“It Has Added Another Layer of Stress”: COVID-19’s Impact in the PICU

Abstract

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.