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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie

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Open Access 10-01-2023 | COVID-19 | Reports of Original Investigations

A qualitative descriptive study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff in a Canadian intensive care unit

Authors: Jeanna Parsons Leigh, PhD, Sara J. Mizen, MA, Stephana Julia Moss, PhD, Rebecca Brundin-Mather, MASc, Chloe de Grood, MSc, Alexandra Dodds, MPH, Kimia Honarmand, MD, Sumesh Shah, CCRP, Sangeeta Mehta, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Purpose

We sought to explore the lived experiences of a professionally diverse sample of healthcare workers (HCWs) in a single intensive care unit (ICU) serving a large and generalizable Canadian population. We aimed to understand how working during the COVID-19 pandemic affected their professional and personal lives, including their perceptions of institutional support, to inform interventions to ameliorate impacts of the COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Methods

In this qualitative descriptive study, 23 ICU HCWs, identified using convenience purposive sampling, took part in individual semistructured interviews between July and November 2020, shortly after the first wave of the pandemic in Ontario. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify major themes.

Results

We identified five major themes related to the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) communication and informational needs (e.g., challenges communicating policy changes); 2) adjusting to restricted visitation (e.g., spending less time interacting with patients); 3) staffing and workplace supports (e.g., importance of positive team dynamics); 4) permeability of professional and personal lives (e.g., balancing shift work and childcare); and 5) a dynamic COVID-19 landscape (e.g., coping with constant change). The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to HCWs in the ICU experiencing varied negative repercussions on their work environment, including staffing and institutional support, which carried into their personal lives.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers in the ICU perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic had negative repercussions on their work environment, including staffing and institutional support, as well as their professional and personal lives. Understanding both the negative and positive experiences of all ICU HCWs working during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to future pandemic preparedness. Their perspectives will help to inform the development of mental health and wellbeing interventions to support staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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Title: A qualitative descriptive study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff in a Canadian intensive care unit
Authors: Jeanna Parsons Leigh, PhD
Sara J. Mizen, MA
Stephana Julia Moss, PhD
Rebecca Brundin-Mather, MASc
Chloe de Grood, MSc
Alexandra Dodds, MPH
Kimia Honarmand, MD
Sumesh Shah, CCRP
Sangeeta Mehta, MD
Publication date: 10-01-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-022-02377-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

A qualitative descriptive study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff in a Canadian intensive care unit

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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