and so their experience. The results of this study indicated that nurses working in the ICU experienced remarkable and massive physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nurses extended the relationships to the patients' families as they are at high risk of stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, they were able to support them in dealing with the fear associated with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Also, results revealed that remote therapeutic relationships and psychotherapy can be credible and trustworthy alternatives to in-person care. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that ICU nurses provide compassionate care despite experiencing unprecedented and immense physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. RECOMMENDATIONS Further study is recommended using other research methodologies. It is also recommended to conduct the same study in different cities for better generalization.
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Association Between Family Support and Coping Strategies of People With Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:2747-2754. [PMID: 37489156 PMCID: PMC10363382 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s410068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study aimed to determine the association between family support and coping strategies of people diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods The study was analytical and cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 500 participants who were selected by non-probabilistic and snowball sampling and included residents of both sexes who belonged to the city of Lima, with a diagnosis of COVID-19, who lived with relatives, and who accepted to participate in the research. For data collection, the scales "family support" and "Coping and Adaptation Process-Coping Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS)" were used. The technique used was the survey through the home visit and the questionnaire instrument. To measure the relationship of the study variables, binary logistic regression was chosen, considering coping strategies as the dependent variable and socio-demographic data and family support as independent variables. Results Of the 500 participants, 50.4% were women, and 49.6% were men. The results revealed that most participants presented a high capacity for coping strategies and high perceived family support (97.2% and 81%, respectively). In the bivariate analysis, socio-demographic aspects and family support and their dimensions were related to high or low capacity for coping strategies. Significant differences were verified between marital status (p=0.026), having children (p=0.037), family support (p=0.000), and its dimensions with coping strategies. Finally, the multivariate analysis found that people with COVID-19 who perceived high family support were 33.74 times (95% CI: 7266-156,739) more likely to have a high capacity for coping strategies. Conclusion Therefore, it is necessary to promote the development of parental and family support skills in the face of the health emergency caused by COVID-19.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Indoor CO 2 monitoring in a surgical intensive care unit under visitation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1052452. [PMID: 37521349 PMCID: PMC10375033 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1052452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Indoor CO2 concentration is an important metric of indoor air quality (IAQ). The dynamic temporal pattern of CO2 levels in intensive care units (ICUs), where healthcare providers experience high cognitive load and occupant numbers are frequently changing, has not been comprehensively characterized. Objective We attempted to describe the dynamic change in CO2 levels in the ICU using an Internet of Things-based (IoT-based) monitoring system. Specifically, given that the COVID-19 pandemic makes hospital visitation restrictions necessary worldwide, this study aimed to appraise the impact of visitation restrictions on CO2 levels in the ICU. Methods Since February 2020, an IoT-based intelligent indoor environment monitoring system has been implemented in a 24-bed university hospital ICU, which is symmetrically divided into areas A and B. One sensor was placed at the workstation of each area for continuous monitoring. The data of CO2 and other pollutants (e.g., PM2.5) measured under standard and restricted visitation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic were retrieved for analysis. Additionally, the CO2 levels were compared between workdays and non-working days and between areas A and B. Results The median CO2 level (interquartile range [IQR]) was 616 (524-682) ppm, and only 979 (0.34%) data points obtained in area A during standard visitation were ≥ 1,000 ppm. The CO2 concentrations were significantly lower during restricted visitation (median [IQR]: 576 [556-596] ppm) than during standard visitation (628 [602-663] ppm; p < 0.001). The PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower during restricted visitation (median [IQR]: 1 [0-1] μg/m3) than during standard visitation (2 [1-3] μg/m3; p < 0.001). The daily CO2 and PM2.5 levels were relatively low at night and elevated as the occupant number increased during clinical handover and visitation. The CO2 concentrations were significantly higher in area A (median [IQR]: 681 [653-712] ppm) than in area B (524 [504-547] ppm; p < 0.001). The CO2 concentrations were significantly lower on non-working days (median [IQR]: 606 [587-671] ppm) than on workdays (583 [573-600] ppm; p < 0.001). Conclusion Our study suggests that visitation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect CO2 levels in the ICU. Implantation of the IoT-based IAQ sensing network system may facilitate the monitoring of indoor CO2 levels.
