ICU Clinician Perceptions of COVID-19 ICU Readiness: Results of a Thematic Analysis of National U.S. Survey Data

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians worldwide. Case number surges resulted in high or even above-capacity ICU patient census, limited bed availability, clinical staffing strains, and concerns about maintaining adequate medication, personal protective equipment (PPE), and equipment supplies to ensure optimal patient care. In the United States, a series of rapid cycle COVID-19 surveys were disseminated to ICU clinicians to assess ICU readiness and ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. This article reports on a qualitative thematic analysis of the descriptive data for general themes provided by over 800 ICU nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, pharmacists and respiratory therapists, reflecting upon their perceptions from the early to mid-pandemic timeline.