Sustaining Frontline ICU Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Healthcare workers (HCWs) on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the intensive care unit (ICU) are under immense pressure as they provide essential care with challenges few have previously encountered. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty have been reported by even the most experienced ICU HCWs as they care for escalating numbers of critically ill patients, each of whom pose a risk to the HCWs ’ own health. Inconsistent messaging from government health agencies on appropriate precautions, often framed around availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) instead of best practices, has shaken the foundation of what has been considered usual ICU care.
Source: Heart and Lung - Category: Intensive Care Authors: Source Type: research