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Our Fears Have Been Confirmed about Intensive Care Unit Families in 2020. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:645-647. [PMID: 37126000 PMCID: PMC10174125 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202302-175ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
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Family member perspectives on intensive care unit in-person visiting restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2023; 75:103347. [PMID: 36470700 PMCID: PMC9637525 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family member presence in the intensive care unit is important for patient well-being and recovery. Limitations to visits increase the risk of psychological distress in family members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visiting restrictions were introduced to prevent the spread of infection. PURPOSE To explore the experience of in-person visiting restrictions imposed during the pandemic on family members of patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit. METHOD Qualitative method with thematic analysis. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. FINDINGS We interviewed 21 family members. The results are presented in one overall theme with two main themes and five sub-themes. The theme 'Striving for closeness even at a distance describes the experience of being kept at a physical distance when participants needed closeness the most. Even participants who were allowed in-person visits perceived a 'distance' due to personal protective equipment or because they could only view the patient from a window. Participants reported that contact with and information about the patient was of utmost importance. Visits were viewed as essential in providing for the patient's wellbeing. Meaningful contact with the ICU team was vital for getting useful information. Phone calls became a lifeline, with digital aids such as video calls used occasionally to overcome the feeling of distance. CONCLUSION Visiting restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic made straightforward and comprehensible communication of information from the ICU team more essential to reduce family members' perceptions of distance and exclusion from the intensive care unit.
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Restricted family presence for hospitalized surgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: How hospital care providers and families navigated ethical tensions and experiences of institutional betrayal. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100147. [PMID: 35937964 PMCID: PMC9344808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic restricted family presence in hospitals was a widespread public health intervention to preserve critical resources and mitigate the virus's spread. In this study, we explore the experiences of surgical care providers and family members of hospitalized surgical patients during the period of highly restricted visiting (March 2020 to April 2021) in a large Canadian academic hospital. Thirty-four interviews were completed with hospital providers, family members and members of the hospital's visitor task force. To understand hospital providers' experiences, we highlight the ethical tensions produced by the biomedical and public health ethics frameworks that converged during COVID-19 in hospital providers' bedside practice. Providers grappled with mixed feelings in support of and against restricted visiting, while simultaneously experiencing gaps in resources and care and acting as patient gatekeepers. To understand family members' experiences of communication and care, we use the theory of institutional betrayal to interpret the negative impacts of episodic and systemic communication failures during restricted visiting. Family members of the most vulnerable patients (and patients) experienced short- and long-term effects including anxiety, fear, and refusal of further care. Our analysis draws attention to the complex ways that hospital care providers and families of hospitalized surgical patients sought to establish and reconfigure how trust and patient-centeredness could be achieved under these unprecedented conditions. Practical learnings from this study suggest that if family presence in hospitals must be limited in the future, dedicated personnel for communication and emotional support for patients, families and staff must be prioritized.
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Family satisfaction with intensive care unit communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective multicentre Australian study Family Satisfaction - COVID ICU. Intern Med J 2022; 53:481-491. [PMID: 36346289 PMCID: PMC9877714 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual communication has become common practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because of visitation restrictions. AIMS The authors aimed to evaluate overall family satisfaction with the intensive care unit (FS-ICU) care involving virtual communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS In this prospective multicentre study involving three metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, the next of kin (NOK) of all eligible ICU patients between 1 July 2020 and 31 October 2020 were requested to complete an adapted version of the FS-ICU 24-questionnaire. Group comparisons were analysed and calculated for family satisfaction scores: ICU/care (satisfaction with care), FS-ICU/dm (satisfaction with information/decision-making) and FS-ICU/total (overall satisfaction with the ICU). The essential predictors that influence family satisfaction were identified using quantitative and qualitative analyses. RESULTS Seventy-three of the 227 patients' NOK who initially agreed completed the FS-ICU questionnaire (response rate 32.2%). The mean FS-ICU/total was 63.9 (standard deviation [SD], 30.8). The mean score for satisfaction with FS-ICU/dm was lower than the FS-ICU/care (62.1 [SD, 30.3) vs 65.4 (SD, 31.4); P < 0.001]. There was no difference in mean FS-ICU/total scores between survivors (n = 65; 89%) and non-survivors (n = 8, 11%). Higher patient Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, female NOK and the patient dying in the ICU were independent predictors for FS-ICU/total score, while a telephone call at least once a day by an ICU doctor was related to family satisfaction for FS-ICU/dm. CONCLUSIONS There was low overall family satisfaction with ICU care and virtual communication strategies adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts should be targeted for improving factors with virtual communication that cause low family satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The role of the ICU liaison nurse services on anxiety in family caregivers of patients after ICU discharge during COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:253. [PMID: 36088385 PMCID: PMC9464053 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-01034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing and changes in wards' structure, families no longer access the routine support they received during the hospitalization of their patients in the ICU. This study aimed to determine the effects of ICU liaison nurse services on the anxiety in patients’ family caregivers after ICU discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This randomized controlled trial was performed in western Iran from February 2020, to March 2021. Sixty subjects were selected from the family caregivers of the patients transferred from the ICU and were randomly assigned to the control (n = 30) and the intervention groups (n = 30). The control group received routine transfer care. In the intervention group, liaison nurse services were offered in 4 dimensions: patient support, family support, training, support of the ward’s staff, and the evaluation of the destination ward. The participants’ anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory immediately after the patient transfer and 6 h after admission to the general ward. Data analyzed with SPSS V16, descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and Generalized Linear Model with cumulative logit link function. Results were reported at a 0.05 significance level. Results A statistically significant difference was observed in baseline anxiety levels (P = 0.035) and age group (P < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups. After moderating baseline anxiety levels, the age group, and marital status, the impact of the intervention was significant (X2 = 10.273, df = 1, P < 0.001), meaning that the intervention could reduce the relative chances of developing higher levels of anxiety by 92.1% (OR: 0.08, 95%CI: 0.017–0.373, P < 0.001). Conclusions This study confirmed the positive impact of nursing services on reducing anxiety in family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended to use these services, especially during the COVID-19 condition, to facilitate the patient transfer, support the patient's family, and reduce the health care gap between the ICU and the ward. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-022-01034-6.
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The lived experience by patients and family members of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A qualitative study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 73:103307. [PMID: 35933249 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103307] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the lived experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by patients and their families, and their relationship with intensive care clinicians. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients who had received ECMO and with four of their family members. The data were analysed narratively using a constant comparative method. SETTING Patients were treated at a major acute care hospital in British Columbia between 2014 and 2021. ECMO was used either as a bridge to recovery or to organ transplant. Four had family members bedside throughout, while two had virtual visits due to COVID-19 infection control measures. FINDINGS ECMO was experienced through a triad of relationships between the patient, key family members and key clinicians. The strength, directionality and focus of these relationships shifted during therapy and realigned once ECMO was removed. The largest shift involved family members. Post-ECMO, patients relied almost entirely on spouses, adult children and clinical team members to reconstruct their experience. The connection between families and clinical team members was limited and changed little. CONCLUSIONS The lived experience of ECMO was complex in ways yet to be comprehensively reported in the literature. This technology had particular impact on family members when ECMO was used as a bridge to transplant and where run times extended to multiple weeks. COVID-19 infection control restrictions further complicated how this technology was experienced. Findings from this study highlight the importance of intensive care nurses recognising the critical role family members play as witnesses whose experiences later allow patients to make sense of their journey post-discharge.
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Frontline healthcare workers' experiences of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic at a COVID-19 centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: A phenomenological study. Curationis 2022; 45:e1-e11. [PMID: 35792610 PMCID: PMC9257684 DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v45i1.2292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a far-reaching, negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare workers play a critical role in the country’s healthcare delivery system, as they facilitate a continuum of care and containment of diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare workers who provided care to COVID-19 patients at a central hospital in Zimbabwe. Method The researchers used an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. In-depth interviews were conducted virtually with 10 frontline healthcare workers working at a COVID-19 centre in Zimbabwe. Data collection was guided by an interview guide. All audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim into written text. Data analysis was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. An expert in qualitative research acted as an independent co-coder and conducted the open coding of each transcript. Results Findings reveal inadequate preparation and training of healthcare providers before the commencement of duty, resources-related challenges and a lack of support as significant experiences of healthcare providers. Moreover, healthcare providers have been subjected to stigma and discrimination attached to COVID-19, resulting in psychological effects on frontline healthcare providers. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brings unique and challenging experiences for frontline healthcare workers, resulting in a physically and emotionally drained workforce. This study calls for comprehensive support in the form of counselling, reasonable work schedules, training and adequate provision of personal protective equipment.
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Family-centred care of patients admitted to the intensive care unit in times of COVID-19: A systematic review. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 70:103223. [PMID: 35221143 PMCID: PMC8847099 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe clinical practice interventions aimed at providing Family-Centred Care in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations in various databases: PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were consulted, as well as within the grey literature found on the web pages of official organizations related to Intensive Care Medicine and Nursing. SETTING Adult intensive care unit. RESULTS The search yielded 209 documents of which 24 were included in this review: eight qualitative studies, seven protocols and recommendations from official bodies, one mixed-method studies, five descriptive studies, one cross-sectional study, one pilot program and one literature review. A thematic analysis revealed four major themes: the use of communication systems, multidisciplinary interventions; the promotion of family engagement and family support. The results show different strategies that can be implemented in clinical practice to solve the difficulties encountered in Family-Centred Care in critical care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS There is a great variety in the nature of the interventions developed, with the use of telecommunication systems in daily practice being the most repeated aspect. Future research should aim to assess whether the interventions implemented increase the quality of patient and family care by meeting their needs.
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Evaluation of the Family Liaison Officer role during the COVID-19 pandemic. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE 2022. [DOI: 10.4081/qrmh.2022.10287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication within healthcare settings is often a subject of contention for patients’ families at the best of times; however, contention was greatly magnified in the United Kingdom by restrictions on hospital visitations during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. To support communication between families and patients, a central London hospital introduced the role of the family liaison officer (FLO). This study was designed to evaluate the rapid implementation of the FLO and to explore potential for it to become a standard role. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five FLOs and seven colleagues who had worked alongside them between April and June, 2020. Two versions of the role emerged based on FLOs’ previous background: clinical (primarily nurses) and pastoral (primarily play specialists). The FLO became a key role during the pandemic in facilitating communication between patients, clinical teams, and families. Challenges associated with the role reflect the speed in which it was implemented. It was evident to those in the role, and clinicians who the role was supporting, that it had potential to help improve hospital communication and the work of healthcare staff beyond the pandemic.
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Allowing family visits during COVID-19 pandemic: A family-centred moderate restrictive visitation programme in an intensive care unit. Nurs Open 2022; 9:1926-1929. [PMID: 35606922 PMCID: PMC9190682 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Surviving severe COVID-19: Interviews with patients, informal carers and health professionals. Nurs Crit Care 2022; 28:80-88. [PMID: 35561020 PMCID: PMC9348004 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with an unprecedented number of critical care survivors. Their experiences through illness and recovery are likely to be complex, but little is known about how best to support them. AIM This study aimed to explore experiences of illness and recovery from the perspective of survivors, their relatives and professionals involved in their care. STUDY DESIGN In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with three stakeholder groups during the first wave of the pandemic. A total of 23 participants (12 professionals, 6 survivors and 5 relatives) were recruited from 5 acute hospitals in England and interviewed by telephone or video call. Data analysis followed the principles of Reflexive Thematic Analysis. FINDINGS Three themes were generated from their interview data: (1) Deteriorating fast-a downhill journey from symptom onset to critical care; (2) Facing a new virus in a hospital-a remote place; and (3) Returning home as a survivor, maintaining normality and recovering slowly. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight challenges in accessing care and communication between patients, hospital staff and relatives. Following hospital discharge, patients adopted a reframed 'survivor identity' to cope with their experience of illness and slow recovery process. The concept of survivorship in this patient group may be beneficial to promote and explore further. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE All efforts should be made to continue to improve communication between patients, relatives and health professionals during critical care admissions, particularly while hospital visits are restricted. Adapting to life after critical illness may be more challenging while health services are restricted by the impacts of the pandemic. It may be beneficial to promote the concept of survivorship, following admission to critical care due to severe COVID-19.
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Mental health symptoms in family members of COVID-19 ICU survivors 3 and 12 months after ICU admission: a multicentre prospective cohort study. Intensive Care Med 2022; 48:322-331. [PMID: 35103824 PMCID: PMC8804080 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-021-06615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Long-term mental outcomes in family members of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are unknown. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of mental health symptoms, including associated risk factors, and quality of life (QoL) in family members of COVID-19 ICU survivors 3 and 12 months post-ICU. Methods A prospective multicentre cohort study in ICUs of ten Dutch hospitals, including adult family members of COVID-19 ICU survivors admitted between March 1, and July 1, 2020. Symptom prevalence rates of anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Impact of Event Scale-6), and QoL (Short Form-12) before ICU admission (baseline), and after 3 and 12 months were measured. Additionally, associations between family and patient characteristics and mental health symptoms were calculated. Results A total of 166 out of 197 (84.3%) included family members completed the 12-month follow-up of whom 46.1% and 38.3% had mental health symptoms 3 and 12 months post-ICU, respectively; both higher compared to baseline (22.4%) (p < 0.001). The mental component summary score of the SF-12 was lower at 12-month follow-up compared with baseline [mean difference mental component score: − 5.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) − 7.4 to − 3.6)]. Furthermore, 27.9% experienced work-related problems. Symptoms of anxiety (odds ratio (OR) 9.23; 95% CI 2.296–37.24; p = 0.002) and depression (OR 5.96; 95% CI 1.29–27.42; p = 0.02) prior to ICU admission were identified as risk factors for mental health symptoms after 12 months. Conclusion A considerable proportion of family members of COVID-19 survivors reported mental health symptoms 3 and 12 months after ICU admission, disrupting QoL and creating work-related problems. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-021-06615-8.
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